Knock Knees Private Treatment for Children (Genu Valgum)
Introduction
Knock knees in children, also known as genu valgum, is a condition where the knees point inward, causing the knees to touch while the ankles remain apart. This is common in young children, but in rare cases, it can persist when older and cause problems with walking, posture, or discomfort. In these rare cases where the knock knees is not within normal limits, early intervention with private treatment of knock knees can prevent long-term complications. Our private paediatric orthopaedic consultant regularly manages these cases and can help treat your child's knock knees.
If you're concerned about your child’s knock knees, book an appointment with a specialist in Children’s Orthopaedics. Our private practice offers flexible scheduling, personalised treatment plans, and expert care to ensure your child’s optimal health and development.
What Are Knock Knees?
Knock knees is a condition where the knees touch each other but the ankles do not, even when the legs are straight. It reflects incorrect alignment around the knee and can affect people of all ages. In adulthood, if the deformity is beyond a certain degree, this results in imbalance in the forces passing through the knee and can lead to joint damage and possibly early arthritis. While this condition is usually part of normal growth, if it persists beyond a certain age, it may indicate a need for treatment.
How Do I Know If My Child Has Knock Knees (Genu Valgum)?
Knock Knees in Toddlers
It is normal for toddlers to have knock knees as part of their development. This condition usually resolves on its own by the age of 7. However, if the knock knees are severe or persist beyond this age, medical advice should be sought.
Knock Knees in Older Children
If your child's knock knees are very visible or causing discomfort, it could be due to underlying conditions such as vitamin D deficiency, metabolic disorders, or previous injuries. A private paediatric orthopaedic consultant can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Can You Fix Knock Knees in Children?
Can Knock Knees Be Corrected After 18?
Yes, knock knees can be corrected after 18, although surgical treatment options for adults are different from those used in children. Surgical correction is often considered for persistent cases and this would require cutting of the bone (osteotomy) and fixation with plate and screws in order to straighten the leg. This surgery is different to the surgery offered in a growing child and can have a prolonged recovery period.
Do Knock Knees Get Worse with Age?
In some cases, untreated knock knees can worsen with age, potentially leading to complications such as joint pain, difficulty walking, or early onset osteoarthritis. Early intervention is key to preventing these outcomes.
How Do You Fix Genu Valgum in Children?
Genu Valgum Treatment Options for Children
Genu valgum treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause. Treatment may involve observation or surgical intervention. Consulting with a private paediatric orthopaedic consultant will help determine the best course of action.
Can Knock Knees Be Straightened Without Surgery?
Can Physiotherapy Correct Knock Knees?
Physiotherapy is a non-surgical option that can help with symptoms in mild cases of knock knees. Exercises for the muscles around the knee can help to strengthen the knee and also help improve function. However, it does not have a significant effect on correcting any structural malalignment of the bones.
How Long Does It Take to Correct Knock Knees?
The time it takes to correct knock knees is dependent on many different factors. If it is considered physiological valgus in childhood, then it is likely to correct itself with growth. However, closer to skeletal maturity, it is likely that several knock knees will require surgery and the time it takes for the surgery to work again depends on how fast the child grows.
Knock Knee Private Surgery
Why Consider Private Knock Knee Treatment for Your Child?
Private treatment for knock knees offers several benefits, including faster access to paediatric orthopaedic specialists, personalised care within well-equipped private hospitals, and the convenience of flexible appointments. It is an excellent option for families seeking timely and effective treatment.
Consultation
A consultation with a private paediatric orthopaedic consultant includes a thorough assessment of your child in a child friendly setting, possible further investigations (X-ray), discussions on potential treatment options, and tailored recommendations for care.
About the Procedure
Surgical correction of knock knees usually involves guided growth surgery, which is allows for gradual correction as the child grows. This procedure is often recommended for more severe cases. This often involves placing a small plate and 2 screws on the inside of the knee. In severe cases, 2 plates are placed on the inside of the thigh bone and shin bone. Children are allowed to walk straight away and put their full weight through their legs but may require crutches for the first few weeks.
How Long Does It Take for Knock Knees to Heal After Surgery?
Recovery time after knock knee surgery can vary, but most children are able to resume normal activities within 2-3 months. The full correction becomes noticeable as the child continues to grow.
What Results Can I Expect to See?
Knock Knees Before and After Treatment Example
After treatment, children typically see significant improvements in knee alignment, walking ability, and overall comfort. Viewing knock knees before and after treatment examples can provide insight into the potential results of the procedure. The X-rays above show the different after surgery where the knees go from being knock knees to straight.
For those concerned about their child's knock knees, seeking advice from a private paediatric orthopaedic consultant can provide peace of mind and effective treatment options.
What are the Costs Associated with Private Treatment for Knock Knees in Children?
The cost of private treatment for knock knees can vary based on the type of treatment needed. Non-surgical interventions like bracing or physiotherapy are generally more affordable, while surgical procedures may be more expensive. A consultation with a private paediatric orthopaedic surgeons will provide a detailed breakdown of the expected costs.
Further Information:
NHS Website - Knock Knees
AUTHOR:
Stephen Ng Man Sun is a Paediatric Orthopaedic Consultant at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London. He has been a consultant since 2019 and is a fellowship trained Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon. You can read more about Mr Ng Man Sun on our About Page or connect with him in LinkedIn / Twitter.