Genu valgum

}} Genu valgum is commonly referred to as "knock knees", a condition where the kneesangle in and touch when the legsare straightened. Persons with severe valgusdeformities are typically unable to touch their feet together while simultaneously straightening the legs.

Mild genu valgum is relatively common in children up to two years of age, and is often corrected naturally as children grow and develop. However, the condition may continue or worsen with age, particularly when it is the result of a disease, such as ricketsor obesity. Idiopathic is the term used to describe genu valgum that is congenitalor has no known cause.

Treatment

If the condition persists or worsens into late childhood and adulthood, a corrective osteotomymay be recommended to straighten the legs.

In addition to cosmetic concerns, adults with uncorrected genu valgum are typically prone to injuryand chronicknee problems such as chondromalacia and osteoarthritis. In some cases, total knee replacement (TKR) surgery may be required later in life to relieve pain and complications resulting from severe genu valgum.

External links

• eMedicine
• GPNotebook
• Duke

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genu+valgum Wikipedia article Genu valgum.