Osteotomies are essentially controlled breaks or cuts to a bone. There are numerous variations recognised for lots of different bones. Some are designed to re-orientate or align the bone, some may be used to lengthen or shorten a piece of bone, and some are used to elevate, displace or shift part of a bone in a particular direction. Osteotomies usually require some form of internal fixation to hold in position and achieve full healing, and this may with screws, staples, pins or plates.