Genu valgum

The genu valgum is a deviation towards the outside of the axis of the lower extremity with projection of the knee in inside. If it is marked, the genu valgum, usually called knock knees, can block walk. Moreover, the pressures not being exerted at the usual places, the genu valgum is often factor of gonarthrose (osteoarthritis of the knee).

In the child

Between 3 and 5 years, the genu valgum current, is accentuated by an excess of weight. It is due to a hyperlaxity of the internal ligaments of the knee or to an after-effect of fracture (fracture of the lower part of the femur or the upper part of the tibia, which did not consolidate in good position), to an osseous disease by deficiency (rickets) or to an osseous malformation. The genu valgum is painless. In the light forms, it often regresses with the gymnastics and the growth. In the important forms, the treatment requires the catch of vitamin D (against the rickets), the wearing of correct shoes and the installation of splints during the night. The surgery is reserved for the serious forms; the surgeon makes an osteotomy (osseous section) which realigns the bone concerned, then fixes it.

In the adult

In the adult, the genu valgum can be due to an infantile genu valgum untreated, to an after-effect of fracture of the knee consolidated in bad position or to an osseous disease (osteomalacia). It is sometimes at the origin of an invalidating osteoarthritis of the knee. In addition to the vitamin D (against an osteomalacia), the treatment of the serious forms of genu valgum is the osteotomy or, if the situation developed since too a long time, the replacement of the articulation of the knee by a prosthesis.

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