Angular deformity

What are angular deformities around the knee?

Abnormal bending or misalignment of the knee in different planes, including sagittal and frontal.

What mechanical issue do angular deformities cause?

They cause a shift in the mechanical axis of the leg, leading to abnormal joint loading.

What are the social issues associated with angular deformities?

Poor appearance, loss of self-esteem, and in extreme cases, depression or suicide.

What is the mechanical axis of the lower limb?

An imaginary straight line from the hip to the ankle, passing through the knee.

What is the physiologic cause of angular deformities in newborns?

Normal bowlegs (varus) present from 0-1 years.

At what age do knees typically settle to a slight valgus?

By 9 years.

What is Blount’s disease?

A condition that causes progressive bowing of the legs due to abnormal growth, particularly on the medial side of the tibia.

What is a common treatment approach for physiologic deformities?

Usually self-corrects with growth, requiring watchful waiting and counseling.

What are common signs of Rickets?

Frontal bossing, cupping at the wrist bones, and rickety rosary beads.

What surgical options are available for pathologic angular deformities?

Epiphyseal stapling, epiphysiodesis, and corrective osteotomy.

What does an epiphysiodesis involve?

Permanent fusion of the growth plate to stop uneven growth.

What are the two types of osteotomy for correcting angular deformities?

Closing wedge osteotomy and opening wedge osteotomy.

What is the Ilizarov technique?

A modern treatment method using rings and pins to gradually correct severe deformities.

What is the usual outcome for normal angular deformities by age 12?

They should be completely resolved, but some may still have a mild deformity.

What is the main treatment for Rickets?

Nutritional correction, with surgery only if the deformity persists.

What can cause damage to the growth plate leading to deformities?

Trauma or infections that impact the physis.

What is a potential complication of corrective osteotomy?

Compartment syndrome, nerve or blood vessel injury, or non-union.

What is a common characteristic of deformities in overweight children?

Blount’s disease, leading to progressive bowing of the legs.

When do knock-knees (valgus) typically develop in children?

Between the ages of 2 to 4 years.

Why is early diagnosis important in growth plate injuries?

It leads to better outcomes in treatment.