Osteotomy
Also called: bone cutting surgery
What it means
An osteotomy is a surgery where a bone is deliberately cut and repositioned to correct alignment, deformity, or joint stress, then fixed in place to heal.
If you ever need joint or alignment surgery, understanding how an osteotomy works can help you discuss options and recovery expectations with your surgeon.
An osteotomy is a planned surgical cut made in a bone to reshape it, correct alignment, or shorten/lengthen it. Surgeons use it to fix joint problems, deformities, or uneven weight distribution—common examples include knee osteotomies for arthritis and hip osteotomies for structural issues in younger patients who want to delay joint replacement.
The bone is cut, repositioned into better alignment, and then held in place with pins, plates, screws, or a cast while it heals and fuses, similar to how a fracture mends. Healing can take several months, and weight-bearing is usually restricted early on to protect the repair.
If you're considering an osteotomy, your orthopedic surgeon will weigh your bone density, overall health, and goals to decide if it's the right option versus other treatments like joint replacement. Decisions about timing, technique, and recovery plans should always be made with your surgical team.
An osteotomy deliberately cuts and repositions bone to fix alignment or joint stress before it heals in place.
Where this leads
WordWondering how the repositioned bone actually gets held in place? Internal fixation uses plates and screws to keep it steady while healing.
Related words
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Fracture healing is the body's natural, staged process of repairing a broken bone, moving from initial bleeding and…
Education only, not medical advice. Decisions about tests, medications and treatment belong with your own doctor. OsteoStrong does not diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
