As a parent, noticing anything unusual about your child’s development can be concerning. Knock-knees, or genu valgum, is a condition where a child’s legs curve inward at the knees while the ankles remain apart. It’s a common developmental phase for many toddlers, but it can also arise from underlying health issues. In this article, we’ll explore what knock-knees are, how they’re diagnosed, and the treatment options available.
Understanding Knock-Knees
The normal alignment of the legs features a straight line from the hips to the ankles, passing through the center of the knees. Knock-knees occur when this line deviates outward, causing the knees to touch while the ankles stay apart. This can be contrasted with bowlegs, where the line deviates inward. While many toddlers display this as part of their normal growth, it typically resolves itself by the elementary school years. However, persistent or severe cases may need medical attention.
Causes of Knock-Knees in Children
Knock-knees can develop due to several reasons:
- Normal Development: Most toddlers have knock-knees that peak around age three to four and naturally correct over time.
- Idiopathic Causes: Sometimes appearing during adolescence without a known cause.
- Nutritional Issues: Such as vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to rickets, affecting bone strength and shape.
- Renal Rickets: Associated with kidney problems and poor management of calcium and phosphorus in the body.
- Hypophosphatemic Rickets: A resistant form of rickets not cured by normal vitamin D supplementation.
Diagnosis of Knock-Knees
The condition is primarily identified through visual examination—knees touching, but ankles apart. A definitive diagnosis is typically achieved with a standing X-ray, which helps in assessing the alignment and pinpointing whether the deviation originates from the femur or the tibia. Growth plates on X-rays, which are crucial for bone development, also provide essential clues. Abnormalities here may prompt further investigations like blood tests to evaluate for nutritional deficiencies or kidney function issues.
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored based on the cause and severity:
- Observation: Many children do not require any intervention, as the condition resolves naturally.
- Nutritional Management: For vitamin deficiencies, supplementation is the primary treatment.
- Medical Treatment: For more complex cases like renal or resistant rickets, specific medications may be necessary.
- Surgical Intervention: If non-surgical methods fail, procedures like guided growth can be effective in correcting the alignment.
Guided Growth Surgery
This minimally invasive surgery is a common solution for correcting more persistent forms of knock-knees. It involves the placement of a small plate or screw adjacent to the growth plate of the bone. These devices slightly alter the growth pattern, allowing the bone to gradually straighten over time.
What Happens During and After Surgery?
The surgery usually takes less than an hour under general anesthesia, with a small incision made to insert the hardware. Recovery is swift, allowing children to resume normal activities within a few weeks, although contact sports should be avoided for a short period.
Follow-Up Care
Regular doctor visits post-surgery are crucial to monitor the correction process and avoid overcorrection. Once the desired alignment is achieved, the hardware is removed in a simple procedure.
What is Rebound?
Rebound refers to the possibility of the condition reappearing after treatment. In such cases, the surgeon might opt for a partial removal of the implant, making future reinsertions simpler if needed.
Living with Knock-Knees
Most children with knock-knees or bowlegs develop normally without any lasting issues. However, those with underlying conditions might require more intensive treatment to prevent long-term complications.
Bring Us Any Questions You Have
By keeping informed and consulting with specialists like those at Pediatric Orthopedic Specialists in Park City, UT, parents can ensure their children receive the best possible care for their growing needs.
While knock-knees in children can be a source of concern for parents, this is often a normal part of childhood development. However, persistent or severe cases should be evaluated by a pediatric orthopedic specialist to determine if treatment is needed. With modern medical advancements, children with knock-knees can lead active, healthy lives without limitation.
