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Bowlegs - Symptom

Alternative Names

Genu varum

Symptoms:

Knees do not touch when standing with feet together (ankles touching)
Bowing of legs is same on both side of the body (symmetrical)
Bowed legs continue beyond age 3

Signs and tests:

A doctor can usually diagnose bowlegs by simply looking at the child. Blood tests may be needed to rule out rickets.

X-rays may be necessary if the child is 3 years old or older, if the bowing is getting worse, if it is asymmetric, or if other findings suggest disease.

Reviewed last on: 12/1/2008
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

Canale ST. Osteochondrosis or epiphysitis and other miscellaneous affections. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 29.

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