Genu Valgum

Genu Valgum is also known as knock knee. Within the valgum deformity, the knees are tilted toward the midline i.e Legs curve inwardly so the knees are closer together than usual. It can result from injury or septic destruction from the lateral half of the low femoral epiphyseal plate, results in arrested development of the lateral condyle from the femur. The continued growth of the medial condyle leads to unilateral knock knees.The normal gait pattern is circumduction, requiring the individual swing both legs outward while walking to be able to take a step without punching the planted limb using the moving limb. Not just are the mechanics of gait compromised but additionally, with significant angular deformity, anterior and medial knee pain are typical. These symptoms reflect the pathologic stress on the knee and it is patellofemoral extensor mechanism.

Bilateral Valgum deformity migh result from condition which softens navicular bone. It may be due to-

Rickets
Osteomalacia
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
Muscular paralysis of semimembranosus or semitendinosus
Fracture
Might be secondary to flat foot, osteoarthritis
The quality of knock knee is measured through the distance between the medial malleoli in the ankle when the child lies down using the knees touching one another.

Diagnostic Test

The Q angle that is formed by a line sucked from the anterosuperior iliac spine with the center of the patella along with a line drawn from the middle of the patella to the center from the tibial tubercle, should be measured next. In females, the Q angle ought to be less than 22 degrees using the knee in extension and fewer than 9 degrees using the knee in 90 examples of flexion. In men, the Q angle ought to be less than 18 degrees using the knee in extension and fewer than 8 degrees using the knee in 90 examples of flexion.


Treatment of Genu Valgum

Degree of deformity, muscle chart and ROM are measured. In mild cases of Genu Valgum in young kids, wearing of boots using the inner side of heel raised by 3/8" inch and elongated forward heel (Robert Jones heels) corrects the deformity.

In additional complicated cases, the kid requires a supracondyles closed wedge osteotomy.

Post operative Physiotherapy

Gradual knee mobilization may be the main part of the treatment.
Some heat modalities might be given for pain relief.
Strengthening exercises for quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus muscles receive.
When the patient has the capacity to walk, he is given correct practicing standing, balancing, weight transferring and walking.