Definition

1. Noun:
   • A deformity in which there is an abnormal displacement of part of a limb away from the midline of the body: In medicine, "valgus" describes a condition where a joint is bent outward, causing the distal part (the part farther from the body) to angle away from the body's midline.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The doctor diagnosed the child with genu valgum, commonly known as knock-knees.
  • Hallux valgus is a common foot deformity often referred to as a bunion.
  • The X-ray confirmed a valgus deformity of the elbow following the injury.

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in medical and anatomical contexts. It is frequently part of a compound noun naming a specific condition.
• It is often contrasted with varus, which is a deformity involving displacement the midline of the body.

Variants and Related Words

• Valgus is used as a noun but functions adjectivally in compound medical terms (e.g., , ).
• Genu valgum (n): The medical term for knock-knee, where the knees angle inward and touch while the ankles are apart.
• Hallux valgus (n): The medical term for a bunion, where the big toe angles toward the other toes.
• Cubitus valgus (n): A deformity of the elbow where the forearm is angled away from the body when the arm is extended.

Synonyms

• Outward angulation: A descriptive, non-technical phrase.
• Abduction deformity: A more general medical term indicating displacement away from the midline.

Antonyms

• Varus (n): A deformity in which there is an abnormal displacement of part of a limb the midline of the body (e.g., bow-leggedness is ).

Noun

1. a deformity in which there is an abnormal displacement of part of a limb away from the midline of the body