Genu Valgum

It is also called knock knees. It is a condition in which the knee angle is in and they touch each other when the legs are straightened. Females have a wider pelvis than males and relatively shorter length of thigh bone and as a result have a greater static genu valgum than men. Individuals with severe Valgus deformity are typically unable to touch their feet together while simultaneously straightening the legs. Valgus actually mean bent outwards. But here the distal portion bends outwards and the proximal portion seems bend inwards.

Causes:

         i.            Idiopathic

       ii.            Congenital

      iii.            Osteogenesis imperfecta

     iv.            Rickets

Diagnosis:

·         X – rays

·         Clinical examination

Management:

Medical treatment for Rickets is optimum vitamin D, for Osteogenesis imperfecta is Bisphosphonates.

Surgical options:

Osteotomy using extaperiosteal two holes plate for 12 month, sometimes repeated osteotomies might be required.

Posted in: Surgery; Lower Limb and Pelvic Girdle