Osteotomy

Introduction Osteotomy surgery is a procedure doctors use to fix bone problems by cutting and repositioning bones. It helps improve joint alignment, balance weight on your feet, and reduce pain. When other treatments like shoe inserts, medicine, or physical therapy don’t work, surgery might be the next step. For foot and ankle problems, osteotomy can make a big difference by improving how you walk and preventing further joint damage. At Sole Foot and Ankle in Valparaiso, Indiana, our expert foot doctors (podiatrists) specialize in performing osteotomies for foot and ankle issues. We use modern tools and techniques to create customized surgical plans that help each patient recover and move comfortably again. Key Takeaways What Is an Osteotomy? An osteotomy is a surgery where a bone is cut, moved, and held in a new position using screws, plates, or pins. The goal is to fix deformities, relieve pressure on joints, and help the foot work better. In podiatry, doctors use this technique to treat common foot issues and improve how patients walk and feel. Why Is an Osteotomy Performed? Doctors may recommend osteotomy surgery when the bones in your foot are misaligned or causing long-term pain that doesn’t improve with other treatments. Misaligned bones can lead to uneven pressure on joints and soft tissues, which over time causes pain, swelling, and even deformity. An osteotomy helps by cutting and repositioning the bone to create a more natural alignment and improve how your foot functions. Here are some of the main reasons an osteotomy might be needed: 1. Bone Misalignment When the bones in your foot or toes grow or shift out of place—whether due to genetics, past injuries, or wear and tear—this can cause uneven walking patterns and discomfort. An osteotomy can realign these bones to restore balance and reduce pressure. 2. Joint Problems Misaligned bones can damage joints over time, leading to stiffness, swelling, and limited movement. By correcting the bone structure around a joint, osteotomy can relieve pain and prevent joint damage from getting worse. 3. Arthritis In cases of early to moderate arthritis, especially in the big toe or midfoot joints, an osteotomy can be used to shift pressure away from the damaged area. This helps preserve the joint and delay or prevent the need for joint fusion or replacement. 4. Poorly Healed Injuries If a broken bone doesn’t heal in the right position (called a malunion), it can affect how your foot works and cause long-term problems. Osteotomy allows the surgeon to correct the shape and alignment of the bone to restore function and comfort. 5. Pain and Trouble Walking Due to Deformities Foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or flatfoot often cause pain when walking or standing. Osteotomy is frequently used in these cases to reshape and realign the bones, making it easier to walk comfortably and wear regular shoes. Reasons for Osteotomy Osteotomy surgery is often recommended when certain foot conditions cause pain, limit mobility, or interfere with daily life. These problems can make it hard to walk, wear shoes comfortably, or stay active. In many cases, conservative treatments like physical therapy, custom orthotics, or medications don’t provide enough relief—making surgery the next step. Here are some of the most common reasons you might need an osteotomy: 1. A Bunion (Hallux Valgus) A bunion forms when the big toe points toward the second toe, causing the bone at the base of the big toe to stick out. This misalignment can be painful and make it hard to wear shoes. Osteotomy helps by realigning the bone in your big toe, reducing the bump and improving how your foot functions. 2. A Hammertoe That Doesn’t Move Properly A hammertoe is a toe that stays bent in a curled position. It often causes rubbing against the top of shoes, leading to corns, calluses, and pain. When the toe becomes stiff and non-movable, an osteotomy may be performed to straighten the bone and restore better alignment. 3. Flatfoot That Causes Pain and Trouble Walking Flatfoot, or fallen arches, means the inside of your foot flattens too much when standing or walking. This can lead to pain in the arch, ankle, or heel and even affect the knees and hips. In more serious cases, an osteotomy can shift the heel bone or lengthen the arch area to rebuild the foot’s natural shape and improve support. 4. Arthritis in Your Big Toe or Midfoot When arthritis affects the joints in your foot, especially around the big toe or middle of the foot, it can make every step painful. An osteotomy can reduce pressure on the affected joint by adjusting the surrounding bones. This may help preserve joint function and reduce the need for more invasive procedures like joint fusion. 5. Ongoing Foot Pain from an Old Injury If you had a foot injury in the past that didn’t heal properly, the bones may now be misaligned. This can lead to ongoing discomfort, especially during movement or while bearing weight. An osteotomy can correct the bone position and restore more normal foot function. How Do I Prepare for Osteotomy? Preparing for osteotomy surgery is an important step to make sure the procedure goes smoothly and recovery is successful. Your podiatrist at Sole Foot and Ankle will guide you through each part of the preparation process so you know exactly what to expect. Here’s what typically happens before surgery: 1. X-rays or Imaging Tests Your doctor will take detailed X-rays or other scans, like a CT or MRI, to get a clear view of your foot bones and joints. These images help your surgeon plan exactly where and how to make the bone cuts during the surgery. Every foot is different, so this step is key to creating a surgical plan that’s right for you. 2. Medical History and Health Check You’ll be asked about your medical history, including any conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or blood pressure issues. The doctor may also order blood tests or other screenings to make sure you’re