Bowing of the Knee (Genu Varum)

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• An obvious gap between the knees when standing with the feet together
• There is usually no pain
• Worsening deformity with time if left untreated

Treatment

Surgical treatments include:

• A cut in the bone for realignment (Osteotomy). They may be necessary for an older adolescent who has stopped growing.
• Temporary tether of the normal outer growth plate at the knee in a younger child or a permanent tether in an older child

Complications and Related Diseases

• Adolescent bowing of the knee may be painful.
• Complications occasionally seen after surgery include:
  • Compartment syndrome (increased pressure in a muscle compartment)
  • Growth disturbance.
  • Infection
  • Recurrence of deformity
• Untreated bowing of the knee may cause pain on the medial part of the knee and arthritis during adulthood.