Genu varum

Angled portion referred to in the medical field a deviation of a limb from the normal position (neutral position 0 ).

• From varus position is when bone or joints of the preferred center of the body ( = medial ) angle is smaller than the standard ( at the knee joint at O- leg ( genu varum ), for example, less than about 186 ° (from the axes enclosed by the upper and lower leg), see also Mikulicz line).
• From valgus occurs when bone or joints of the body located on the center angle is greater than the standard ( at the knee joint during the knock-knee ( genu valgum ), for example, larger than approximately 186 °).

Is considered the bending of the ( distal =) further removed from the body member, wherein the description of a knee Varus-/Valgusstellung thus the bending of the leg. Often the contra-angle is considered, that is, the side more distant from the body ( = lateral) angle, for example, when the knee in the form of the frontal knee angle ( ie normal 174 ° (see above), in relation to the same, at the top said axes ) or in the elbow as abduction or Humeroulnarwinkel. The relied on for Varus-/Valgusbeschreibung and commonly used in practice angle (eg Humeroulnarwinkel ) should not be confused. X - legs are rare congenital. When toddler knock-knees by night splints or plaster can be corrected.

• Bending of the legs

Neutral

Knock-knees

Causes of knock-knees

Usually knock-knees are a consequence of buckling Senkfüßen. The deformity of the feet causes the legs move in an oblique position to the knee. The lower leg is almost like a lever held at an angle to the knee and affects the normal growth. In the worst case, knock-knees can later lead to knee and hip problems too. With special heels corrective inserts and gymnastics encountered the foot deformity.

In rickets the bone structure is disturbed by a lack of vitamin -D. The bone does not harden properly and can not carry the body weight. The consequences can be both knock-knees and bow legs. Even the non triggered by a vitamin D deficiency hypophosphatasia (or phosphatase deficiency rickets ) may lead to a pronounced knock-knee position.

The polio can cause knock-knees.

Follow a bend

This can result in osteoarthritis of the knee ( gonarthrosis ). In an X - leg of the outer femur trochanter ( lateral femoral condyle ) is more heavily loaded. Thus, the lateral meniscus is more stressed and there is a lateral gonarthrosis. In a bow-leg of the inner femur trochanter ( medial femoral condyle ) is more heavily loaded. Thus, the medial meniscus is more stressed and there is a centripetal gonarthrosis.