Valgus Knee (Valgus Knee) may not be familiar, but it can be found in people of all ages from various causes. In children, it may occur due to normal variation during the ages of 3 – 5 years. After that, as they grow older, the knees usually straighten out. However, in adults, valgus knee can affect long-term knee health. If abnormalities are detected, a knee health check should be done promptly for treatment planning.
What is Valgus Knee?
Valgus knee (Valgus Knee) is a knee abnormality that is clearly noticeable. Characteristics include:
- Inward bending knees: Both legs bend towards each other at the knees, also known as Knocked Knee.
- Outward bending feet: Both ankles bend outwards, making both legs resemble an “X”.
There may be patients with one inward bent knee and the other knee outward bent, known as “Windswept Deformity”.
Forms of Valgus Knee Deformity
Valgus knee has various morphologies (Morphology) or external shapes:
- Loss of bone or incomplete growth of the outer femoral condyle (Lateral Femoral Condyle) or the lateral tibial plateau (Lateral Tibial Plateau).
- Inward knee bending at the metaphysis level (Valgus Angulations at Metaphyseal Level).
- Imbalance of soft tissues around the knee, with tightening of the lateral structures (Tight Lateral Structures) and/or laxity of the medial structures (Attenuated Medial Structures).
Valgus knee may cause the patella to deviate from the center, resulting in pressure and pain at the front of the knee. The force line in valgus knee patients is often more on the lateral side of the knee, increasing the chance of cartilage degeneration.
Causes of Valgus Knee
Valgus knee can be caused by various factors:
- Osteoarthritis from cartilage degeneration and wear in the knee joint.
- Knee joint injuries, repetitive injuries, or severe injuries to the knee, or bone malunion after an accident.
- Overweight.
- Congenital bone abnormalities.
- Genetics.
- Vitamin D deficiency.
- Kidney failure.
- Arthritis.
- History of bone infections.
- Bone tumors.
- Etc.
How to Check for Valgus Knee
Doctors will conduct a thorough history taking, including pain characteristics and injuries, before examining the knee joint to assess its condition and provide advice for treatment. If abnormalities are found, doctors may perform an X-ray of the knee to consider the detailed condition of the valgus knee and assess the degeneration of cartilage and knee joint structures.
Treatment Methods for Valgus Knee
Treatment for valgus knee can be done in several ways. Specialized orthopedic doctors will start with behavioral adjustments and physical therapy. If there is no improvement, medication may be considered. In cases where there is no result, or if the valgus knee is severe and affects daily life, surgery may be necessary to align the bones or replace the knee joint for long-term ease of movement. The choice of treatment is specific to each individual.
Hospitals Specializing in Valgus Knee Treatment
Hip and Knee Center, Bangkok International Hospital, a hospital for bones and brain, is ready to treat valgus knee conditions. The team of specialized doctors is ready to provide consultation and proper treatment, equipped with modern technology to restore strong knee health and confident living.
Specialized Doctors in Treating Valgus Knee
Dr..Panuwat Silawatshananai Orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee replacement and non-muscle cutting hip replacement at Bangkok International Hospital, a hospital for bones and brain.
You can click here to make an appointment.
Knee Health Check-up Package
Screening package for knee pain or osteoarthritis, priced at 2,800 THB