knock-knee


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Related to knock-knee: genu valgum

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

(nŏk′nē′)
n.
A deformity of the legs in which the knees are abnormally close together and the ankles are spread widely apart.
knock′-kneed′ adj.

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.
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References in periodicals archive ?
For instance, from birth to one and half years, they tend to be bowed but this is usually slight bowing which turns into knock-knees at three years.
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* This is followed by a period of knock-knees, which will also correct.
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Many young children have knock-knees, but their legs straighten by the age of six or seven.
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In adulthood, knock-knees only need treatment if they're causing problems.
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Knock-knees - or genu valgum to use the medical term - are rarely anything to worry about.
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Knock-knees, in which a child's legs curve in at the knees is common between the ages of three and seven.
In-toeing and bowlegs usually disappear by age three to four and knock-knees by age 11-12.
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I always draw women in mini-skirts with knock-knees." By SARAH HEY
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