What it is
In a high tibial osteotomy, the surgeon cuts the shin bone below the knee and changes its angle, then holds it with a plate, so weight moves from the worn side to the healthier side.
Who it's usually for
Younger, active people with arthritis on one side of the knee and a bowed or knock-kneed leg, who want to keep their own knee.
Pros and cons
✓ Pros
- Keeps your own knee joint.
- Can delay a knee replacement by years.
- Allows higher-impact activities than a replacement.
⚠ Cons and risks
- Long recovery, with limited weight on the leg at first.
- Many people eventually still need a knee replacement.
- The plate sometimes needs removing later.
Recovery times are typical ranges; yours may be different. Your surgeon can tell you what to expect.
What recovery is like
Expect weeks on crutches while the bone heals, with exercises to keep the knee moving and the muscles strong. Recovery is slower than a partial knee replacement.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- Am I a good candidate, given my age and arthritis?
- How long might this delay a knee replacement?
When to get help quickly: Get help the same day for a hot, red, swollen joint with fever, if you can't put weight on your leg after an injury, or, after surgery, for fever, wound drainage, or new calf pain or swelling. For chest pain or sudden shortness of breath, call 911.
What surgeons say in their videos
Videos from different surgeons and doctors, newest first. They share their own views, and we don't rank or endorse any of them.
Common questions about knee osteotomy
What is knee osteotomy?
In a high tibial osteotomy, the surgeon cuts the shin bone below the knee and changes its angle, then holds it with a plate, so weight moves from the worn side to the healthier side.
Who is knee osteotomy for?
Younger, active people with arthritis on one side of the knee and a bowed or knock-kneed leg, who want to keep their own knee.
What is recovery like after knee osteotomy?
Expect weeks on crutches while the bone heals, with exercises to keep the knee moving and the muscles strong. Recovery is slower than a partial knee replacement.
What are the risks of knee osteotomy?
Long recovery, with limited weight on the leg at first. Many people eventually still need a knee replacement. The plate sometimes needs removing later.
Getting ready
Losing extra weight, exercising before surgery, stopping smoking and getting your home ready can make surgery safer and recovery easier.
How to get ready for surgery →Find a surgeon
Look up hip and knee surgeons in your state, from public records.
Find a hip & knee surgeon →Other knee surgeries
Sources
We base this page on these major medical organizations and studies. How we write our pages.
General information written for Hip & Knee Surgery, not by the surgeons in the videos. For education only; not medical advice. Last reviewed October 2026.