genu valgum
Definition
Noun: A medical condition characterized by an inward angulation of the knee, where the knees angle inward and touch or are close together while the ankles remain apart. This creates a "knock-kneed" appearance.
Usage
The term is used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe a specific alignment deformity of the lower limb. - The pediatrician diagnosed the child with genu valgum after observing the inward slant of her knees during the examination. - Severe genu valgum can sometimes lead to knee pain and difficulty walking.
Advanced Usage
- The condition is often assessed by measuring the distance between the medial malleoli (the inner ankle bones) while the knees are touching. This distance is referred to as the "intermalleolar distance."
- Genu valgum is the formal medical term; the common, non-medical term is "knock-knees."
Variants and Related Words
- Valgus (adj.): Describing a deformity where a part is angled outward or away from the midline. In genu valgum, the (shin bone) is in a valgus position relative to the (thigh bone).
- Genu varum (n.): The opposite condition, an outward bowing of the legs, commonly called "bow-leggedness."
Synonyms
- Knock-knees (common term)
Related Phrases
- Physiological genu valgum: A normal, temporary stage of angular development in young children, typically between ages 3 and 5, which often corrects itself.
- Pathological genu valgum: A more severe or persistent form caused by underlying disease, injury, or metabolic conditions.
Noun
-
an inward slant of the thigh
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