A 6-year-old male is brought into your office for evaluation of his gait. You note that when ambulatory, the medial aspects of his knees are far apart and his feet are unusually close together. Which of the following best describes this condition?
- cubitus valgus
- cubitus varus
- genu valgus
- genu varum
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Answer: D
Genu varum
This is genu varum (bow legs). Valgus deformity forms an "L" in the knock-kneed child and has an "L" in the middle of it (try it, it works)
Know Your Content Blueprint
You can read more about disorders of the knee as part of the NCCPA™ Content Blueprint Musculoskeletal System (10%)
Review Topic: Disorders of the Knee (PEARLS)