Yes, high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is considered a major orthopedic surgery because it involves cutting and realigning the tibia. However, it is less invasive than total knee replacement and aims to preserve your natural joint. With modern techniques and experienced surgeons like Dr. Divya Ahuja, the risks are minimized, and recovery outcomes are excellent.

The most common complication is delayed bone healing or nonunion at the osteotomy site. Other possible issues include infection, stiffness, or irritation from plates and screws. Regular follow-ups and physiotherapy help reduce these risks.

Most patients need 3–6 months to return to daily activities. Full recovery, including sports or high-impact activities, may take 6–12 months. Recovery depends on age, bone health, and physiotherapy participation.

In India, especially Mumbai, HTO surgery costs around ₹2.5–4.5 lakhs depending on hospital, implants, and patient condition. It is significantly more affordable compared to Western countries, while maintaining high success rates.

The ideal age is typically 40–60 years, when patients have early arthritis and good bone health. Younger patients with bow legs or deformities can also benefit. The key factor is the condition of the knee rather than age alone.

Yes. Patients usually begin partial weight-bearing with crutches within a few weeks. Full weight-bearing is gradually introduced as the bone heals, often by 6–8 weeks.

HTO has a success rate of over 85–90% in relieving pain and improving function. Results typically last 8–15 years, after which some patients may require a knee replacement.

Patients are advised to sleep on their back with the operated leg elevated on pillows to reduce swelling. Side sleeping may be possible after a few weeks, but only with proper support.

It depends on the patient. HTO is better for younger, active patients with early arthritis as it preserves the natural knee joint. Knee replacement is more suitable for older patients with advanced arthritis affecting the whole knee.

Aftercare includes wound care, physiotherapy, pain management, and avoiding high-impact activities during healing. Elevation, ice therapy, and regular follow-ups are also important.

Good candidates are younger or middle-aged patients with pain on one side of the knee, bow leg deformity, or early arthritis. Active lifestyle and good bone quality are important factors.

Elevation is recommended for the first 2–3 weeks, especially after surgery, to reduce swelling and pain. Even after that, elevating the leg when resting helps with recovery.

Yes, knee bending exercises usually start soon after surgery under physiotherapy guidance. Full bending may take several weeks to months, depending on healing progress.

Pain is most significant in the first 1–2 weeks but improves steadily. Mild discomfort may last for a few months, especially during physiotherapy and walking.

Avoid putting full weight on the leg too soon, keep the wound clean, attend physiotherapy sessions, and take prescribed medications. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided as they slow bone healing.

Side effects may include swelling, temporary stiffness, pain, and in rare cases, infection or delayed healing. Most are manageable with proper care and monitoring.

A half-knee replacement is called a unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) or partial knee replacement. It replaces only the damaged portion of the knee, unlike HTO which preserves the natural joint.

The main purpose is to realign the knee joint, shift body weight away from the arthritic side, relieve pain, and preserve the natural joint. It allows patients to stay active longer before considering knee replacement.

• HTO: Realigns the tibia, preserves the knee joint, and delays arthritis progression.
• Knee Replacement: Replaces the entire joint surface with an artificial implant.

The main disadvantage is a longer recovery period compared to knee replacement. Also, some patients may still require a knee replacement later in life.

HTO is usually performed under spinal or general anesthesia, depending on patient health and preference. Regional anesthesia with sedation is also commonly used.

It may take 6–12 weeks of physiotherapy to fully straighten the knee after HTO. Early exercises and stretching are critical for regaining full motion.