knock-knee

knock-knee

 [nok´ne]

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. Called also genu valgum.

Knock-knee 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, knock-knee 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.

ge·nu val·'gum

a deformity marked by lateral angulation of the leg in relation to the thigh.

Synonym(s): knock-knee, tibia valga

knock-knee

(nok´ne) genu valgum; a deformity of the thigh or leg, or both, in which the knees are abnormally close together and the space between the ankles is increased.

knock-knee

(nŏk′nē′)

n.

A deformity of the legs in which the knees are abnormally close together and the ankles are spread widely apart.

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knock′-kneed′ adj.

knock-knee

See genu valgum.

ge·nu val·gum

(jē'nyū val'gŭm)

A deformity marked by lateral angulation of the leg in relation to the thigh.
Synonym(s): knock-knee, tibia valga.

knock-knee

See GENU VALGUM.

knock-knee

the knees approximate and the fetlocks are wide apart. Called also genu valgum.