osteotomy

Last reviewed 01/2018

Osteotomy may be performed for the following reasons:

• to correct deformity
• to change the shape of a bone
• to relieve the pain of arthritis

Careful radiographic evaluation of the patient is essential to determine:

• the site for osteotomy
• the amount of correction required
• the method of correction - whether it be a "closing wedge" which involves the excision of a wedge of bone or an "opening wedge" which involves the insertion of a wedge of bone
• the method of postoperative fixation be it splintage or internal fixation