DR. RIA MASLOG
Genu varum vs Genu valgum
Genu varum is the medical term for bowleg. Mild bowleggedness may be observed in infants and toddlers and may persist up to two years. It may even be accompanied by toeing in but many of these cases straighten out eventually within genetic limits.
Genu valgum is the other term for knock-knee. Just like in bowlegs, knock-knees may undergo spontaneous correction. It is more common in the female and many girls grow to maturity with residual knock-knees.
Both conditions should be thoroughly evaluated by a specialist to rule out rickets in which case the underlying problem should be given primary attention.
To test for bowleggedness, the child is placed on its back with both legs extended and ankles are held together. If the space between both knees is about an inch and a half, these cases should be closely followed up and referral to a specialist should be done for proper intervention.
In knock-knee situations, the child stands on both feet with the thighs and knees touching. The feet will be displaced laterally instead of falling along the axis of weight-bearing.