Discuss bow leg surgery with Dr. Mesut Sançmış, an orthopaedics and traumatology specialist in Antalya. Explore knee realignment, joint preservation and recovery.
Bow leg surgery changes the alignment of the leg by repositioning the tibia, femur or both. The operation is called an osteotomy: a controlled bone cut that allows the surgeon to correct an abnormal angle.
In a bowed, or varus, leg, more weight may pass through the inner side of the knee. Realignment can redistribute this load, particularly when pain and cartilage wear are concentrated in that area.
This page focuses on adult knee realignment. It is different from cosmetic height surgery and does not involve replacing the knee joint.
When Is Surgery Considered?
Surgery may be considered when bowing contributes to persistent knee pain, uneven joint loading or difficulty with activity. An assessment establishes whether alignment is an important cause of the symptoms.
For joint-preserving osteotomy, the condition of the remaining cartilage matters. A knee with localised wear and useful movement may be considered differently from one with widespread, advanced arthritis.
Appearance alone does not establish medical necessity. Some adults have bowed legs without significant symptoms, while others need treatment for associated meniscus, cartilage or ligament problems.
Assessing Your Knee Alignment
The assessment reviews your symptoms, walking pattern, knee movement and previous injuries. Standing, full-length X-rays help identify where the deformity originates and how the hip, knee and ankle line up under load.
A visible gap between the knees does not provide enough information to plan surgery. The surgeon measures the angles of the thigh bone and shin bone and considers any rotational deformity.
Additional imaging may be requested when cartilage or soft-tissue damage needs investigation. The intended correction should address the measured problem rather than simply make both legs look identical.
Bow Leg Surgery Options
High Tibial Osteotomy
High tibial osteotomy, or HTO, changes the angle of the upper shin bone. It is commonly considered when tibial varus alignment overloads the inner knee.
The correction may involve opening a wedge on one side of the tibia or removing and closing a wedge on the other. Fixation maintains the new position during healing.
Femoral or Double-Level Osteotomy
Some bowing originates in the thigh bone or involves both bones. A distal femoral osteotomy or combined correction may be more appropriate than changing the tibia alone.
The location of the bone cut should follow the deformity analysis.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
Physiotherapy, activity changes, weight management where appropriate and selected braces can help manage symptoms. They do not permanently reshape an adult bone with a fixed angular deformity.
Non-surgical care may still be sufficient when symptoms are manageable.
What Happens During Knee Osteotomy?
The operation is performed under anaesthesia. The surgeon makes the planned bone cut, adjusts the alignment and secures the correction, commonly with a plate and screws.
A bone graft or substitute may be used with some techniques. Complex deformities can require a different fixation method, which should be explained during planning.
Fixation provides stability, but the bone still needs to unite. Before surgery, clarify which leg and bone will be treated, the expected restrictions and whether any additional joint procedure is proposed.
Recovery After Bow Leg Surgery
Protecting the Correction
Early care addresses swelling, pain, wound healing and safe mobility. Crutches may be required, and some patients use a brace.
The permitted amount of weight through the operated leg depends on the correction and fixation. Follow the instructions provided rather than using pain alone to decide how much to walk.
Rebuilding Movement and Strength
Physiotherapy helps restore knee movement, muscle strength and a controlled walking pattern. Follow-up imaging checks the osteotomy before activity progresses.
Recovery usually extends over several months. Returning to desk work, physical employment and sport involves different demands; being able to walk indoors does not establish readiness for running or prolonged standing.
Benefits, Risks and Limitations
Knee realignment may reduce pain from uneven loading and delay joint replacement in selected patients. It does not regenerate all damaged cartilage or guarantee that arthritis will stop progressing.
Risks include infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, stiffness and delayed or incomplete bone healing. The correction can be insufficient or excessive, and implants may become uncomfortable.
Some complications require another operation. The expected benefit should be weighed against the recovery commitment and the condition of the whole knee.
Bow Leg Surgery Cost in Turkey
A useful quotation should identify the operation rather than offer a standard price for straighter legs. Ask whether it concerns one leg or both, a tibial correction or a more complex procedure.
Clarify the charges for fixation devices, hospital care, imaging, physiotherapy and follow-up. Discuss possible implant removal separately, along with the financial arrangements for additional treatment.
Ask the team which existing scans and reports to share before your visit. Plan accommodation and transport around the expected mobility restrictions.
