Pertessa Osteotomy

Perthes osteotomy is a surgical procedure that corrects the deformity of the bones that form the kneecap. This surgery is used to treat children and adolescents with Perthes disease (also called avascular necrosis), which results in loss of blood supply to the head of the femur. As a result, the head of the bone is destroyed, which can lead to deformation of the entire kneecap. - The causes of Perthes disease are not fully understood. It usually occurs in children between 3 and 9 years of age. Perthes osteotomies are used to correct the position and size of the femoral head in patients suffering from Perthes disease. The operation is most often performed on children, since it is the children’s body that recovers well after surgery and returns to normal faster. But the operation can also be used in adults. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. During the operation, the pubic bone is thinned out in the femoral area. The doctor shapes the structure from the bones of the patient's lower leg by shifting the position of the knee, rotating or straightening it. After surgery, children with some degree of lameness are placed on a brace for three or four months, and then gradually removed with regular checks with the attending physician. Over time, they will be able to return to sports.