Genu Valgum eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Authors Peter M Stevens, MD & Michael C Holmstrom, MD
Genu valgum is the Latin-derived term used to describe knock-knee deformity. While many otherwise healthy children have knock-knee deformity as a passing trait, some individuals retain or develop this deformity due to hereditary or genetic disorders or metabolic bone disease. The typical gait pattern is circumduction, requiring that the individual swing each leg outward while walking in order to take a step without striking the planted limb with the moving limb. Not only are the mechanics of gait compromised but also, with significant angular deformity, anterior and medial knee pain are common. These symptoms reflect the pathologic strain on the knee and its patellofemoral extensor mechanism.
Synonyms and related keywords: physiologic genu valgum, pathologic genu valgum, adolescent idiopathic genu valgum, knock-knee deformity, osteotomy, hemiphyseal stapling, vitamin D resistant rickets, vitamin D-resistant rickets, guided growth, 8-plate