Osteotomy and Paget's Disease

Topic Overview

Osteotomy ("bone cutting") is a procedure in which a surgeon removes a wedge of bone near a damaged joint. This shifts weight from an area where there is deformed or damaged bone to an area where there is more or healthier bone. In Paget's disease, bone tissue breakdown and rebuilding frequently occurs in the long bones, such as the leg bones. This often results in a bowlegged appearance.

Osteotomy may be effective for hip and knee joints. An osteotomy is often done to correct bowlegClick here to see an illustration. (varus) and knock-knee (valgus) deformities of the knees. Hip osteotomy involves removing bone from the upper thighbone (femurClick here to see an illustration.). Osteotomy may allow an active person to postpone a total joint replacement for a few years and usually is reserved for younger people.

After an osteotomy, you may need physical therapy. It may take up to one year for the joint to fully adjust to its corrected position.

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerCaroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerMatthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology
Last RevisedSeptember 29, 2009
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: September 29, 2009
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology

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