Genu Valgum is another name for knock knees. Your knees turn inward due to a misalignment. When kids with knock-knees stand up with their knees together, their ankles are at least three inches apart. Their knees are bent inward, which explains this.
Unusual walking patterns, difficulty walking, and infrequent pain are among the symptoms. Children frequently have knock-knees, which typically go away as they get older. Knock knees occur in children between the ages of three and five, although they can also develop later in life due to:
- an injury or infection in your knee
- severe lack of vitamin D and calcium
- obesity
- arthritis in the knee
Although there is no way to stop this illness, its consequences can be lessened. Exercise and physical therapy are effective in early and mild affection. For severe cases, knock-knee surgery is advised as a treatment.
Knock-knee surgery has changed in India thanks to contemporary methods and refined imaging, offering minimally invasive, safe, and efficient alternatives. Our skilled staff at Trishla Ortho carefully assesses each patient to decide if conservative treatment or surgical correction is best.
Signs You Might Need Knock-Knee Surgery
When you stand with your knees together, you will notice a space between your ankles if you have knock knees. If you stand with your knees together and there is no space between your ankles, you do not have knock knees.
Most folks won’t have any further symptoms. However, you may experience leg or knee pain or have trouble walking if your knock knees are severe or caused by another illness.
Consult a doctor if:
- Standing with the knees together, the distance between the ankles exceeds 8 cm.
- Only one leg is impacted, or the legs are different lengths, and or one or both knees are sore, swollen, stiff, or heated to the touch.
- The issue is becoming worse; either you or your child is limping or has trouble walking, or they are extremely underweight or small for their age.
- If your child is older than five or began while you were an adult.
A physician may recommend knock-knee surgery if these symptoms don’t go away with conservative treatment. For developing children, it is especially crucial to consult a qualified pediatric orthopedic surgeon, as early intervention can help avert difficulties down the road.
Non-Surgical Knock-Knee Treatment Options
Orthopedic specialists usually consider non-invasive treatments before recommending surgery.
Observation (For Young Children)
As their bones expand, many kids spontaneously outgrow moderate genu valgum.
Physical Therapy
Enhancing alignment and lowering knee stress can be achieved by strengthening the hip, thigh, and leg muscles.
Orthotic Braces
Younger patients may benefit from special braces that direct bone growth.
Weight Management
Knee joint stress can be reduced by losing weight.
Lifestyle Modifications
Swimming and cycling are examples of low-impact exercises that preserve mobility without putting more load on the joints.
However, in India, knock-knee surgery offers refined remedial procedures with high success rates when these approaches don’t work.
Types of Knock Knee Surgery
Thanks to recent developments in orthopedics, knock-knee surgery is now safer and more accurate than before. Age, degree of severity, and bone maturity all influence the type of procedure.
Guided Growth Surgery (Hemiepiphysiodesis)
This surgery, which is frequently done on kids and teenagers, entails temporarily slowing growth on one side of the knee by inserting a tiny plate or screw. Natural growth adjusts the alignment over time.
Osteotomy
Adults or those with severe abnormalities may need an osteotomy. To achieve proper alignment, the bone must be sliced and reshaped. During healing, the bone is stabilized by plates or screws.
Distal Femoral Osteotomy
Focuses especially on deformities that start in the femur (thigh bone).
High Tibial Osteotomy
Fixes shin bone (tibia) alignment problems.
Before proposing knock-knee surgery in India, we at Trishla Ortho meticulously evaluate each case to ensure the best possible outcome with the fewest complications.
Step-by-Step Knock-Knee Surgery Process
Patients might feel less anxious and be ready for a seamless encounter if they are aware of the surgical process.
Comprehensive Evaluation
The degree of deformity can be assessed using X-rays, alignment analysis, and gait evaluation.
Pre-Surgical Planning
Accurate correction angles are guaranteed by refined imaging and digital planning techniques.
Anesthesia Administration
The procedure is carried out under either regional or general anesthesia.
Surgical Correction
Depending on the method, the surgeon may reshape bones or modify growth plates.
Fixation and Closure
The adjusted alignment is fastened with staples, screws, or metal plates.
Post-Operative Monitoring
Early mobility and pain management are preferably given to patients.
High standards of safety and care are the aim of Trishla Ortho’s knock-knee surgery in India, performed by skilled professionals using the latest equipment.
Estimated Cost of Knock-Knee Surgery
India has emerged as a major medical destination. In India, knock-knee surgery is more accessible and reasonably priced. In India, the price of a knock-knee surgery ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000.
However, this sum fluctuates based on several variables. The following variables influence the cost of knock-knee surgery:
- The degree of the leg deformity
- Surgery type (guided growth surgery or osteotomy)
- The quantity, kind, and brand of implants
- The kind of hospital selected.
- The child’s prior health status
- Unilateral or bilateral
Recovery Timeline after Knock-Knee Surgery
Recovery after growth modulation is very fast, and can start walking on day 1 with little pain, but can take a few weeks to a month in osteotomy, depending upon muscle strength, quality of bone, and many other factors.
First Week
- Mild soreness and edema
- Medication-assisted pain management
- Restricted mobility with assistance
Weeks 2–6
- Weight-bearing gradually
- The start of physiotherapy sessions
- Enhanced mobility
2–3 Months
- Most patients go back to their regular daily routines.
- Flexibility and strength increase
6 Months and Beyond
- Complete rectification becomes apparent.
- Return to physical activities or sports (as indicated)
Regular follow-up after knee surgery guarantees the best possible healing and long-term stability.
Post-Surgery Exercises for Knock Knees
Post-surgery exercises should be under a physiotherapist’s and surgeon’s supervision. Dose and type of therapy will be guided by them, depending upon the quality and time of surgery
Side Lying Leg Raises
The hip abductors and glutes, which stabilize the knees, are strengthened as a result. This workout involves supporting your head with your arms while lying on one side with your legs stacked. Keep one leg straight and firm as you raise it higher. After a few seconds of holding, lower the leg back. Perform 15 reps on each side for 3–5 sets.
Clamshell Exercise
It gives the glutes and hips support. With your feet stacked, bend your legs at a 90-degree angle while lying on one side. Lift your top knee while keeping your feet together. Lower the knee back to the original pose. Do 15 to 20 repetitions in 3 to 5 sets.
Wall Sits
It is a good workout for stabilizing the knee joints and strengthening the quadriceps. To perform a wall sit, stand with your back against the wall, then bend your legs to a 90-degree angle. Maintain the knees in line with the feet as you hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds. At least three times, do this.
Squats
This well-liked exercise program strengthens the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Place your feet comfortably apart and stand upright. Return to the starting posture after lowering your body into a chair seat. Over time, increase the number of sets from three to five.
Step-ups
Step-ups are performed in front of steps or a bench, as the name implies. Elevate your body slightly from the heel by taking a single step. Repeat with the other leg after taking a step back. Perform 10 to 15 repetitions per set for 3 to 5 sets.
Leg Extensions
For general stability and muscle relaxation, it’s an excellent workout. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent to perform a leg extension. Hold each leg stretched for a few seconds at a time. For optimal results, complete 3–5 sets of 15–20 repetitions each.
Trishla Ortho – Trusted Pediatric Orthopedic Specialists
Our top priority at the Trishla Ortho is you and your family. Your health, comfort, and care are our top priorities. Our doctors are Board-certified and specialize in pediatric orthopedic services, and we have state-of-the-art facilities. We aim to provide the most thorough pediatric orthopedic care and treatments.
