J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2007 Apr;42(2):264-269. 10.4055/jkoa.2007.42.2.264.

Causes and Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Genu Vara

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. pedhkim@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
  • 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the underlying causes of idiopathic genu vara, and to evaluate the results of surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographic measurements were made using a standing orthoroentgenogram and a computerized axial tomography scan. Functional and cosmetic results after surgery were evaluated according to the causes. RESULTS: The patients with idiopathic genu vara were categorized into three groups: a group associated with increased femoral anteversion, a group associated with tibia vara and increased external rotation of the tibia, and a group associated with tibia vara. Satisfactory functional and cosmetic results were obtained after corrective surgery based on actual causes. CONCLUSION: An accurate analysis based on the rotational and angular deformities is needed to make a surgical treatment plan for idiopathic genu vara.

Keyword

Idiopathic genu vara; Causes; Surgical treatment

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Frontal plane joint orientation angle relative to the mechanical axis. LDFA, lateral distal femoral angle; MPTA, medial proximal tibial angle.

  • Fig. 2 A 9 year-old boy in Group I. Inwardly pointing patellar due to increased femoral anteversion, which was assumed to be an apparent genu vara. A normal alignment of the lower extremity was observed when patellar was pointed forward. Genu recurvatum was also frequent in this group.

  • Fig. 3 A 18 year-old student in Group II. Tibia vara and increased external rotation of the tibia were obseved when the patellar was pointed forward.

  • Fig. 4 A 21 year-old student in Group III. Only tibia vara was observed when the patellar was pointed forward.


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