“Osteotomy” means “to cut a bone”. An osteotomy is performed to change the shape of a bone, in order to align it correctly, assist with function, or help the function of the nearby joints.

Osteotomies need to be held in position so they heal correctly. This is sometimes done with wires, or plates and screws, or a nail. Sometimes, a wedge of bone is taken out, and other times, a wedge of bone is added or a gap is left.

The planning of an osteotomy is complex, and sometimes involves special scans or 3D models, so that the surgeons can work out exactly where to cut the bone and how much to correct it. Sometimes the x-ray after an osteotomy may look odd on first glance – what is important, is the overall alignment of the bone, and the position of the nearby joints. Sometimes the bone will have a ‘step’ in it at the ostetomy site as a result, but this will smooth off with time.

Like a fracture or broken bone, osteotomies take time to heal, and may also need a plaster cast or splint. Osteotomies are performed very carefully and delicately, with a drill or saw, to help them heal quickly – it is not a matter of just “breaking the bone!”

Sometimes when an osteotomy is performed, it is unsafe to correct the shape of the bone immediately – it needs to be done slowly. In these cases, external fixation may be used.