[Knee realignment osteotomy in adults].

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, osteotomy near the knee joint for axial deformities has become an indispensable surgical procedure for joint preservation in the orthopaedic-surgical spectrum. The exact localization and analysis of the deformity are crucial to restoring physiological loading conditions of the entire leg by means of a suitable osteotomy. PROCEDURES: Thus, above all, the medial "open-wedge" osteotomy has established itself as a standard procedure for the treatment of gonarthrosis caused by varus malalignment. Furthermore, the varus closed-wedge osteotomy of the distal femur also shows very good long-term results. Basically, osteotomies close to the knee are causal corrections in which biological and mechanical aspects must be taken into account. Thus, the correct indication, attention to risk factors, and surgical technique determine the long-term success of the procedure. The doctrine of femoral valgus deformity and the resulting lateral arthrosis, on the other hand, must be reconsidered according to the latest knowledge.