Before returning home, arrange access to rehabilitation and any required imaging. Confirm who will review your progress and advise when travel is appropriate.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Dr Mesut Sançmış for his kind, caring and professional approach to my long term medical issues. He very efficiently examined, tested and diagnosed my medical issues and offered treatment of arthroscopic knee surgery for the following day.
The surgery was an absolute success with my original pain now gone and the procedure stiffness subsiding daily. I can already walk and sleep better and my quality of life is improving. The constant pain etched on my face and in my daily life has gone and I can never thank him enough. He is a true gentleman and 5 star surgeon.
Trustpilot
From the very beginning, I felt that I was in good hands with Dr. Mesut Sançmis . The consultation was clear, supportive, and reassuring, which made me feel confident about moving forward. Throughout the treatment, Dr. Mesut Sançmis showed great care and professionalism, always making sure I was comfortable and informed.
The results have exceeded my expectations — my feet not only look better, but I feel more confident and at ease in my daily life. It has truly been a positive change for me, both physically and emotionally.
I am very grateful for the expertise, kindness, and attention to detail that Dr. Mesut Sançmis provided. I would gladly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for high-quality, compassionate care.
WhatClinic
The Dr was very helpful and honest and gave me my options how to go forward. Very pleased with the support. I requested injections and the Dr recommended would not help as my condition requires surgery in the near future
Google
MSM Klinik have been excellent. From the initial consultation, through the Hospital procedure and the after care absolutely fantastic. Communication about the knee procedure and the ease of making it happen with genuine concern for your welfare and recovery. Highly recommend this great Klinic. Thanks MSM
Google
I fortunately came across Dr. Mesut while researching orthopedic surgeons in Antalya after suffering a severe heel fracture in the United States. From the beginning, I was uneasy with the treatment plan proposed by my U.S. surgeon. After more than a year of being told that it was simply a “bad break” that would take time to heal, it was finally discovered that I had also severely sprained my ankle at the time of the injury, resulting in partial ligament and tendon tears that had been missed entirely.
When these tears were eventually identified, the solution I was given was ankle fusion surgery, an option that would have permanently limited my mobility. This did not sit right with me.
While in Antalya for my spouse's dental care, I had the opportunity to consult with Dr. Mesut at MSM Klinik. His team quickly arranged comprehensive testing to fully understand what was happening with my foot. Dr. Mesut confirmed the ligament and tendon damage but was very clear that ankle fusion was not the appropriate solution for my case. Through my time there, it was clear to me that he treats a wide range of complex orthopedic conditions, not just ankle cases, which gave me even more confidence in his overall experience. From our first conversation, I felt confident in his expertise. He immediately recognized the complexity of my injury, especially given that my foot had healed incorrectly over the course of more than a year and a half.
After returning to the U.S. and doing further research, I made the decision to go back to Antalya and proceed with surgery under Dr. Mesut’s care. One of the major factors in my decision was his use of stem cell therapy, an option that was never even discussed by my doctors in the United States.
From start to finish, the level of professionalism and compassion at MSM Klinik was exceptional. Everyone in the office was attentive, organized, and supportive. Eli was especially wonderful, managing all logistics and providing clear translation throughout the entire process, which made everything seamless and stress free. During my stay, I also received IV vitamin and supportive therapies at the office designed to aid healing and speed recovery.
I am now just 2.5 weeks post surgery and already able to walk at approximately 50% weight bearing. In the U.S., I would have been non-weight bearing for at least two months before even beginning this stage. My recovery has been faster and smoother than I ever expected, and everything is healing remarkably well.
Trustpilot
Near Lara/speak English/top orthopedic
Top orthopedic. We needed a hand surgeon for our son who had an accident with a knife. Great Service via WhatsApp/speak English. Modern clinic. All innovative methods. State of art Equipment. Near hotels in Lara/Kundu. Also good for international tourists.
Google
I had a bit of a medical emergency during my trip to Antalya, and I'm so glad I found this clinic. They managed to squeeze me in right away and built a care program that worked perfectly with the rest of my stay. The doctor was wonderful, and having a translator there made the whole process stress-free. I felt truly well-cared for at every appointment!
