Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Bilgen, M.D., Specialist of Orthopedics and Traumatology states that most of the cases of joint osteoarthritis begin to emerge after 65 years of age, which is considered as the when the middle ages start. It may be necessary to perform prosthesis surgeries on these patients considering their ages. On the other hand, osteotomy surgeries may be performed on younger patients (aging between 20 and 50) during the early stages of the joint arthritis. In this article, we are going to give information on the osteotomy surgeries that can be performed on the younger patients during the early stages of the condition.
Osteotomy Surgeries Performed on Younger Patients
With the osteotomy surgeries, the missing normal joint structure of a hip or a knee caused by the abrasion of the cartilage is repaired. It is also ensured that the load-carrying surface can properly carry the load, which is evenly distributed across the surface, rather than being concentrated on a single area. This type of surgeries is called “osteotomy” surgeries. According to Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Bilgen, M.D., the significance of osteotomy surgeries are as follows “In the osteotomy surgeries, we cut the bone, readjust it, and leave it for healing. Once the cartilage starts to depreciate, i.e. when the pain emerges, osteotomy surgeries come to the rescue. With this type of surgeries, we can gain at least 10-15 years. At this point, the most important thing for the patient is to not miss this period. This is a very crucial time for our patients, and it should definitely not to be missed. In other words, once the pain emerges, the patients should see a physician as soon as possible, and have the osteotomy surgery, if necessary. The prosthesis surgeries offer great benefits and provide good results. However, one should not lose the chance to have an osteotomy surgery that can be performed before a prosthesis operation, since it gives us the opportunity to move by using our own bones and joints. I want to emphasize that this is an important issue.”
Underlining that the osteotomy surgeries that can be performed during the early phases of the joint osteoarthritis, as it grants the patient with the opportunity to move by using their own bones and joints, Prof. Dr. Bilgen, M.D., reiterates that those showing the symptoms of the joint abrasion, which we have addressed in our previous posts, should see a physician as soon as possible. NOTE: The contents of this page are exclusively provided for informative purposes. For diagnosis and treatment please visit your physician.