Idiopathic Genu Valgum and Its Association With Obesity in Children and Adolescents

Conclusions: The 71% obesity rate found in our children with idiopathic genu valgum is significantly higher than the normal population. Higher BMI is associated with more tibial valgum but skeletal maturation was the main predictor of overall valgus severity. This suggests that obesity may play a role in the etiology of idiopathic genu valgum which progresses with skeletal maturation, thereby increasing the risk of osteoarthritis in adulthood. Level of Evidence: Level III.
Source: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Lower Extremity Source Type: research