Bowleg
Alternate Names : Genu Varum, Bandy Leg
Bowleg refers to an outward curving, or bowing, of the legs. It is
due to a deformity of the knees.
What is going on in the body?
During infancy, bowleg is normal. The condition usually corrects
itself over the first few years of life. In an adult with bowleg, the knee alignment
is not normal. The lower leg curves outward from the thigh, moving the knees
farther apart.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
The deformity can result from arthritis
that affects the inside of the knee more than the outside. This causes
wearing of the inner joint cartilage and bone. The problem can also come
about when a fractured leg bone heals with an outward curvature. An injury to
the growth plate of a child's knee joint, particularly on the inside, can lead to
unbalanced growth of the bone. This can also cause the legs to bow. Bowlegs
are associated with rickets
as well. Rickets is a childhood bone disease that stems from a lack of
vitamin D
in the diet.
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