Ankle Realignment in Miami Beach, FL

What is Tibia Osteotomy?

Tibia Osteotomy is an operation that is designed to change the position of the leg bone (the tibia).

Sometimes the smaller bone in the leg (the fibula) is also included in the surgery. This operation is performed to correct a deformity of the leg, foot, or ankle, but can also be used to assist with treatment for arthritis of the ankle.

In order to perform the osteotomy, the bone is cut (an osteotomy) and the position of the leg is changed.  The cut can be made either with or without a bone graft (which is obtained from the bone bank). There is a slight difference in the speed of healing when a bone graft is inserted, but if no bone graft is used, the leg is typically 6mm shorter.

In order to hold the new position of the tibia, a metal plate, and screws are inserted, which are usually permanent. Once the bone cut (osteotomy) has healed, they do not need to be in any longer, but we usually leave them in to save an additional operation.

Ankle Realignment Postoperative Recovery

• You will not be walking on the leg for about 6 weeks.
• In order to stay off your foot, you will need to use crutches, a walker, a wheelchair, or a scooter-type device called a roll-about.  
• There will be a hard plaster bandage applied to the leg for two weeks after surgery.
• Your first follow-up visit will be at approximately 2 weeks to remove. A removable boot is worn for another 6 more weeks.  
• If the surgery is on your left ankle, you should be able to drive an automatic vehicle at two weeks. If the surgery is on the right ankle, you may be able to drive between 3 and 4 weeks, but this varies.  
• Exercises and movement of the foot and ankle are encouraged but without putting weight on the ankle at about 6 weeks after surgery.  
• You will begin walking on the leg at about 6 weeks in a boot 
• You may begin to walk without the boot at about 12 weeks, depending upon your level of discomfort and bone healing.
• You should plan to use a physical therapist for about 2 months.
• Physical Therapy is helpful to regain the strength and movement of the ankle.
• You can expect to have some soreness and aching for about 4-6 months after surgery. There will be moderate swelling of the ankle and leg for about 6 months.
• You will continue to improve your strength and movement for about 9 months after the surgery.

Specific Post-Operative Course

Week 0-2

1. Foot wrapped in a bulky bandage and splint
2. Ice, elevate, take pain medication
3. Expect numbness in the foot for 12-24 hours then pain.
4. Blood drainage through bandage expected
5. Do not change bandage

Week 2-6

1. First follow-up in the office
2. Dressing changed and sutures removed
3. Placed in the cast. 
4. No weight-bearing for 6-8 weeks
5. Start moving the ankle

Week 6-12

1. Start walking in the boots 
2. Start Physical Therapy

Week 12

1. X-ray taken 
2. If the bone (osteotomy) is healed, then walking in a shoe is allowed 
3. Continue exercise program and physical therapy
4. Therapy will continue for about two months
5. Exercise is important to regain the movement of the ankle and leg strength
6. Expect swelling in the leg and ankle for about 6-12 months

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