Leg positioning
May 2, 2010 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr.med. Tobias Theben
Hello,
I am in my mid-40s and according to the doctor, I have moderately severe bow legs (4 cm between the thighs and 8 cm between the shins). Since I do not have any pain, surgery is not urgently necessary. However, the doctor mentioned that surgery (leg alignment) at this point would be advantageous, as osteoarthritis is likely in old age. Now my questions:
1. What risks am I exposing myself to with such surgery (worst case scenario)? How likely are complications, long-term damage, etc.?
2. Which clinic (in the 4-5000 range) would you recommend?
Thank you in advance.
Aliasa
Dear patient,
A decision regarding such a procedure should be well considered even with a moderate bowleg deformity, as present in your case. The crucial factor would not only be the deformity itself, but also the potential existing cartilage damage on the inner side of the knee. This area is significantly more stressed due to the bowleg position compared to the outer side, and advanced arthritis could eventually result. WITHOUT ANY FORM OF PAIN, such a procedure should not be considered, as it also comes with extensive postoperative care (6 weeks of weight-bearing on crutches) and risks: overcorrection of the procedure, bony malunion, infection, vascular/nerve injuries, leg length discrepancy, postoperative complications...!! Furthermore, even with a successful realignment, it should be noted that the long-term prognosis is quite limited - in many cases, knee replacement may still be necessary after some time...
In any case, in my opinion, a realignment should not only be prepared through a knee MRI and a staging arthroscopy (prior knee arthroscopy) to accurately assess the extent of cartilage damage on the inner side of the knee.
Only in cases of extensive cartilage damage on the inner side and well-preserved remaining compartments, such a procedure is considered in case of corresponding complaints (!!).
Initially, I recommend cartilage-preserving conservative treatment measures (glucosamine intake, moderate activity, potentially preparatory shoe outer sole elevation, low-dose pain medication as needed...).
Best regards,
Tobias Theben
