Non-rachitic Bow Leg and Knock-knee Deformities in Young Jamaican Children

Abstract

Severe bow legs and knock knees are very common in Jamaican children. These 2 deformities which are closely related are not due to any known pathological condition including rickets. The bow legs change to tibia -vara and the knock knees to tibia-valga in advanced cases, while changes appear in the tibial metaphysis which resemble osteochondritis radio-logically. Race, eccentric pressure on the knee and increased plasticity of bone, play a part in the development of these deformities. Treatment in severe bow legs is indicated when the angle formed by the femur and tibia exceeds 25 degrees. Spontaneous correction of lesser angulation can occur.