Osteotomy: What It Is, When It's Needed, and What to Expect

When your knee or hip doesn't line up right, pain doesn't just come from wear and tear—it comes from osteotomy, a surgical procedure that cuts and reshapes bone to improve joint alignment. Also known as bone realignment surgery, it's not a replacement for joint replacement, but a way to delay it—especially in younger, active people. This isn't about fixing broken bones. It's about fixing how your body moves.

Think of your knee like a door that's sticking because the frame is twisted. An osteotomy straightens the frame so the door swings smoothly again. Surgeons often do this for people with early-stage arthritis on one side of the knee, where the joint has worn unevenly. By shifting weight away from the damaged part, the healthy side gets a break. This can mean years of less pain and more movement without a full knee replacement.

It’s not just for knees. osteotomy is also used in the hip, ankle, and even the jaw. In the hip, it helps correct developmental issues. In the ankle, it fixes deformities from past injuries. And in the jaw, it improves bite alignment. But most often, it’s the knee that needs this fix. The procedure is common enough that it shows up in the top 10 orthopedic surgeries, though not as frequent as knee replacements.

Recovery takes time—usually 3 to 6 months before you’re back to normal activity. You’ll need crutches, physical therapy, and patience. But unlike joint replacement, you’re keeping your own bone and joint. That matters if you’re young, active, or want to avoid implants for as long as possible.

Some people think surgery means giving up. But osteotomy is the opposite—it’s about holding onto your active life. It’s for those who still want to walk, climb stairs, or play with their kids without pain. It’s not for everyone. If arthritis is advanced, or you’re older, joint replacement might be better. But if you’re in that sweet spot—early damage, good bone health, and strong motivation—osteotomy gives you a real shot at a pain-free future.

Below, you’ll find real stories and facts from people who’ve been through it. From how long recovery takes to who should avoid it, these posts cut through the noise and give you what actually matters.