- Idiopathic (physiological) genu valgum, which is also the most common form in adults.
- Advanced knee osteoarthritis that disrupts joint stability.
- Post-traumatic deformities due to previous fractures of the thigh bone (femur) or tibia.
- Various systemic bone diseases that affect their structure and strength.
- Combination with other deformities such as knee hyperextension or rotation.
- Asymmetrical development that can lead to unilateral deformity and leg length discrepancy.
The team of top orthopedists at Medical Time Hospital provides precise diagnostics and a personalized surgical treatment plan.
A true knock knee shape, clinically known as valgus deformity or genu valgum, is defined by a clear gap between the feet while the person stands upright with the knees completely touching. This deformity should not be viewed solely as an aesthetic issue. The disrupted axis of the leg leads to asymmetrical joint loading. The main goal of modern correction methods is to prevent the progression of knee osteoarthritis later in life, which drastically improves the quality of life. The surgical approach is carefully planned based on detailed X-ray analysis and may include interventions on the thigh bone (femur) or shin bone (tibia).
Main causes of genu valgum deformity
How to recognize the shape of the legs?
You can make a preliminary assessment of your leg shape according to the classification (Dr. Artemie, 2001) and consult an orthopedist about the need for correction.
Ideal legs: Knees, calves, and ankles touch lightly, forming three natural gaps between the legs.
True knock knees (genu valgum): Knees touch, while feet are significantly separated. The most common cause is a femur deformity.
True bow legs (genu varum): Knees do not touch when the feet are together, mainly due to a tibia deformity below the knee.
False curvature: This is not a bone deformity; the visual effect is caused by the specific distribution of muscles and soft tissues in the lower leg.
Important note for patients: Knock knees are much more common among residents of Europe and North America. Precise X-ray analysis is the first and most important step towards successful surgical correction.
What does surgical correction (Osteotomy) look like?
Surgical treatment (osteotomy) is planned strictly on an individual basis, depending on which part of the bone is causing the deformity.
If the main cause is a deformity of the thigh bone (femur), the osteotomy is positioned and performed just above the knee.
If the problem is in the lower leg, tibia correction is performed below the knee. This procedure is technically simpler and carries a lower risk of complications compared to femur surgery.
However, with pronounced valgus deformity, it is necessary to surgically correct the segment of the bone that is most affected to achieve ideal walking mechanics.
The technique itself and postoperative care are very similar to those for bow leg (genu varum) correction, with a proven high success rate.
Importance of treatment and postoperative recovery
Untreated valgus deformity leads to gait disturbances, pain, and an extremely high risk of knee osteoarthritis in the long term.
After surgical correction, body weight is once again properly distributed across the joint surfaces, which eliminates pain and stops cartilage degeneration.
Recovery involves a guided physical therapy program and gradually bearing weight on the operated leg using orthopedic aids.
Once the bone healing process is complete, patients report not only the disappearance of symptoms but also great satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome.
Advantages of knock knee correction
- Prevention of early osteoarthritis development and cartilage destruction
- Establishing proper gait biomechanics and eliminating pain
- Dramatic improvement in the aesthetic appearance of the legs and self-confidence
- Correction of associated problems, such as leg length discrepancy
- A long-term solution that can delay the need for an artificial joint replacement
- High success rate thanks to modern osteotomy techniques
Frequently asked questions about knock knee correction
No. Although the aesthetic result is highly visible and significant for the patient, the primary goal of the surgery is medical — establishing the correct leg axis to prevent premature joint wear and the development of knee osteoarthritis.
True knock knees occur due to a bone deformity (usually the femur), causing the knees to touch while the feet are separated. In a false curvature, the bones are perfectly straight, but the specific distribution of muscles and soft tissue creates the optical illusion of crooked legs. An X-ray clearly separates these two conditions.
The approach depends on where the deformity is most pronounced. If the problem is in the thigh bone (femur), the surgery is performed above the knee. If the problem is in the lower leg (tibia), the incision is made below the knee.
Surgical correction of the tibia (below the knee) is technically somewhat simpler and statistically carries a lower risk of complications. However, the segment causing the deformity must be operated on for the outcome to be successful.
Yes, knock knee correction is basically very similar to bow leg correction. Therefore, the operative techniques, tools used, as well as the postoperative course and physical therapy are almost identical.
Idiopathic genu valgum is a physiological form of knock knees for which there is no clear underlying cause like trauma or systemic disease. This form is very common, especially among residents of Europe and North America.
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