Knock Knees

What is knock knee?

A person with knock knees (genu valgum) has a large gap between their feet when they're standing with their knees together.

Many young children have knock knees, which tend to be most obvious at around the age of 4.

It's almost always just a normal part of their development, and their legs will normally straighten by the age of 6 or 7.

Slight knock knees can continue into adulthood, but this also isn't usually anything to worry about unless it causes other problems.

However, knock knees can very occasionally be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment, especially if the condition develops in older children or adults, or doesn't improve with age.

Natasha Genu Valgus treatment by Dr GAURAV JAIN

Once upon a time, in a small town brimming with joy and laughter, there lived a lively and spirited little girl named Natasha. Natasha's world was filled with boundless curiosity and a zest for life, but she faced a physical challenge that hindered her ability to fully embrace the adventures that awaited her. Natasha had been diagnosed with genu valgus deformity, a condition that caused her legs to bend outward and made walking and running difficult.


Her parents, determined to provide their daughter with the best care, sought out the expertise of Dr. Gaurav Jain, a renowned orthopedic specialist known for his innovative treatments and compassionate approach to pediatric care.


Upon meeting Natasha, Dr. Jain was captivated by her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering determination. He carefully assessed her condition and proposed a unique and effective solution – growth modulation plating.


With the support and guidance of her parents, Natasha embarked on a journey towards healing. Under the skillful hands of Dr. Jain, the growth modulation plating procedure was performed, which involved the placement of special plates and screws to correct the alignment of her legs.


Throughout the treatment process, Dr. Gaurav Jain provided unwavering support and reassurance to Natasha and her family. He patiently explained each step of the procedure, addressing their concerns and answering their questions with empathy and kindness.


As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Natasha's legs began to straighten gradually. Her once-difficult steps transformed into confident strides, and her smile grew brighter with each milestone achieved.


Natasha's remarkable progress inspired not only her family but also others who witnessed her journey. Her resilience and bravery became a beacon of hope for children and parents facing similar challenges. Dr. Gaurav Jain's expertise and innovative approach had not only corrected Natasha's physical deformity but also provided her with the opportunity to explore the world with newfound freedom.


With her legs now aligned, Natasha soared to new heights. She ran through fields, climbed trees, and danced with unbridled joy. Her parents watched in awe as their little girl fearlessly pursued her dreams, embracing every moment with sheer determination and a deep appreciation for the gift of mobility.


Natasha's story serves as a testament to the transformative power of skilled medical intervention and the unwavering spirit of a child. Through the guidance and expertise of Dr. Gaurav Jain, Natasha's life was forever changed. She not only conquered her physical challenge but also blossomed into a confident, resilient, and unstoppable force of nature.


Today, Natasha continues to inspire others with her infectious laughter, boundless energy, and unwavering spirit. She serves as a reminder that with the right care, support, and belief in oneself, any obstacle can be overcome.


As Natasha continues to grow and embark on new adventures, she carries with her the profound gratitude for Dr. Gaurav Jain, the dedicated orthopedic specialist who transformed her life. Her journey remains a remarkable and inspiring testament to the remarkable impact that skilled medical care and unwavering determination can have on a young child's life.

Are knock knees normal?

Temporarily knocked knees are part of a standard developmental growth stage for most children. This usually corrects itself as the child grows. Knock knees that persist beyond six years of age, are severe or affect one leg significantly more than the other may be a sign of knock-knee syndrome.

Most children experience normal angular changes in their legs as they grow. Children are typically bowlegged until they begin walking at around 12 to 18 months. By about 2 to 3 years of age, their legs have usually begun to angle inward, making them knock-kneed. During normal growth phases, the child's legs will straighten out by age 7 to 8.

Knock knees that remain outside of these normal developmental growth patterns may be caused by disease, infection or other conditions. If the angle of the legs from hip to foot falls outside normal patterns, worsens over time, or is present on only one side of the body, this suggests a person has a more serious form of knock knees, and further evaluation by an orthopedic specialist may be necessary. Surgery may be needed to treat the condition.

What causes knock knee?

Knock knee can be caused by an underlying congenital or developmental disease or arise after an infection or a traumatic knee injury. Common causes of knock knees include:

 

Being overweight or obese can also put extra pressure on the knees and contribute to knock knee.

What are the symptoms of knock knee?

The most prominent symptom of knock knee is a separation of a person’s ankles when their knees are positioned together. Other symptoms, including pain, are often a result of the gait (manner of walking) adopted by people with knock knees.

These symptoms may include:

 

A person may also have other symptoms from an underlying condition that is causing the knock-knee syndrome. In people of all age groups who have knock knees, one or both knees is abnormally overloaded. This excessive force can lead to pain, further bone deformity, knee instability and progressive degeneration of the knee joint. In particular, adult patients who have been knock-kneed for many years often overload the outside (lateral compartment) of the knee, and stretch the inside (medial collateral ligament – MCL). These forces can cause pain, knee instability and arthritis.

How is knock knee diagnosed?

An orthopedic specialist will review the patient’s medical and family history, any pre-existing conditions and current health. They will also do a physical examination of the legs and gait. Standing-alignment X-ray or EOS images will help confirm the diagnosis. These are radiological images of the leg from hip down to the ankle, which help the doctor locate the exact location and mechanical axis of the deformity. 

How is knock knee treated?

Treating the underlying cause

If knock knees are caused by an underlying condition, treatment for this may be necessary. For example, rickets can be treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements.


Surgery

Surgery for knock knees is rarely necessary, although it may be recommended if the condition is severe or persistent.

There are 2 main types of operation that may be carried out:

Children with persistent knock knees who are still rapidly growing are more likely to be offered the guided growth operation. Osteotomies are mainly used for adults with severe knock knees.

Both procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you or your child will be unconscious while having the operation.

A child can usually start walking again within a few days of having a guided growth procedure and return to sports within a few weeks. It can take a few months to return to all your normal activities after having an osteotomy.