What is genu valgum?
These are the deformities of limb bones, which are notably seen in weight bearing lower limbs in children in endemic areas of fluorosis. These occur only in poorly nourished children whose diet is low in calcium intake. These changes are not seen in endemic regions in Punjab and adjacent Rajasthan where intake of dairy products containing calcium is higher. The average amount of calcium in the daily diet of Nalgonda Villager is 300 mg while it is 900 mg in residents of Punjab.
Genu valgum is a normal developmental variation. At birth the knee is usually in a bowlegged posture (genu varum). By age 2 the angle of the upper leg bone relative to the lower leg bone starts to straighten. The knee then goes into a knock-kneed posture progressively until it maximizes at approximately age 4. The knock-kneed appearance then lessens into a more adult value by age 10-12. How is it evaluated? The distance between the bones on the inside of the ankle is measured (intermalleolar distance). At age one the distance between the inner aspects of the knees is approximately 0 and the distance between the inner ankle bones (intermalleolar distance) is approximately 2 cm. By age 3-4 it is approximately 4 cm and slightly decreases into adulthood. X-rays may also be taken of the entire lower extremity and the angle made of the upper leg bone relative to the lower leg bone is evaluated. At birth the angle is towards a bowlegged appearance.
(Knock Knees) Genu valgum is the medical name for knock knees. Knock knees has to do with how the knee lines itself up with the hip and ankle. In a normal standing position, if someone´s knees are touching, then their ankles will also touch. In a child with knock knees though, when the knees touch, the ankles are separated by a good distance. Their knees “knock” into one another. Causes – go to top Causes of Genu Valgum? Most children by the age of 2 or 3 years are knock-kneed to some extent. It is a normal part of the way the bones develop. The condition can last until the age of 5 or 6 and then the legs begin to straighten as they should. In some rare cases, knock knees are just a symptom of another medical condition such as disturbances in growth, rickets, or trauma. In these cases, surgery may be needed to correct the problem. Symptoms – go to top Symptoms of Genu Valgum? There is no pain associated with knock knees. The most obvious symptom can be seen when the child stands. If th
