genu valgum

genu /ge·nu/ (je´nu) pl. ge´nua   [L.]

1. the knee.

2. any kneelike structure.

---

genu extror´sum  bowleg.

genu intror´sum  knock-knee.

genu recurva´tum  hyperextensibility of the knee joint.

genu val´gum  knock-knee.

genu va´rum  bowleg.

---

genu val·gum (vlgm)

n.

Knock-knee.

---

Genu valgum

Deformity in which the legs are curved inward so that the knees are close together, nearly or actually knocking as a person walks with ankles widely apart of each other.

Mentioned in: Heel Spurs

---

genu valgum

Etymology: L, genu, knee, valgus, bent inward

a deformity in which the legs are curved inward at the knee so that the knees are close together and strike each other as the person walks, and the ankles are widely separated. Also called knock-knee, valgus deformity.

---

Knock Knees

An internal deviation of the knee joint and outward angulation of the lower legs—the knees touch, the ankles are separated; some degree of knock knee is present in all children from 2 to 6 years of age; most autocorrect with time. The degree of knock knee is determined by measuring the distance between the medial malleoli—ankles; knock knee may be seen in Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, rickets, or a complication of epiphysiodesis

---

genu [je´nu] (pl. ge´nua) (L.)

knee.

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.

---

genu

pl. genua [L.] the knee.

---

genu extrorsum

bowleg.

genu of facial nerve

the bend in the facial nerve at the lateral end of the internal acoustic meatus.

genu introrsum

knock-knee.

genu recurvatum

hyperextensibility of the knee joint.

genu valgum

knock-knee.

genu varum

bowleg.

---

genu valgum

Knock knees Orthopedics A frontal plane deformity at the knee in which the distal tibia is directed away from the midline/median sagittal plane; GV is usually associated with coxa vara–the knees are together and ankles apart and the Pt has an awkward gait, where the knees rubbing together ↑ side-to-side movement of the pelvis and trunk. See Coxa vara.