genu
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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 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.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
ge·nu
, gen.ge·'nus
, pl.gen·u·a
(jē'nū, jēnŭs, jen'ū-ă), [TA]1. The place of articulation between the thigh and the leg.
See also: knee joint, geniculum. Synonym(s): knee (1) [TA]
See also: knee joint, geniculum. Synonym(s): knee (1) [TA]
2. Any structure of angular shape resembling a flexed knee.
[L.]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
ge·nu
, pl. genua (jē'nyū, -ă) [TA]1. The joint between the thigh and the leg.
Synonym(s): knee (1) [TA] .
Synonym(s): knee (1) [TA] .
[L.]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
genu
(je'nu) plural.genua [L.]1. The knee.
2. Any structure of angular form resembling a bent knee.
genu recurvatum
Hyperextension at the knee joint.
See: illustrationgenu valgum
Valgus knee.genu varum
Varus knee.Medical Dictionary, © 2009 Farlex and Partners
genu
A knee or any knee-like or bent anatomical structure.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
ge·nu
, pl. genua (jē'nyū, -ă) [TA]1. The joint between the thigh and the leg.
Synonym(s): knee (1) [TA] .
Synonym(s): knee (1) [TA] .
2. Any structure of angular shape resembling a flexed knee.
[L.]
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012