knee Osteotomy Surgery in Dubai
Knee osteotomy is a joint-preserving surgical solution for active individuals with knee pain caused by arthritis, previous injuries, or alignment issues, especially those not yet ready for a total knee replacement. This advanced procedure offers lasting relief by realigning the joint and reducing pressure on the damaged area.
Dr. Mohamed Elfekky specializes in knee osteotomy surgery in Dubai, providing personalized, world-class care with a focus on minimally invasive techniques and faster recovery.
What Is Osteotomy of the Knee?
The term osteotomy meaning or “bone cutting,” is used to describe a procedure where the bone is surgically adjusted to improve alignment and joint function.
In knee osteotomy, a surgeon cuts and reshapes the bones of the knee, typically the tibia (shinbone) or femur (thighbone), to shift weight away from the damaged or arthritic area of the joint.
The goal is to relieve pressure, reduce pain, and improve mobility without replacing the entire joint.
This procedure is especially beneficial for:
- Younger, active individuals (usually under 60)
- People with early-stage unicompartmental osteoarthritis (one side of the knee)
- Patients with knock-knees or bow-legs due to joint misalignment
High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO): A Closer Look
The high tibial osteotomy is the most common type of knee osteotomy, particularly effective for patients with bow-legged alignment and medial (inner) knee arthritis.
In this procedure:
- A wedge of bone is either removed or added to the upper shinbone
- The leg is realigned to shift weight off the damaged cartilage
- The joint’s mechanics are restored, reducing pain and slowing arthritis progression
This joint-sparing approach can help patients return to activities like walking, hiking, and sports, without the limitations of a knee replacement.
Why Choose Knee Osteotomy Over Replacement?
While total knee replacement is a life-changing option for many, it isn’t always the best first step, especially for younger or more active individuals.
Benefits of knee osteotomy surgery include:
- Preserving the natural knee joint
- Delaying or avoiding total knee replacement
- Maintaining higher levels of physical activity
- Reducing recovery time compared to full replacement
- Allowing for future surgeries if needed
Knee osteotomy offers a middle path, one that combines pain relief with mobility preservation.
The Osteotomy Process: What to Expect
Every journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by the orthopedic surgeon. If you’re a good candidate for knee osteotomy surgery in Dubai, here’s what the typical treatment process looks like:
1 Personalized Evaluation
- Physical examination & imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
- Assessing arthritis location, knee alignment & activity level
2 Surgical Planning
- Deciding between the opening wedge and the closing wedge technique
- Use of robotic assistance or custom surgical guides
3 The Procedure
- Performed under spinal or general anesthesia
- Bone is reshaped and fixed using metal plates or screws
- May involve real-time imaging for precision
4 Recovery & Rehabilitation
- Hospital stay for around 1–2 days
- Crutches for around 6–8 weeks
- Gradual return to full weight-bearing & activities
- Physical therapy is essential for long-term success
Is Knee Osteotomy Right for You?
You might be a candidate for this procedure if:
- You have arthritis affecting only one side of your knee
- Your knee is bowed or knocked (misaligned)
- You’re younger than 60 and want to stay active
- When knee replacement surgery is kept as a last option
Patients who undergo this surgery often report a significant reduction in pain and improvement in mobility, without the need for a full joint replacement.
Meet a Global Expert in Joint Preservation: Dr. Mohamed Elfekky
If you’re exploring knee osteotomy surgery in Dubai, Dr. Mohamed Elfekky, a globally renowned orthopedic surgeon and Director at Tarabichi Joint Care Enhanced Recovery Institute, is the most renowned surgeon in Dubai.
With 25+ years of experience and 4 international patents in ligament-sparing knee techniques and 3D-printed joint solutions, Dr. Mohamed Elfekky has helped thousands reclaim mobility through innovative, minimally invasive procedures, including high tibial osteotomy.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Mohamed Elfekky
- Minimally Invasive, Robotic-Assisted Surgery → Lesser damage to tissue, faster healing, and reduced pain after surgery.
- Customized 3D-Printed Implants → Designed to match your unique anatomy for better fit and joint function.
- Faster, Smoother Recovery → Enhanced Recovery Program helps reduce pain and get you back to daily life sooner.
- Clear, Compassionate Communication → Every patient gets personalized attention, clear guidance, and honest care.
- Trusted Expertise in Knee Preservation → 25+ years of global experience and four international patents in joint-sparing surgery.
- Leading Orthopedic Surgeon in Dubai → Known for his innovation, precision, and commitment to better outcomes.
For a smoother and less painful recovery after knee surgery, Dr. Mohamed Elfekky incorporates a specialized pain management technique known as intraoperative open cryoablation. Using his own refined method, he targets specific pain nerves during surgery to reduce discomfort after the procedure.
This approach highlights his broader commitment to painless recovery in order to help patients experience less post-operative pain, achieve faster mobility and recovery.
Walk Your Path to Recovery with Confidence
If you’re not ready for a knee replacement but want relief from knee pain, don’t wait. A knee osteotomy might be the perfect bridge between conservative treatment and total joint replacement.
Book your consultation with a qualified specialist to explore your options and discover if osteotomy is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an osteotomy?
An osteotomy is a surgical procedure where a bone is cut and repositioned to correct alignment, relieve pressure on the joint, and improve function—commonly performed around the knee for arthritis or deformity.
2. Why is a knee osteotomy performed?
Knee osteotomy is typically done for younger, active patients with unilateral knee arthritis, bow-legged or knock-kneed deformities, or joint damage limited to one side of the knee. It delays or prevents the need for total knee replacement.
3. How do I prepare for a knee osteotomy?
Preparation includes physical examination, imaging (X-rays or MRI), lab tests, and discussions with your surgeon. You may need to stop certain medications, arrange home support, and start pre-op physical therapy.
4. What happens during the typical knee osteotomy procedure?
Under anesthesia, the surgeon makes a cut in the tibia or femur, realigns the bone, and stabilizes it with a metal plate or screws. The goal is to shift weight away from the damaged area of the knee joint.
5. What are the main types of knee osteotomies?
- High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO): Most common, realigns the shinbone.
- Distal Femoral Osteotomy (DFO): Performed on the thighbone for valgus (knock-knee) correction.
- Opening wedge and closing wedge techniques may also be used based on patient anatomy.
6. What are the risks of undergoing an osteotomy?
Risks include infection, blood clots, delayed bone healing, nerve or vessel injury, and incomplete pain relief. Choosing an experienced surgeon helps minimize these risks.
7. How long does a knee osteotomy operation take?
The surgery typically lasts between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the complexity and the surgical approach.
8. What is the cost of knee osteotomy surgery in Dubai?
Knee osteotomy surgery in Dubai usually range starts from AED 25,000 depending on hospital, surgeon, and type of osteotomy. A consultation with Dr. Mohamed Elfekky will provide a personalized estimate.
9. What is the recovery time and outcome of knee osteotomy?
Initial recovery takes 6 to 12 weeks, but full return to sports or intense activity may take up to 6 months. Many patients experience pain relief and improved mobility, delaying the need for joint replacement.
10. Are there before-and-after results I can expect from knee osteotomy?
Yes. Before surgery, many patients struggle with walking or knee pain. After osteotomy and rehab, most experience significant improvement in joint alignment, reduced pain, and restored knee function.
