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Knee Realignment Surgery in Rotherham
By correcting 'bow-legged' or 'knock-kneed' alignments, we can significantly reduce pain and slow the progression of osteoarthritis, allowing you to maintain an active lifestyle and delay the need for prosthetic implants for many years. Serving patients throughout Yorkshire, including Sheffield, Doncaster, and Barnsley, Kinvara provides a consultant-led approach to complex limb realignment in a modern, boutique hospital setting..
Medically Reviewed By
Mr Vasu Karri, MBBS, BSc(Hons), MSc, FRCS(Plast) • Updated 2026-01-17
Knee realignment surgery, or osteotomy, is a joint-preserving procedure that redistributes weight away from damaged cartilage by reshaping the shin or thigh bone. This condition affects many people across Yorkshire, impacting their daily activities and quality of life. Early intervention and expert treatment are essential for achieving optimal outcomes.
At Kinvara Private Hospital in Rotherham, our experienced orthopaedic consultants provide comprehensive knee realignment surgery services using the latest minimally invasive techniques and evidence-based protocols. Our patient-centered approach ensures you receive personalized care tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle goals.
Serving patients across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, and the wider Yorkshire region, we understand the impact that knee conditions can have on your daily life. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes through expert diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive rehabilitation support.
Am I a Candidate for Knee Realignment?
You may be suitable if:
• You have pain on only the inner or outer side of the knee
• You have a good range of motion (you can still straighten the knee fully)
• You do not have widespread arthritis or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
• You are not significantly overweight, as this can put excessive strain on the realignment.
Your consultant will use specific 'stress' X-rays and potentially an MRI to ensure the other side of your knee is healthy enough to take the extra load.
Our All-Inclusive Promise
- Fixed-price quotes covering the surgeon, anaesthetist, and hospital fees
- Inpatient stay in a private room with 24/7 specialist nursing care
- Advanced internal fixation plates and bone graft materials included
- Comprehensive post-operative follow-up and X-ray imaging
- 0% finance options available to help spread the cost of treatment
What is Knee Realignment Surgery (Osteotomy)?
An osteotomy literally means 'cutting of the bone.' In the context of the knee, it is a surgical procedure where the surgeon precisely cuts either the shin bone (tibia) or the thigh bone (femur) to change the way your body weight is distributed through the joint. Most knee arthritis affects only one side of the joint - usually the inner (medial) side in bow-legged patients or the outer (lateral) side in knock-kneed patients.
By removing or adding a small wedge of bone, the surgeon realigns the mechanical axis of the leg. This shifts the pressure onto the healthy, undamaged cartilage on the opposite side of the knee. Unlike a knee replacement, an osteotomy preserves your natural joint and ligaments, which often results in a knee that feels more 'natural' during high-impact activities. At Kinvara Hospital, we use advanced digital planning and high-precision plates to ensure the most accurate correction possible.
At a Glance
Surgery Duration
60 - 90 minutes
Anaesthetic
General or Spinal
Hospital Stay
1 - 2 nights
Initial Recovery
6 - 12 weeks
Impact Sports
6 - 9 months
Follow-up
2, 6, and 12 weeks
Benefits of This Procedure
- Preserves your natural knee joint and cruciate ligaments
- Significantly delays the need for a total knee replacement by 10-15 years
- Allows for a return to high-impact activities like running and football
- Corrects the physical appearance of bow-legs or knock-knees
- Reduces chronic pain and prevents further cartilage deterioration
- Maintains a fuller range of motion compared to joint replacement
The Procedure
A knee realignment is a major orthopaedic procedure that requires meticulous planning. Your surgeon will use 'standing long-leg X-rays' to calculate the exact degree of correction needed before you enter the operating theatre.
- 1
A 10-15cm incision is made over the area of the bone to be realigned (tibia or femur).
- 2
Under X-ray guidance, the surgeon makes a precise cut in the bone, leaving a 'hinge' of intact bone on one side.
- 3
The bone is carefully opened (opening wedge) or a piece is removed (closing wedge) to achieve the target alignment.
- 4
A high-strength titanium or steel plate is secured across the cut with specialized screws to hold the new position.
- 5
If an opening wedge was used, the gap may be filled with bone graft or a synthetic bone substitute to aid healing.
- 6
The wound is closed with internal sutures and a supportive dressing is applied.
Your Recovery Journey
Recovery Timeline
Week 1-2
The focus is on wound healing and pain control. You will use crutches and likely be restricted to 'toe-touch' weight-bearing. You may wear a hinged knee brace for stability.
Week 2-6
Physiotherapy begins in earnest. You will work on regaining knee flexion (bending) and quadriceps strength. X-rays at week 6 will confirm that the bone is healing correctly (union).
Week 6-12
You will gradually transition from crutches to full weight-bearing. Most patients can return to driving once they have sufficient leg strength and control, typically around week 8-10.
Month 4-9
This is the strengthening phase. You can return to swimming and cycling early on, with a gradual return to impact sports as the bone becomes fully consolidated and strong.
Key Recovery Points
- Adherence to weight-bearing restrictions is vital to prevent the plate from failing
- Elevation and icing are essential in the first month to manage significant swelling
- Smoking must be avoided entirely as it significantly increases the risk of the bone not healing (non-union)
- Long-term results are best maintained by keeping a healthy body weight
Risks and Complications
As with any major bone surgery, there are risks involved. Our surgical team at Kinvara takes extensive measures to minimize these and will discuss them in detail during your consent process.
Non-union
Low (2-4%)The bone cut fails to heal back together. This is more common in smokers and may require further surgery.
Blood Clots (DVT)
Low (1-2%)Due to reduced mobility, clots can form in the legs. We provide blood-thinning medication and stockings to prevent this.
Infection
Rare (<1%)A risk with any implant surgery. We use ultra-clean air theatres and preventative antibiotics.
Hardware Irritation
Common (10-20%)The metal plate may be felt under the skin or cause irritation, requiring removal after 12-18 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Orthopaedic Consultants
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