Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
-
Chat With Us
+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Osteotomy
Knee Osteotomy
A knee osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which a bone is cut to shorten, lengthen, or realign it. This procedure aims to increase knee stability and reduce the effects of arthritis, helping to improve knee function and reduce pain.
In patients with degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis of the knee joint, knee deformities are often observed. These deformities can present as either a bow-legged (varus) appearance or a knock-kneed (valgus) appearance, which can contribute to pain, instability, and uneven load distribution across the knee joint.
These knee deformities occur as the cartilage within the joint wears down due to arthritis. In some cases, the damage affects one side of the knee more than the other, causing uneven weight distribution that results in a visible deformity. If the inside of the knee is worn, this leads to a bow-legged (varus) appearance, whereas damage to the outside of the knee results in a knock-kneed (valgus) appearance.
The purpose of a knee osteotomy is to reposition the knee so that the weight is shifted away from the worn-out part of the joint onto the healthier side. This realignment allows the knee to move more freely, distribute weight evenly, and function more effectively, reducing pain and improving stability.
A knee osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon cuts and re-orients the bone to correct deformities and improve knee function. There are two main types of osteotomy: closing wedge and opening wedge. In a closing wedge osteotomy, a wedge-shaped piece of bone is removed to change the alignment of the knee. In an opening wedge osteotomy, the bone is gapped open on one side to realign it. The choice between a closing or opening wedge osteotomy depends on the type and location of the knee deformity. Once the bone is properly realigned, the surgeon fixes it in place using screws or metal plates to maintain stability during the healing process.
The ideal candidate for a knee osteotomy is a young, active individual with arthritis limited to one side of the knee joint. Candidates should experience significant pain and disability and be willing to follow a strict and extended physiotherapy rehabilitation programme. Knee osteotomy is primarily performed to delay the need for a full knee replacement, and its effects can last between 5 to 10 years.
Preoperative physiotherapy
The key aim of physiotherapy before a knee osteotomy is to maintain strength in the muscles surrounding your knee. Another important goal is to improve the range of movement in your knee joint, which will better prepare your knee for surgery and support your recovery afterward. It is also essential to strengthen the muscles in your hip and ankle to provide additional support for your knee.
Symptoms post osteotomy
After your knee osteotomy, you can expect pain and swelling in the knee, which will be managed with appropriate pain relief. You may also experience stiffness and reduced knee function. A knee brace will be provided, and you will be expected to use elbow crutches for up to 6 weeks. Driving is not advised during this period to ensure proper healing and safety.
Post operative physiotherapy
0-4 weeks
Physiotherapy rehabilitation with Ace Physio Sports immediately after your knee osteotomy will focus on protecting your knee, reducing pain and swelling, and gradually improving range of motion and function. You will be required to wear a protective knee brace during functional and weight-bearing activities, and also while sleeping for up to 4 weeks. You will not be able to weight bear for the first 3 weeks, progressing to partial weight bearing after 4 weeks. To help manage initial pain and swelling, treatment using RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) will be applied.
To improve the range of movement in your knee during this time, Ace Physio Sports will include the following exercises in your rehabilitation programme:
- Passive and active-assisted knee flexion and extension exercises
- Heel slides while lying down to gently bend and straighten the knee
- Quadriceps sets to activate and strengthen the thigh muscles
- Straight leg raises to maintain hip and knee strength
- Gentle ankle pumps to improve circulation and reduce swelling
- Patella mobilisations to prevent stiffness and improve tracking
4-8 weeks
After the fourth week of your rehabilitation with acephysiosports.com, the focus will shift towards gradually regaining full weight bearing and restoring complete range of movement in your knee. This stage also emphasizes the continuation and progression of strengthening and mobility exercises introduced in the initial weeks. Your physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com at this stage will include:
- Gradual progression to full weight bearing exercises
- Active knee flexion and extension to achieve full range of motion
- Step-ups and mini squats to strengthen the quadriceps and glutes
- Balance and proprioception exercises to improve stability
- Continued hip and core strengthening exercises
- Low-impact cardiovascular activities, such as stationary cycling or swimming, to improve endurance and support knee function
8-12 weeks
During the 8th to 12th week after your osteotomy, your physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com will continue to build on the exercises from previous weeks while introducing a progression of muscular strength and endurance exercises. The focus at this stage will be on exercises that are specific to your functional activities and daily demands. Physiotherapy will include:
- Advanced strengthening exercises for quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calf muscles
- Functional exercises such as step-ups, lunges, and mini squats
- Proprioception and balance training using wobble boards or balance pads
- Gait retraining to ensure proper walking and weight distribution
- Low-impact cardiovascular exercises to improve overall endurance
- Activity-specific drills tailored to your work, sport, or daily routine
4-6 months
By this stage, you should have regained a full, pain-free range of movement in your knee, along with sufficient strength, proprioception (balance), and muscle control. You should no longer be experiencing pain, inflammation, or swelling. Your physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com will now involve:
- Sport- or activity-specific exercises to safely return to hobbies, work, or athletic activities
- Advanced balance and coordination drills to enhance neuromuscular control
- Plyometric exercises, if appropriate, to improve power and agility
- Functional strength exercises that mimic daily or occupational movements
- Endurance and cardiovascular training tailored to your activity level
- Ongoing flexibility and mobility work to maintain knee health and prevent future injuries
Summary
Knee osteotomy is recommended for patients with knee degeneration, commonly due to arthritis. It is often performed in younger, active individuals under 60 to delay the need for a knee replacement. The procedure involves cutting and realigning a bone in your knee to offload the worn area, which helps ease degenerative symptoms and slows the progression of arthritis. A personal physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com before and after your knee osteotomy is essential to ensure full function is restored in your knee. This will help you safely return to work, hobbies, or everyday activities. Call acephysiosports.com now on +65 81535374 for more information or to book an appointment!
Get treated today!
We have immediate appointments available today. Contact us to make an appointment.
Find out more »
We are open...
Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
Find your nearest clinic
Acephysio Sports have clinics located throughout the Singapore.
Find out more »
