Why replace the knee joint?
AXIS CORRECTION
What are axis deviations?
The normal loading axis of our legs is neutral: the imaginary line from the center of the femoral head, through the middle of the knee, to the center of the ankle is straight. An angle in this line is called a varus axis (so-called "O-legs") or a valgus axis ("X-legs").
​
Many children progressively develop a varus deviation from an early age (8-10). The underlying causes are not entirely clear. In addition to genetic predisposition, micro-injuries to the growth plates of the tibia, as a result of playing straining sports at a very young age (6-8), appear to play a role.
​
Treatment is highly recommended, as both types of axis deviation can overload the knee joint and cause increased cartilage wear - at the inside of the knee for bow legs, at the outside in the case of knock knees.
What is an axis correction?
An osteotomy or axis correction is a surgical procedure during which the load bearing axis of the leg is properly aligned by placing an open or closed wedge in the bone. During an open wedge osteotomy, a cut is made in the bone and pried open to achieve the desired correction. A closed wedge osteotomy does precisely the opposite: a triangular wedge is removed from the bone, which is then tilted in the free slot.
Open wedges are the most used technique by far. The closed wedge is only recommended for smokers and obese patients. Please note that these procedures can only take place if the other parts of the knee are in good condition. Complete rehabilitation will take about four months, the first of which you will have to walk with crutches, in order to avoid putting any load on the operated leg.
What is an axis correction?
An osteotomy or axis correction is a surgical procedure during which the load bearing axis of the leg is properly aligned by placing an open or closed wedge in the bone. During an open wedge osteotomy, a cut is made in the bone and pried open to achieve the desired correction. A closed wedge osteotomy does precisely the opposite: a triangular wedge is removed from the bone, which is then tilted in the free slot.
Open wedges are the most used technique by far. The closed wedge is only recommended for smokers and obese patients. Please note that these procedures can only take place if the other parts of the knee are in good condition. Complete rehabilitation will take about four months, the first of which you will have to walk with crutches, in order to avoid putting any load on the operated leg.
Orthopedic surgeon - specialized in the treatment of knee injuries