Bowlegs
What are bowlegs (O- and X-shaped legs)?
Bowlegs are broadly divided into O-shaped legs and X-shaped legs. O-shaped legs, or genu varum, is when the feet touch but the knees do not when standing at attention, while X-shaped legs, or genu valgum, is when the feet do not touch when the knees are brought together. In addition there is genu recurvatum, seen in children and women, in which the ligaments at the knee joint weaken and the knee bends severely backward.
Causes
Congenital factors
- If there is a family history
- Bowed legs caused by nerve or muscle problems
Acquired factors
(Applies to most)
(Applies to most)
- A floor-sitting lifestyle, or being carried on the back often as an infant
- Lack of exercise
- A curved spine (scoliosis) or a twisted pelvis: in women, hip joint distortion from poor postpartum care, etc.
- Poor postural habits: regularly wearing shoes that do not fit, an incorrect walking habit, crossing the legs, slouching, reading or watching TV while lying face down
Bowlegs treatment method: High tibial osteotomy
In this treatment, the upper part of the shinbone where it meets the knee joint is cut, the distorted joint angle is corrected back to normal, and the pressure that had been placed on the inner side of the knee joint is redistributed.
- 1
- Maintain dislocation-prevention postures for 3 months after surgery.
- 2
- Regular check-ups remain essential even after surgery.
View treatment details
Non-surgical Treatment
Surgical Treatment