Femoral Osteotomy
Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.
Definition
Osteotomy means to cut the bone. The Femur is your thigh bone. Therefore, a femoral osteotomy is the cutting of the thigh bone. There are various reasons why the femur bone is cut. Most commonly it is to "bend" it so that the 'ball' of the femur can sit in the 'socket' of the pelvis better. It can also be performed to achieve "untwisting" of the thigh bone.
This procedure is usually completed with pin and plates to fix the bones in position and to ensure that it heals in the right position. These are eventually removed up to two years after surgery.
The dotted line represents where the bone will be cut. The other dark lines represent the position of the pin and plates.
Weight Bearing
4-6 weeks of non-weight bearing usually prescribed to allow the bone to heal.
Plasters
Not required.
Orthoses
Not required.
Special Instructions
Keep leg straight- knee caps pointed up towards the ceiling after surgery. Do not let leg roll in or out for long periods of time.
Equipment
Your child will need a wheelchair and perhaps a hoist and a commode to help with toileting. Speak to your Occupational Therapist for further recommendations and assistance.
© The Children's Hospital at Westmead - 1997-2006
This document was published on Wednesday, 20 June 2007.
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