Genu Varum

Custom Search

Genu Varum is also known as Bow Leg. It is a deformity wherein there is lateral bowing of the legs at the knee.

This is usually due to defective growth of the medial side of the epiphyseal plate. It is commonly seen unilaterally and seen in conditions such as Rickets, Paget's disease and severe degree osteoarthritis of the knee.

The degree of deformity is measured by the distance between the two medial femoral condyles when the patient is lying.

Treatment of Bow legs

Generally, no treatment is required for idiopathic presentation as it is a normal anatomical variant in young children. Treatment is indicated when its persists beyond 3 and half years old, Unilateral presentation, or progressive worsening of the curvature. During childhood, assure the proper intake of vitamin D to prevent rickets.

Mild degree of deformity can be treated by wearing surgical shoes with 3/8" outer raised and with a long inner rod extending to the groin and leather straps across the tibia and the knee. Corrective operations can also be performed, if necessary. The person would need to wear casts or braces following the operation.

Post operative Physiotherapy

• Gradual knee mobilization is the main part of the treatment.
• Some heat modalities may be given for relief of pain.
• Strengthening exercises for quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus muscles are given.
• When the patient is able to walk, he is given correct training for standing, balancing, weight transferring and walking.

Return from Genu Varum to orthopedic Physical Therapy