Valgus Knee

Original Editor - Yesmine Gouddi

Top Contributors - Yesmine Gouddi and Sehriban Ozmen  

Definition

Valgus knee or knock knee is a lower leg deformity that exists when the bone at the knee joint is angled out and away from the body's midline. This deformity is defined as a valgus angle equal to or greater than 10°

The valgus deformity is resulted of anatomical variations : bone tissue remodelling and soft tissue contraction/elongation.

Bone tissue remodelling:

• Lateral femoral condyle deficiency with external rotation deformity of the tibia and lateral tibial plateau deficiency as well.
• The patellofemoral joint can be affected with lateral subluxation of the patella and trochlear blunting secondary to lateral femoral condylar wear.

Soft tissue contraction/elongation:

• The lateral side is contracted including the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), popliteus tendon, posterolateral capsule, iliotibial band (IT band), and posterior capsule.
• The medial side, the soft tissue are attenuated, the medial collateral ligament (MCL) .

Classification:

There are numerous grading systems used for the classification of the knee deformaty that depend on the severiry of deformation and the soft tissue involeved. But the most recent one descibes three grades of valgus deformity that depend on the degree of the angle .

• Grade I: the deviation is less than 10°, passively correctable, with contracture of the lateral soft tissue but without elongation of the medial collateral ligament.
• Grade II: the axial deviation ranges between 10 and 20°, the lateral structures are contracted and the MCL is elongated but functional.
• Grade III: the axial deformity is greater than 20°, the lateral structures are tight and the medial stabilisers are not functional.

Diagnostic Procedures:

X-Rays will help confirm the diagnosis, images of the hip and the ankle also should be taken.

Physical examination should be performed with the patient both seated and standing. Take note of:

• The Degree of Q angle of genu valgum with a goniometer on the lateral side of the thigh-leg, the distance between the medial maleolli with the knee just touching.
• the gait should be observed, in order to identify other dynamic instabilities.
• Any sagittal deformity like flexion contracture or recurvatum, as well as any rotational deformity.
• The knee should be evaluated for anteroposterior laxity, range of motion (ROM), coronal and sagittal deformity, and mediolateral instability.

Causes and Contributing Factors:

1. Developmental – physiologic, no intrinsic bone disease or congenital anomaly.
2. Congenital – due to longitudinal deficiency of the fibula.
3. Iliotibial band contracture.
4. Trauma
   • Malunion of fracture
   • Growth stimulation by greenstick fracture of the proximal tibial metaphysic
   • Asymmetric growth arrest due to fracture-separation involving the lateral segment of the upper tibial physis or distal femoral physis.
5. Infection – causing asymmetric growth disturbance.
6. Arthritis of knee – rheumatoid, hemophylia
7. Metabolic bone disease.

Management:

Treatment for genu valgum depends on the causes and severity of your symptoms.

1. Non-operative treatment

- Conservative management:With an orthosis like a brace or a splint has been suggested for children under 8 years old to help bone growth , but there is no evidence to substantiate the efficacy of this method.

-Physical Therapy: Exercise can help realign and stabilize the knees. depending on the deformaty and the cause , the therapist suggest exercises designed to strengthen the leg, hip, and thigh muscles. Specific stretches may also be useful in relieving symptoms. Posture of the leg can help reduce the angle .