Angular Deformities of the Lower Limb in Children

Abstract

Angular deformities of the lower limbs are common during childhood. In most cases this represents a variation in the normal growth pattern and is an entirely benign condition. Presence of symmetrical deformities and absence of symptoms, joint stiffness, systemic disorders or syndromes indicates a benign condition with excellent long-term outcome. In contrast, deformities which are asymmetrical and associated with pain, joint stiffness, systemic disorders or syndromes may indicate a serious underlying cause and require treatment.Little is known about the relationship between sport participation and body adaptations during growth. Intense soccer participation increases the degree of genu varum in males from the age of 16. Since, according to some investigations, genu varum predisposes individuals to more injuries, efforts to reduce the development of genu varum in soccer players are warranted. In this article major topics of angular deformities of the knees in pediatric population are practically reviewed.

The effects of pediatric obesity on dynamic joint malalignment during gait

“…together and their feet spaced farther apart, thus maintaining a genu valgum position throughout functional movement (Espandar et al, 2010). The wider stance associated with genu valgum malalignment has also been noted in obesity research and is considered a strategy for increasing dynamic stability in obese children (Deforche et al, 2009.…”

Blount's disease: The importance of early diagnosis and early treatment

“…Clinicians should retain a high index of suspicion when a child ≥3 years old presents with severe, asymmetric, varus deformity focused at proximal tibia. Radiologic findings that can help clinicians to distinguish between physiologic genu varum and cases of early onset of Blount's disease are the medial tibial metaphyseal “beaking” and fragmentation (Langenskiold classification I‐VI) and the tibial metaphyseal‐diaphyseal angle (<11 degrees physiologic bowing, >16 degrees consistent with Blount's disease and higher chance of progression) …”

Presença da fisioterapia preventiva no contexto escolar: educação e prevenção em saúde

“…Espandar et al 13 em seu artigo de revisão observou que o joelho varo e o joelho valgo são deformidades angulares comuns durante a infância, mas geralmente trazem preocupações para os pais. Essas deformidades de natureza benigna representam variações normais do crescimento e desenvolvimento da criança, não necessitando de tratamento, apenas observação por parte dos profissionais da saúde.…”