
Considering the fact that this operation’s goal is to buy time and provide pain relief with regular daily activities until total knee replacement is required, the 7 and 10-year survival rates justify its use in correctly indicated patients. We expect in the near future for more data to be published because this technique has gained favor with many surgeons over the last several years. Two studies provided 7-year survival rates after opening wedge femoral osteotomy in 41 patients of 82-91%. To date, 3 studies reported 15-year survival rates after this procedure of 45%, 49%, and 79%. These investigations found the following survival rates (meaning the patients were doing well and had not required total knee replacement): 90%, 87%, 82%, and 64%. Four studies followed 136 patients who received a closing wedge femoral osteotomy for 10 years postoperatively. Only a few long-term clinical studies have been published on the outcome of distal femoral osteotomy. What are the published results of femoral osteotomy? Each meniscus is an important tissue that acts as a cushion between the femur and tibia. There are 2 menisci in the knee – a medial (inner) and a lateral (outer). There is a second type of cartilage in the knee called a meniscus. Articular cartilage is a protective layer of tissue located on the ends of bone that come together in the knee, which are the femur (thigh bone), tibial (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). Technically, the term osteoarthritis refers to damage to the articular cartilage in the joint. If the alignment is not fixed, the tire will wear out on one side, shortening its expected lifespan. A good analogy to this problem is the wearing of a portion of a tire on a car that is out of proper alignment. Osteoarthritis may occur from knock-knees because there is an abnormal amount of stress and pressure placed on the outer portion of the knee joint. This may be worsened with obesity or overuse of the knee joint, and can become a serious problem if the lateral meniscus (cartilage) is removed. The main problem with knock-knees is that osteoarthritis may develop in the outer (lateral) area of the knee, causing pain, swelling, and limitations with recreational sports and eventually, problems with normal activities of daily living. Some people are born with knock-knees, but others may develop the problem in just one leg following an injury. Visually, when you stand, your knees touch, but your ankles dont.

The medical term used to describe this problem is valgus and it indicates a malalignment of the lower extremity. Knock knee is a condition that causes the knees to bend inward.

By 7-8 years of age the legs usually straighten. Knock knees is an expected growth pattern in children. You may notice this more between 3-4 years of age.

Knock-knees are when the legs curve in, so the knees are touching and the ankles are apart.Īt 2-3 years of age your child may begin to become knock-kneed (called genu valgum). The doctor can find these by looking at your child. Sometimes bowing can be caused by illnesses that need to be treated. Your child should see a doctor if:īraces or special shoes will not help straighten your child’s legs. If you are worried about your child’s legs, you can take photographs of them every six months to record the changes. Is any treatment needed?Ĭhildren’s legs naturally lose their bowed shape at around 3 years of age. Pigeon-toe is when the toes point in towards each other). The bowing may also give your child a pigeon-toed appearance. The bowing is caused by the position of the baby’s legs in the womb. When the feet are together, there is a gap between the knees.īowing is an expected growth pattern in the legs of babies and toddlers. Bowing of the legs (called genu varum) is when the legs curve out like a bow.
