Recovery after HTO with UniPlasty

Typical timeline

1. Day 0–1

   Surgery and first steps

   The high tibial osteotomy is performed and the fixator attached. Supported walking with crutches can begin immediately after surgery, often the next day. Pain usually decreases quickly after 1–2 days.

2. Days 5–7

   Waiting period

   A short pause before the gradual correction begins.

3. Days 7–14

   Gradual correction

   The wedge is opened by 0.66° a day: 0.33° in the morning and 0.33° in the evening. Standing X-rays show when the planned alignment has been reached.

4. Weeks 3–4

   Putting weight on the leg

   Most patients start putting weight on the leg shortly after the correction period. Your surgeon sets how much weight you may bear.

5. From week 4

   Exercise

   Exercise such as the stationary bicycle can begin, guided by your physiotherapist.

6. Months 2–3

   Bone consolidation

   New bone fills the opened wedge and strengthens while the corrected alignment is held.

7. Months 3–4

   Removal

   Once X-rays confirm sufficient healing, the fixator and its four pins are removed in a simple procedure. General anaesthesia is not necessarily required; your doctor decides.

Everyday life with the fixator

Work and school

A return is often possible from the end of the first week, depending on your job and in agreement with your doctor.

Showering

Showering is possible; follow your team’s instructions for the pin sites.

Stairs

Stairs are possible, with crutches at first.

Driving

Many patients can drive; it depends on which leg is treated and on your comfort. Agree this with your team.

Clothing

The fixator has a low profile of 9 mm; loose-fitting trousers usually fit over it.

Pin care

Clean the pin sites as instructed and contact your team if pain, redness or discharge increases.

Recovery in motion

On the UniPlasty page you can watch individual examples 2, 5 and 8 weeks after surgery: seated knee movement, the stationary bicycle and a step exercise.