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Physiological genu varum
Physiological genu varum is normal in infants and maximal at 6 months
of age, then they progress to excessive genu valgum (knock knees) followed
by gradual correction to the normal adult valgus alignment by 5-6 years
of age.
Etiology
It is caused by the natural development of the tibial-femoral angle.
See figure below.
Figure 1:
The natural history of the tibial femoral angle is one of considerable
genu varum or bowing at birth, approximately 15 degrees. There is gradual
spontaneous correction to zero degrees at one and one-half to two years
of age. During the next year, a valgus of 10 degrees to 12 degrees develops
which gradually corrects to the normal adult value of 5 to 6 degrees valgus
at about age seven years. This process is identical in boys and girls.
Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis and x-rays are not required. Observation of child
walking:
Knee caps point forward
Femur external
Tibial internal rotation cancels femur rotation
Foot points inward (due to tibial rotation)
Measuring degree of genu varum:
Child stands with medial malleoli touching
Measure distance between medial femoral condyles
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Treatment
None. They generally will resolve spontaneously and require no treatment.
Corrections, splints and exercise programs do not produce any change different
than the normal expected spontaneous correction. Moreover, may lead to
hazardous complications.
Factors suggestive of pathologic conditions include failure of genu varum
to correct by age two years, increasing deformity, unilateral bowleg,
and a marked lateral thrust with weight bearing.
Hence please refer to your pediatrician when:
Condition is obviously asymmetrical.
Condition is clearly progressive.
Condition is associated with pain.
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