WhatClinic
Dr Mesut and the team were exceptional and delivered excellent service. My issue was well investigated and management options/plans were provided. I am well satisfied with the service and happy with the outcome. Thank you again
Google
Service was excellent. I’m forever grateful to Surgeon Mesut Sancmis for taking care of me. I’m still recovering and have a follow up coming soon but I’m confident I will recover 100%. The whole staff was very attentive and professional. Starting with the driver he was so helpful and nice assisting me with my wheelchair. Amy who was with me throughout the whole process made sure all my needs and concerns were addressed. I didn’t feel there was a language barrier because she was there to translate and facilitate all my needs. Even after discharge Dr Mesut and Amy visit me multiple times to check on me and make sure everything was going well. I highly recommend them. Dr Mesut Sancmis is an awesome surgeon I’m glad I found him and if I ever need surgery again i will choose him, I highly recommend him. Thank you 🙏🏽
Google
My wife had a knee injection at MSM Klinik in Antalya in Turkey last year. She had been suffering from severe knee pain for several years and the injection really helped her regain mobility. So, we returned to MSM Klinik this year, where she has now had a second injection, which we expect will help her sustain her ability to walk at least another six months free of pain. My wife has been referred to NHS orthopedic specialists in the UK and is waiting for their diagnosis also. Waiting times are very long still in the UK, so the assistance provided by MSM Klinik in Turkey in the meantime has been extremely helpful.
WhatClinic
I visited Antalya in early May of 2025, while experiencing acute sciatica pain going down my left leg. I got in touch with MSM Klinik and had the exam scheduled promptly after talking over the phone with the staff. I had the X-rays and MRI done very promptly at Yasam Hastanesi Life Hospital. MSM Klinik staff, Mr. Mursel, took me to the hospital and was with me there while I was getting the x-rays and MRI done. Then he drove me back to the MSM Klinik where we reviewed the results with the Doctor. The Doctor appeared very knowledgeable and offered an effective treatment plan. However, it was beyond my budget. I continued to manage my back pain with NSAID.
I'm giving 5 starts for the service and promptness, but not for any medical procedure as no medical procedure was done.
The Doctor, his assistant Mr. Murcel, and the office staff were very kind, professional and attentive to my issue, which deserves a 5 star review.
The MRI, x-rays and the consultation were reasonably priced.
Google
I couldn't recommend this clinic more!
In addition to achieving my desired results, the clinic and doctor were constantly in touch with me (both in person and by phone) and responded quickly to any questions or concerns I had. This gave me peace of mind and made the process feel much easier, while giving me confidence in it.
Google
Challenging or mild conditions require the type of specific attention provided! Dr. Mesut Sancmis Ortopedi and his entire staff are highly knowledgeable and solution focused! It is incredible to witness the difference their patient care delivers. Do you have back pain, shoulder issues, orthopedic problems, here’s your source for these and MUCH more! Please don’t hesitate to book your 1st consultation to start on the path of healing!
Google
The staff / ladies at the clinic are very professional, friendly and cute,,,, nothing is too much trouble.
Dr Mesut is also very Professional and knowledgeable, and if his treatment works successfully, which i have no doubt about, I will return annually for check overs / mot.
If not I will return just once,,,, for a refund 😂🤣
Seriously he is very very good, i totally recommend him and his team and I have experienced hospitals / clinics all over the world due to my previous life racing Speedway,,,, tge racing was fine,,,, the crashes were the problem.
01 / 14
Ratings as shown on each platform on 15 October 2026. Reviews cover a range of treatments and are the opinions of individual patients.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Antalya
Ask the team about accommodation at Ramada Plaza Antalya and the arrangements relevant to your planned stay.CONFIRM: partnership
Ramada Plaza AntalyaPartner hotel · on the cliffs, next to the old town
~10 minto the clinic
On sitesea platform
~20 minfrom the airport
Distances are approximate.CONFIRM
Everything set up for recovery
Accessible roomSpace for crutches and a wheelchair
No. Osteotomy changes bone alignment while retaining the natural joint. Knee replacement resurfaces damaged joint surfaces and may be more appropriate when arthritis is advanced.
Can Exercises Straighten Bowed Legs in Adults?
Exercises can improve strength and movement but cannot correct a fixed deformity in mature bone. Their value is in function and symptom management, not changing the bone's shape.
Will Both Legs Need an Operation?
Each leg requires its own assessment. The extent of bowing and symptoms may differ, and the plan may involve one side or procedures performed at different times.
Will the Plates and Screws Be Removed?
Removal is not automatic. It may be discussed if the implant causes symptoms or there is another clinical reason, after bone healing has been assessed.
Can Bow Leg Surgery Prevent Knee Replacement?
It can postpone replacement for some appropriately selected patients, but it cannot guarantee lifelong avoidance. Existing joint damage and later changes remain important.
