- Genu valgum also known as knock-knees or valgus knee is a condition in which knees are turned inward. When the people with knock-knees stand up with their knees together, there is a gap of 3 inches or more between the ankle.
- The term ‘genu valgum’ is originated from Latin word ‘genu’ meaning knee and ‘valgus’ which actually means bent outward.
- It is common in children aged between 2-5 years and often corrects itself as the children grows. Around 99 % of cases corrects itself by time. However, in some cases it may continue or worsen with age.
- In some cases, it may develop on later stage of life due to any disease or underlying condition.
Symptoms of Genu valgum
- The main symptom is knee misalignment or obvious visual separation of ankle when knees are together.
- Some other symptoms are:
- Knee pain
- Stiff joints
- Walking with limp
- Pain in ankles, feet and hips
- Lack of balance while standing.
Causes of Genu valgum
The major causes of knock-knees are:
- Bone malformation due to rickets.
- Osteochondrodysplasia (Variable group of genetic bone disease).
- Arthritis in knee joints.
- Injury in knees or legs.
- Obesity which puts extra pressure in knees.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis involve reviewing medical history and family history for checking certain heritable condition.
- Physical examination includes observing how one stand and walk, inequality in leg length, knee alignment angle and uneven ware on shoe sole.
- In some cases, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or x-ray is done to observe bone structure.
Prevention
- There are no specific preventive measures for preventing knock-knee. Intake of sufficient vitamin C and D can strengthen bones but doesn’t guarantee in preventing knock-knee.
Treatment
- Treatment depends on underlying cause. If it is not treated in time, it may cause complications of joints and bones like osteoporosis.
- Gene valgum due to rickets is treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements to restore their level and lifestyle modification in the form of adequate sun exposure.
- Weight loss in case of obese patients and exercise to stabilize the knees and to restore alignment are helpful. Specific stretches may be helpful in relieving symptoms.
- Orthotics are heels inserted into shoe of shorter side to equalize leg length and to correct gait. In some cases, braces or splint can be used along with orthotics or instead of it.
- In severe condition when other methods don’t work, surgery is recommended. For children, guided growth surgery is used in which small metal piece in inserted into knee which helps the bone to grow in correct direction. After certain duration (months or years) bone is aligned correctly and metal plate is removed. In adults, osteotomy is used which is similar to guided growth surgery. However, metal plate is used as permanent brace in this case and will not be removed.
- Knee replacement is used very rarely. Artificial knee that is correctly aligned is used to replace natural knee by surgery.