Overview
About Knock Knees (Genu Valgum)
Knock knees (genu valgum) describe an inward angling of the legs at the knees, causing the knees to touch while the ankles remain apart. This is a normal phase of lower-limb development in children roughly between ages 3 and 7, typically resolving on its own as the child grows. Knock knees that persist beyond age 8, are severe, are markedly asymmetric, or cause pain or an abnormal gait warrant evaluation to rule out underlying causes such as a growth plate disorder, prior fracture, or metabolic bone disease. Treatment ranges from continued observation for typical developmental knock knees to guided-growth surgery or osteotomy in persistent or severe cases.
Key Benefits
Accurate distinction between normal developmental knock knees and pathological causes
Avoids unnecessary treatment for a condition that often self-corrects with growth
Guided-growth surgery offers a minimally invasive way to correct alignment during growth
Prevents long-term knee joint stress and premature arthritis from uncorrected deformity
Regular monitoring tracks improvement and flags cases that need active treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age are knock knees considered normal?
Knock knees are a normal part of leg development between roughly ages 3 and 7, often most noticeable around age 4, and usually correct naturally as the child continues to grow.
When should knock knees be assessed by a specialist?
Assessment is recommended if knock knees persist or worsen beyond age 8, are markedly asymmetric between the two legs, cause knee pain, or affect the child's walking pattern.
What causes knock knees that don't resolve on their own?
Persistent knock knees can result from a growth plate injury or disorder, a healed fracture that altered alignment, certain skeletal dysplasias, or metabolic bone conditions, all of which require targeted evaluation and management.
What is guided-growth surgery for knock knees?
Guided-growth surgery uses a small implant placed across one side of the growth plate near the knee to gently slow growth on that side, allowing the leg to gradually straighten as the child continues to grow on the other side.
Will untreated severe knock knees cause problems later in life?
Yes — significant, uncorrected knock knee deformity can place uneven stress on the knee joint over time, contributing to a higher risk of pain and early-onset arthritis in adulthood if left untreated.