Surgical Technique Used in Knock Knee Surgery

Imagine that you want to go out with your friends and play games but due to a knee issue, you struggle and are unable to do so because of pain which makes everyday activities challenging.

Knock knee is an incorrect knee alignment. It can affect people of all ages. It is also called "knock-knee deformity," "knock-knee syndrome," "knocked knee" or "genu valgum."

If you have a knee problem and you want to learn about what techniques are used to treat the problem then you need to read this whole article till the end.

What is Knock Knee Surgery?

Knock knee is a condition where knees bend inward and touch or knock which places excessive force on the outer knee side, causing pain and damage.

It usually affects both legs but sometimes only one knee.

 Surgical Techniques Used in Knock Knee Surgery

1. Guided Growth (Hemiepiphysiodesis)

Guided growth is a minimally invasive surgical procedure using a tension-band plate or percutaneous epiphysiodesis transphyseal screw to straighten crooked bones as children grow. It's also known as temporary hemiepiphysiodesis or growth modulation.

This treatment is an alternative to osteotomy and straightening a bone. Guided growth treats conditions like bowlegs, knock knees, ankle equinus, and crooked bones caused by infection, injury, or congenital conditions.

2. Osteotomy

Osteotomy is a surgical procedure to reshape or realign bones by cutting them yet sometimes, bone tissue is added. Your surgeon can perform osteotomies on various bones, including jaw, elbow, spine, shoulder, hips, knees, legs, toes, and feet and it also treats joint problems, where two or more bones meet.

3. Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Arthritis or injury can severely damage your knee, making daily tasks difficult even simple activities, like walking or climbing stairs, become a challenge. You may feel pain even while sitting or lying down. Nonsurgical treatments, like medications and walking supports, may stop working. If so, consider total knee replacement surgery.

4. Tibial Derotation Osteotomy

Tibial derotation and osteotomy surgery correct lower leg alignment issues. It treats tibial torsion, a twisting of the lower leg, and after surgery, physiotherapy regains function in the lower limb.

5. Epiphysiodesis

Children with uneven leg lengths face persistent or worsening problems as they grow. One treatment for severe cases is epiphysiodesis, which involves stopping the growth of the longer leg. This allows the shorter leg to catch up over time.

Conclusion

Knock knee surgery is a beneficial procedure for patients with knock knee issues and the choice of surgical technique depends on condition, age, and anatomy. Consulting an orthopedic surgeon specializing in lower limb deformities is crucial. They help determine the best intervention for each patient.