Knock Knees
Knock knees are also called as genu valgum. It is seen when the knees are close together and space between the ankles is increased. During developmental stage around age of 2 to 2.5 yrs child’s leg alignment start growing in a particular direction and by age of 3 to 3.5 yrs become progressively knock kneed. Around age of 6 to 7 yrs you can notice alignment become normal.
Bow knees
Bowlegs are when the knees are curved out and space between the ankles is decreased and also called as genu varum. Bowlegs in children under 2 is a normal part of development. You may notice the bowing getting worse by 18 months. However, the bowing will slowly improve starting around 18 months of age.
What are the causes of Knock Knee, Bow Knee
- Rickets (vitamin D deficiency)
- Growth plate injury
- Skeletal dysplasia
- Blunt disease
- Achondroplasia
How do doctors diagnose Knock Knee, Bow Knee
A paediatric orthopaedic surgeon can diagnose bowlegs and knock-knees through a physical exam and with investigations like X-rays.
When you should consult a doctor for Knock Knee, Bow Knee ?
- The curvature is extreme.
- Only one side is affected.
- If bowlegs get worse after age two years.
- Knock-knees persist after age seven years.
- Your child also is unusually short for his/her age.
If your child fits any of these criteria, consult your paediatrician. In some cases, treatment, including referral to a paediatric orthopaedist, may be needed.
Points to remember :
- Bowlegs and knocks-knees are very common in children.
- Bowlegs and knock-knees typically improve around age 6 or 7.
- Older children with significant knock-knees or bowlegs may require
surgery to correct their alignment.
