Knee Deformities

Knee Deformities services offered in Los Angeles, CA

Knee deformities like knock knees and bow legs can affect your child’s mobility and growth, so treating them is necessary. At Keck Medicine of USC, Orthopaedic Surgery in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, orthopaedic and sports medicine specialist George Hatch, MD, has years of experience diagnosing and treating knee deformities. Dr. Hatch takes a conservative, patient-centered treatment approach that prevents the problem from getting worse so that your child can remain active. Call Keck Medicine of USC, Orthopaedic Surgery, today to schedule knee deformity treatment or book an appointment online.

What are knee deformities?

Knee deformities are musculoskeletal abnormalities that cause the knees to bend inward or outward, affecting their alignment with the ankles and hips. These deformities are often noticed in childhood or adolescence during growth spurts.

What types of knee deformities are there?

At Keck Medicine of USC, Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Hatch treats several knee deformities, including:

Knock knees

A knock knee deformity causes the knees to bend inward and touch each other while the ankles remain spread apart. Most children experience knock knees and grow out of it; in rare cases, though, the condition persists into adulthood.

Bow legs

Bow legs cause the knees to curve outward while the feet and ankles touch. Like knock knees, bow legs often improve on their own and don’t need treatment. However, see an orthopaedic specialist if your child complains of pain or difficulty walking.

How are knee deformities diagnosed?

Dr. Hatch reviews your child’s medical records and asks about their symptoms, including when you first noticed the knee deformity and if it affects their mobility or daily life. He then completes an exam, assessing the position and alignment of your child’s knees, hips, and ankles. Dr. Hatch also orders X-rays to determine how severe the deformity is and help guide treatment.

How are knee deformities treated?

How knee deformities are treated will depend on how severe the abnormality is and your child’s symptoms. Kids with knock knees and bow legs often grow out of the condition and don’t need treatment. But if your child’s knee deformity is severe and growth doesn’t make a difference, Dr. Hatch recommends a knee osteotomy.

A knee osteotomy is a surgery that reshapes the shinbone (tibia) and thigh bone (femur). This realigns the knee joint, reducing pain and improving your child’s mobility. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia while your child sleeps.

What is recovery like after an osteotomy?

After an osteotomy, your child stays in the hospital for a day or two. During that time, it’s normal for them to experience pain, bruising, and swelling. They’ll wear a cast or a splint for several weeks until the bones heal. At that point, your child begins physical therapy. Physical therapy strengthens the knee joints and restores their full range of motion.

Call Keck Medicine of USC, Orthopaedic Surgery, today to schedule a knee deformity consultation for your child or teen, or book an appointment online.