Genu valgum is a deformity of the lower limbs. The majority of people affected are without symptoms and have no functional constraints.
Synonym:knock-knee
Genu valgum is usually associated with flat feet and occasional foot and knee pain. Children present with physiological genu valgum from the age of 2 years, which becomes most prominent between 3 and 4 years of age. Thereafter, it usually decreases to a stable, slightly valgus position by age 7. In the adolescent age group, negligible or no change is expected. The inter-malleolar distance is used to determine the degree of genu valgum. It is the distance between the medial malleoli in a standing patient with the medial femoral condyles touching. Inter-alleolar distances greater than 8 cm are considered pathological. In rare cases, when the progression of genu valgum alignment is prolonged, it may be associated with off-foot gait, lateral subluxation of the patella, and rubbing of the knees together when the child walks.
What are the causes of genou valgum ?
- The cause of this problem is not known
- Some cases are congenital, others are acquired
- Many children have their knees replaced at the end of their growth period.
- There is an increase in compressive force on the lateral tibial plateau, which in turn increases the tensile force on the tissues forming part of the medial knee capsule, the medial collateral ligament causing a stretch in the medial knee, which increases the vulnerability of the knee.
- Injury or infection to the knee or leg
- Bone deformity due to rickets, a disease caused by a lack of vitamin D and calcium
- Obesity
- Arthritis of the knee joints
What are the symptoms of genu valgum?
- Knee pain
- Limping when walking
- Pain in feet, hips and ankles
- Stiff joints
- Lack of balance when standing
References
Sutherland DH, Olshen R, Cooper L, Woo SL. The development of mature gait. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1980 Apr;62(3):336-53. [PubMed]
Espandar R, Mortazavi SM, Baghdadi T. Angular deformities of the lower limb in children. Asian J Sports Med. 2010 Mar;1(1):46-53. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
Heath CH, Staheli LT. Normal limits of knee angle in white children–genu varum and genu valgum. J Pediatr Orthop. 1993 Mar-Apr;13(2):259-62. [PubMed]
COZEN L. Fracture of the proximal portion of the tibia in children followed by valgus deformity. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1953 Aug;97(2):183-8. [PubMed]
Burton A, Hennrikus W. Cozen’s phenomenon revisited. J Pediatr Orthop B. 2016 Nov;25(6):551-555. [PubMed]
