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bowleg

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bowleg /bow·leg/ (bo´leg) genu varum; an outward curvature of one or both legs near the knee.
bow·leg (blg)
n.
A leg having an outward curvature in the region of the knee.

bowleg.

Bowleg
External deviation of the knee(s); a certain degree is normally present in infants, and corrects itself with bipedal ambulation; when excessive, rickets is considered—vitamin D-induced osteomalacia allows bending of the femoral shaft bearing the mechanical brunt of ambulatory kinetics; when combined with anterior curvature of the tibia and fibula, the children have a ‘saddle-sore’ stance; anterior or antero-lateral bowing of the tibia may occur in neurofibromatosis with fractures, which may be complicated by pseudoarthrosis

genu [je´nu] (pl. ge´nua) (L.)
genu extror´sum genu varum.
genu intror´sum genu valgum.
genu recurva´tum hyperextensibility of the knee joint.
genu val´gum a childhood deformity, developing gradually, in which the knees rub together or “knock” in walking and the ankles are far apart; the most common causes are irregularity in growth of the long bones of the lower limb (sometimes from injury to the bone ends at the knee) and weak ligaments. The weight of the body, which is not supported properly, turns the knees in and the weak lower legs buckle until the ankles are spread far apart. See illustration. Called also knock-knee.

Genu valgum in young children varies in seriousness. Milder cases may disappear after early childhood as bones, ligaments, and muscles strengthen and coordination improves. More serious cases can often be corrected by strengthening exercises and by proper manipulation of the joints. Sometimes braces are used to ensure the proper alignment of growing legs. In a very young child, genu valgum involves only the soft bone ends where the bone grows. If allowed to continue for a number of years, the condition can lead to abnormal developments in body structure. The sooner corrective measures are taken, the more effective the treatment is likely to be.
Genu varum and genu valgum. From Copstead and Banasik, 2000.
genu va´rum an outward curvature of one or both lower limbs near the knee; see illustration. Called also bowleg.

bowleg
an outward curvature of one or both legs near the knee; genu varum.

bowleg
Genu varum Orthopedics External deviation of the knee(s); a certain degree is normally present in infants, and corrects itself with bipedal ambulation; when excessive, rickets is considered–vitamin D-induced osteomalacia allows bending of the femoral shaft bearing the mechanical brunt of ambulatory kinetics; when combined with anterior curvature of the tibia and fibula, the children have a 'saddle-sore' stance; anterior or antero-lateral bowing of the tibia may occur in neurofibromatosis with fractures, which may be complicated by pseudoarthrosis


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Pole Mountain also offers optional Bowleg extensions that allow vertical use with non-parallel limb bows.
General practitioners are often asked to assess bowleg and knock-knee deformities in infants, children and adolescents.
 
 
 
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