Treatment:

Braces are used to treat children who develop severe bowing before the age of 3. If braces do not work, or if the problem is not diagnosed until the child is older, surgery is usually required. Surgery may involve cutting the shin bone to place it in the proper position, and sometimes lengthen it as well.

Other times, the growth of the outer half of the shin bone can be restricted. This is done with surgery, and allow the child' s natural growth to reverse the bowing process. This second, much smaller surgery is most effective in children with less severe symptoms who still have quite a bit of growing to do.

Expectations (prognosis):

If the leg can be placed into the proper position, the outlook is good. The leg should work properly and look normal.

Complications:

Failure to treat Blount's disease may lead to progressive deformity. The condition may lead to differences in leg lengths, which can result in disability if not treated.

Blount's disease may come back after surgery, especially in younger children.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your child's health care provider if your child's leg or legs appear to be bowing. Also call for an appointment if your child has bowed legs that appear to be getting worse.