6. Deformities and diseases of the knee joint /genu varum, genu valgum, chondromatosis, chondrodystrophy patella, patellar luxation/

Genu varum

Definition

• A misalignment of the lower extremity characterized by outward curving of the leg at the knees, resulting in separation of the knees when the ankles are close together
• Deformation can be in two forms:
• Genuine genus varum- center of the curve is in the region of the medial joint gap, in which case the curve is even.
• Crus varum- the center of the curve is in the middle of the tibia

Etiology

• Physiological (resolves as child begins to walk)
• Rickets
• Blountʼs disease
• Genetics
• Neoplasms
• Bone dysplasia

Symptoms

• The deformation is usually bilateral
• Bowing that is progressive or persistent after 3 years of age
• The limbs have an 0-shape
• Gait abnormalities
• In childhood there are no pain complaints, just the typical shaking gait
• Adults in all cases develop degenerative changes in the cartilages in the medial condyles of the hip and tibia with pain

Treatment

• The deformation should be actively followed for the period of 2 to 3 years
• Orthopedic apparatus
• After the age of 6 or 7 if the deformation persists then surgical treatment is an option:
• Correcting osteotomy!