What are Bow Legs?
Bow legs, also known as genu varum, is a condition where one or both of the child's legs curve outward at the knees. The condition creates a wider space than normal between the knees and lower legs. When the child stands with their feet and ankles together, the knees stay wide apart, giving it a bow-like appearance, especially when they walk.
Bow legs are a very common condition in infants and toddlers and are rarely serious. Babies born with this condition usually outgrow it by the time they turn 18 months old. Bow legs may also impact older children. If you notice the symptoms of this condition in your child, visit a specialist for further investigation.
Causes
- Blount's disease, characterized by an issue in the growth plate of the child's shin bone. It is common in children who are overweight and those who talk early.
- Rickets, caused by a deficiency of calcium or vitamin D
- Dwarfism, caused by a bone growth disorder called achondroplasia.
- Other bone issues, including fractures that haven't healed completely or abnormally developed bones
- Fluoride or lead poisoning.
Symptoms
- Bending of the knees inwards or towards each other in the child by the age of 2 or 3
- The angle of the thighbone is not within the normal range
- The difference between the direction of the foot and the direction of the knees appears to be beyond the normal pattern
- One leg appears to be more bent or curved than the other leg in a comparative analysis.
How is Bow Legs diagnosed?
The doctor carries out a physical examination and inquires about the child's medical history. If the child is under 2 years old, they may not do any further testing. The mere physical appearance of bowing will signal bowed legs. In general, the condition resolves on its own. If the child is above 2, the doctor may measure their legs and watch them walk. A diagnostic test, such as an X-ray, may be ordered. The doctor may also order blood tests and other diagnostic tests to rule out the cause of the condition. Upon the diagnosis, the child may be referred to a specialist for further treatment.
How is Bow Legs treated?
Bowel leg treatment in Delhi is carried out by a pediatric orthopaedist for its initial stages. They will make attempts to correct the angles of the leg through conservative methods first. If these methods do not come to the rescue, they will use surgical intervention to correct bow legs.
Bracing
Bracing is the first line of treatment for genu varum correction in Delhi. Braces work towards pulling the legs into a straighter position at a very gradual pace. The infant or child is made to wear braces till the legs are well straightened. The use of braces also helps in correcting the leg angles. It is a slow process, and the child is made to wear braces for a long time.
Surgical Treatments
When conventional treatment options do not work in the child's favour, the specialist recommends surgical treatments for the correction. Several minimally invasive approaches are used to guide the growth process in the child.
- Hemiepiphysiodesis Temporary Arrest – Guided Growth: It is a simple, reversible procedure with minimal blood loss. Under this surgery, the surgeon arrests the growth of the growth plate present at the end of the long bone, enabling the other side of the growth plate to grow and correct the bow leg. The process takes 6-12 months to complete.
- Gradual Correction using External Fixators: This procedure is recommended for children under 10. The surgeon cuts the bone to apply an external yet adjustable frame to the bone with the help of wires and pins. This frame may be adjusted according to use. The child can perform daily activities without feeling any discomfort. After the procedure, the parents are recommended to visit the surgeon for regular follow-ups to check on the healing progress of the bone.
- Acute Osteotomy: This procedure involves a full correction of bow legs. The surgeon cuts the bone, and a plate with screws is inserted to stabilize the cut bone. This genu varum correction in Delhi takes 6-8 weeks to complete. The patient remains immobile during the period to ensure proper correction.
Cost of Bow Legs treatment in Delhi
The average cost of bow leg treatment in Delhi starts from 6,00,000 INR and may reach up to 8,00,000 INR, respectively. Many factors influence the overall cost of the procedure, including the following:
- High-end private clinics provide specialised treatment and modern technologies, charging more for the surgery compared to other hospitals.
- The severity of the condition also decides the cost of the treatment. More advanced cases require high-end medical procedures that increase the overall cost.
- The experience and expertise of the surgeon also have a substantial impact on the cost of bow leg treatment.
- Various pre-surgical tests, including X-rays or advanced imaging studies, also determine the cost of the treatment.
- The duration of the stay of the patient and post-surgical care are other factors adding to the overall cost of the treatment.
Recovery after treatment
The recovery after bow leg treatment focuses on improving the movement and mobility of the patient in the first few days. The parents are advised to take their child to a physiotherapist for rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and motion. The child may need to use crutches or a walker for a few days, especially after a surgical procedure.
General timelines for returning to normal activities after the treatment may vary, depending on the type of treatment used and the severity of the condition. The child may take from 6 weeks to a few months to regain movement. It is advised to regularly follow up with the doctor to ensure the bone is healing correctly.
Why Choose Dr. Ashwani Maichand for Bow Legs Treatment?
When it comes to treating bow legs in your child, look for no other option than Dr. Ashwani Maichand for treatment. Dr. Maichand is a trusted expert in managing bow legs in infants and children, offering them long-term relief and improving their quality of life as they enter their growth years.
With three decades of experience in orthopaedics, Dr. Maichand specializes in various advanced corrective techniques, including guided growth and osteotomy. The treatment is tailored to each child's age and severity of deformity. With his patient-centric approach, Dr. Maichand focuses on early diagnosis, precise correction, and long-term functional outcomes. His holistic care ensures minimal discomfort, quick recovery, and improved limb alignment of the child.
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Dr. Ashwani Maichand
MBBS, MS(Orthopaedics) | Mch(Orthopaedics)
- Sr. Consultant & Director at Minomax Orthopaedics
- Director Orthopaedics, CK Birla Hospital
- Fellowship Joint Replacement (USA & GERMANY)
- Visiting Surgeon HELIOSENDO at klinik, Hamburg, Germany
Dr. Ashwani Maichand brings with him a rich experience of Orthopaedics, more than a decade of which has been dedicated to joint reconstruction.
