Dr. Abhinav Singhal is a highly skilled Orthopedic Surgeon in Ghaziabad with over 10 years of experience, specializing in joint arthroscopy, joint replacement, and complex trauma care.
Distal Femur Osteotomy (DFO) is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting deformities in the distal femur (the lower part of the thigh bone) to treat conditions such as knee osteoarthritis and malalignment issues. The surgery involves cutting the femur near the knee and realigning it to shift the weight-bearing load away from the damaged area to healthier cartilage. This realignment helps reduce pain and improve knee function. DFO is typically recommended for younger, active patients with valgus deformity (knock-knees) to delay the progression of arthritis and potentially postpone the need for total knee replacement.
Distal Femur Osteotomy (DFO) is often indicated for patients experiencing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis or malalignment, particularly those with a valgus deformity (knock-knees). Symptoms include chronic knee pain, especially on the outer (lateral) side of the knee, which is exacerbated by activities such as walking, running, or standing for extended periods. Patients may also experience swelling, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion, significantly impacting their ability to perform daily activities and reducing their overall quality of life.
The primary causes for conditions requiring DFO are knee osteoarthritis and malalignment of the knee joint. Osteoarthritis leads to the breakdown of cartilage, causing bone-on-bone contact, pain, and inflammation. Valgus deformity, where the knees angle inward, can increase stress on the lateral compartment of the knee, accelerating the wear and tear of cartilage. Other contributing factors include previous knee injuries, congenital deformities, and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis.
Distal Femur Osteotomy (DFO) is a surgical procedure aimed at realigning the knee joint to redistribute weight away from the damaged lateral compartment to healthier areas of the knee. During DFO, the surgeon makes a controlled cut in the distal femur and either removes or adds a wedge of bone to change the alignment of the leg. This correction helps to balance the weight-bearing load across the knee joint, reducing pain and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis. The bone is then stabilized with plates and screws to heal in the new alignment.
Rehabilitation following DFO is critical for achieving optimal outcomes. The initial phase of recovery involves a period of non-weight-bearing or limited weight-bearing on the operated leg, often using crutches. As healing progresses, weight-bearing is gradually increased under the guidance of the surgeon. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery, focusing on restoring range of motion, reducing swelling, and strengthening the muscles around the knee to support the joint. Rehabilitation also includes exercises to improve balance and proprioception. Full recovery can take several months, with patients typically resuming normal activities within 6 to 12 months, although high-impact activities may need to be limited to prevent further knee damage.
F&Q'sDistal Femur Osteotomy (DFO) is a surgical procedure to correct deformities in the distal femur (the lower part of the thigh bone) and treat conditions like knee osteoarthritis. It involves cutting the femur near the knee and realigning it to redistribute the weight-bearing load, reducing pain and improving function.
Candidates for DFO typically include younger, active patients with valgus deformity (knock-knees) and lateral compartment knee osteoarthritis. It is often recommended when conservative treatments fail and the goal is to preserve the natural knee joint and delay total knee replacement.
Conditions treated by DFO, such as knee osteoarthritis and valgus deformity, can result from factors like age-related wear and tear, previous knee injuries, congenital deformities, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. These factors lead to cartilage breakdown and malalignment, causing pain and instability.
During DFO, the surgeon makes a controlled cut in the distal femur and either removes or adds a wedge of bone to realign the leg. This correction shifts the weight-bearing load to healthier areas of the knee. The bone is then stabilized with plates and screws to heal in the new position.
Potential risks and complications of DFO include infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, nonunion or delayed healing of the bone, and the need for additional surgeries in the future. Despite these risks, DFO generally has a high success rate in improving knee function and reducing pain.