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| Definition: |
An outward angulation of the lower legs such that when the knees are touching the ankles are separated.
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| Alternative Names: |
Genu valgum
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
By the time the child is 2 or 3 years old most children develop a slight knock-kneed stance, often with significant separation at the ankles when the knees are touching. This is part of normal development and often persists through age 5 or 6, at which time the legs begin to straighten fully. By puberty, most children can stand with the knees and ankles touching (without forcing the position).
Knock-knees can also develop as a result of disease processes. Most often the precipitating condition has already been diagnosed and the knock-knees are recognized as a symptom of the condition. |
| Symptoms: |
- separation at the ankles when the child stands with the knees touching
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| Signs and tests: |
| If the history and a physical examination indicate a specific cause for the knock knees other than normal development, your health care provider will order the appropriate studies. |
| Treatment: |
| The condition is usually not treated. Surgery may be considered for a condition that persists beyond late childhood and in which the separation between the ankles is severe. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Physiological knock-knees normally resolves without intervention. For cases requiring surgery, the procedure provides excellent cosmetic results. |
| Complications: |
- difficulty walking (very rare)
- self-esteem changes related to cosmetic effect of knock-knees
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call your health care provider to schedule an evaluation if you suspect your child has knock-knees. |
| Prevention: |
| There is no known prevention for normal knock-knees. |
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Review Date: 9/1/2001
Reviewed By: David M. Scher, M.D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU-Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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