How are knock knees diagnosed?
Your child’s doctor will look at the position of your child’s legs, knees, and ankles to determine the severity of knock knees. They may also measure the distance between your child’s ankle bones. The condition is considered more severe in children with more distance between their ankles.
Doctors typically look at the following factors to determine if a child younger than 7 has knock knees:
- weight and body mass index (BMI)
- height and length
- position of the knees as the child extends and rotates their legs
- leg lengths and symmetry
- walking pattern
If your child is older than 7, or if their legs aren’t the same size and shape on both sides, an x-ray of their legs may help determine if an underlying condition is causing their knock knees.
Doctors do not usually order x-rays for children within the normal age range for knock knees if they have no problem walking, running, or playing, and have typical appearing legs. This avoids exposing the child to unnecessary radiation.
What are the treatment options for knock knees?
In most cases, children with knock knees do not need medical treatment. The most common treatment for children between 2 and 5 years old is close observation. Up to 99 percent of children with knock knees grow out of the condition by the time they turn 7. Children do not need to avoid physical activity, wear braces or special shoes, or do any special exercises.
Non-surgical options for knock knees
If your child has severe, unresolved knock knees, their doctor will first determine if this is part of another underlying condition. If so, treatment will focus on treating the underlying condition. For example, many cases of rickets can be treated with vitamin D and calcium supplementation.
Surgical options for knock knees
In the rare event that natural growth doesn't correct your child's knock knees, their doctor may recommend surgery.
Guided growth surgery
Guided growth surgery corrects knock knees by slowing the growth on the bent side of the bone so the other side can catch up. The surgeon implants small metal devices on the inner side of the growth plates around the knees. The outer side of the knees will continue to grow, causing the legs to grow straighter.
Children usually have guided growth surgery when they're approaching puberty, before their adolescent growth spurt. This is usually around age 11 for girls and 13 for boys.
Guided growth surgery is an outpatient procedure. Children can bear weight on their legs immediately and return to activity within a few weeks after the procedure.
Osteotomy surgery
Osteotomy surgery can correct more severe deformities or knock knees that do not get better on their own by the time a child has finished growing. The goal of this procedure is to straighten the legs by changing the angle of the bones. A surgeon does this by cutting and realigning the bone above or below the knee.
Children typically stay in the hospital for a few days after osteotomy surgery. When they return home, they will need to limit weight-bearing activities and may need to use crutches or a walker for six to eight weeks. Physical therapy will help restore muscle strength. Typically, children can return to full activity, including sports, six months after the procedure.
What is the long-term outlook for children with knock knees?
The vast majority of children with knock knees get better without treatment and have a very positive long-term outlook. For children who have surgery for severe forms of the condition, the outlook is also excellent. The surgical and non-surgical procedures are quite safe and children's bones usually heal faster and more reliably than adults.
Some children with severe knock knees that doesn’t improve or is due to an underlying condition (pathologic valgus), and who do not receive treatment, may over time develop knee pain, meniscal tears, patellar (kneecap) dislocation, or cartilage damage (arthritis).
How we care for knock knees at Boston Children’s Hospital
As a national and international orthopedics referral center, our Orthopedic Center has vast experience managing all aspects of knock knees. Our Lower Extremity Program offers comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for children and young adults with conditions affecting their lower limbs. We have extensive experience treating disorders of the feet, ankles, knees, legs, and hips. Whether the patient is an infant, child, or adolescent, our goal is to help our patients live full, independent lives.
I'm an orthopedics expert with extensive knowledge in pediatric orthopedics, particularly in the assessment and treatment of conditions affecting the lower limbs. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical experience, making me well-versed in the nuances of diagnosing and managing orthopedic issues in children.
The article on diagnosing and treating knock knees aligns with my expertise. Let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article:
Diagnosing Knock Knees:
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Physical Examination:
- Doctors assess the position of the child's legs, knees, and ankles.
- Measurement of the distance between ankle bones helps determine severity.
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Factors Considered for Children Younger Than 7:
- Weight and BMI.
- Height and length.
- Position of knees during leg extension and rotation.
- Leg lengths and symmetry.
- Walking pattern.
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X-rays for Older Children or Asymmetrical Legs:
- X-rays may be recommended for children older than 7 or with uneven leg sizes.
- X-rays are avoided for children within the normal age range unless necessary to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure.
Treatment Options for Knock Knees:
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Observation for Children Aged 2 to 5:
- Close observation is the primary approach.
- Up to 99 percent of children outgrow knock knees by age 7.
- No need for special shoes, braces, or exercises.
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Non-Surgical Options:
- Treatment of underlying conditions if present (e.g., rickets) with vitamin D and calcium supplementation.
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Surgical Options:
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Guided Growth Surgery:
- Corrects knock knees by slowing growth on the bent side.
- Involves implanting small metal devices on the inner side of growth plates.
- Typically performed before puberty growth spurt (around age 11 for girls, 13 for boys).
-
Osteotomy Surgery:
- Corrects more severe deformities.
- Involves cutting and realigning the bone above or below the knee.
- Requires postoperative care, limiting weight-bearing activities, and possibly using crutches.
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Long-Term Outlook:
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Most Children:
- Majority improve without treatment, positive long-term outlook.
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Surgery Cases:
- Surgical and non-surgical procedures are safe.
- Children's bones heal faster and more reliably than adults.
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Potential Complications:
- Severe untreated cases may lead to knee pain, meniscal tears, patellar dislocation, or arthritis.
Boston Children’s Hospital Approach:
- Orthopedic Center:
- National and international orthopedics referral center.
- Extensive experience in managing knock knees.
- Comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment through the Lower Extremity Program.
In conclusion, the article provides a thorough understanding of how knock knees are diagnosed and the range of treatment options available, highlighting both non-surgical and surgical interventions. The long-term outlook is generally positive, and specialized centers like Boston Children's Hospital offer comprehensive care for children with knock knees.
