When one side of the knee joint becomes worn or damaged, often due to osteoarthritis, it can lead to uneven pressure, pain, and mobility issues. High tibial osteotomy is an effective joint-preserving procedure that shifts the weight-bearing line to the healthier part of the knee, helping relieve symptoms and slow the progression of arthritis.

Mr. Andrew Pearse is a highly experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Worcestershire specialising in knee preservation techniques like HTO. He uses advanced planning tools and precision surgical techniques to ensure the best outcomes for his patients. This guide covers the procedure, recovery, potential risks, and the benefits of choosing Mr. Pearse for your care.

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What is High Tibial Osteotomy?

High tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping the tibia (shinbone) to relieve pressure on the affected side of the knee joint. It is typically recommended for:

• Patients with early-stage osteoarthritis on one side of the knee.
• Younger, active individuals who wish to avoid or delay total knee replacement.
• People with a bow-legged (varus) alignment causing uneven joint wear.

During surgery, the tibia is cut and either opened or closed to change the alignment of the leg. A metal plate and screws are used to hold the bone in the new position while it heals. The goal is to shift your body weight to the healthier part of the knee, reducing pain and improving function.

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Who can benefit from High Tibial Osteotomy?

HTO may be the right choice for you if you:

• Have medial (inner) knee arthritis with good cartilage on the outer side.
• Experience pain during activity but maintain a good range of motion.
• Are under 60 and want to remain active without undergoing knee replacement.
• Are not significantly overweight and have stable ligaments in the knee.

Mr. Pearse will assess your knee with a physical examination and imaging (X-ray and MRI) to determine if HTO is suitable for your needs.

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High Tibial Osteotomy in Worcestershire: The Procedure

Pre-operative preparation
Ahead of surgery, Mr. Pearse and his team will guide you through:

• A comprehensive consultation to confirm diagnosis and alignment.
• Imaging and planning, often with specialised software to model the realignment.
• Prehabilitation exercises to strengthen muscles and prepare for recovery.

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The surgery itself
HTO is usually performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes 1 to 2 hours. It involves:

• Making a small incision on the inner side of the knee.
• Cutting the upper tibia and gently opening or closing the bone to adjust alignment.
• Fixing the new position with a metal plate and screws.

The surgery is performed at top-tier facilities across Worcestershire, including:

• The Droitwich Spa Hospital
• Spire South Bank Hospital in Worcester
• Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

These facilities are equipped with advanced imaging and surgical tools to support high-precision procedures and recovery.

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Duration and post-operative care

• Most patients stay in hospital for 1 to 2 nights after surgery.
• You’ll begin using crutches immediately, and weight-bearing will be gradually increased.
• Pain is managed with medication, and a physiotherapy programme will begin shortly after surgery.
  

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Recovery and aftercare

Recovery from high tibial osteotomy is gradual but very rewarding. Here’s what you can typically expect:

• Weeks 1-2: Rest, pain management, and initial physiotherapy to maintain motion.
• Weeks 3-6: Gradual increase in weight-bearing; improved walking and muscle strength.
• 3-6 Months: Return to moderate activities like cycling or swimming.
• 6-12 Months: Full return to sports or physically demanding work, depending on progress.

Mr. Pearse offers tailored follow-up care and rehabilitation support to ensure your recovery is on track and your realignment remains stable.

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Risks and complications

As with any surgery, HTO carries some potential risks, including:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Nerve or vessel injury
• Delayed or incomplete bone healing
• Need for future knee replacement (although HTO may delay this by 5–10+ years)

Thanks to Mr. Pearse’s meticulous planning and surgical skill, these risks are minimised, and patients receive close follow-up to detect and address any complications early.

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Why choose Mr. Andrew Pearse in Worcestershire?

Mr. Andrew Pearse is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with specialist expertise in joint-preserving knee surgery, including high tibial osteotomy. Patients choose him for:

• His experience with complex knee realignment procedures.
• Access to modern surgical centres across Worcestershire.
• A personalised, patient-centred approach with an emphasis on long-term outcomes.
• A strong focus on returning patients to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Whether you’re looking to stay active for longer or delay a joint replacement, Mr. Pearse provides expert guidance and care every step of the way.

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FAQs

Is high tibial osteotomy painful?
There may be some post-operative discomfort, but pain is well managed with medication and usually improves significantly in the first few weeks.

Will I need physiotherapy?
Yes, physiotherapy is crucial to strengthen the muscles around the knee, regain movement, and ensure optimal recovery.

Can I walk after HTO surgery?
You’ll begin walking with crutches immediately after surgery, and your weight-bearing will increase over the following weeks.

How long will the plate stay in my leg?
In most cases, the plate remains in place permanently. However, it can be removed in a future procedure if needed.

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Book your consultation

If you're experiencing knee pain from early arthritis or alignment issues, high tibial osteotomy could be a joint-preserving solution for you.

Contact us today to book a consultation with Mr. Andrew Pearse at one of his clinics in Worcestershire.