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Knock knees - Overview

Alternative Names

Genu valgum

Definition of Knock knees:

Knock knees is a condition in which the knees touch, but the ankles do not touch. The legs angle inward.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Infants start out with bowlegs because of their folded position in the uterus. The infant's bowlegs begin to straighten once the child starts to walk (at about 12 to 18 months). By age 3, the child becomes knock-kneed. When the child stands, the knees touch but the ankles are apart.

By puberty, the legs straighten out and most children can stand with the knees and ankles touching (without forcing the position).

Knock knees can also develop as a result of a medical problem or disease, such as:

Injury of the shinbone (only one leg will be knock-kneed)
Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Overweight or obesity
Rickets (a disease caused by a lack of vitamin D)

Reviewed last on: 11/12/2010
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Hosalkar HS, Gholve PA, Wells L. Torsional and angular deformities. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 674.

Sass P, Hassan G. Lower extremity abnormalities in children. Am Fam Physician. 2003;68:461-468.

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