Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Culture of Murine Embryonic Metatarsals: A Physiological Model of Endochondral Ossification
Published on: December 3, 2016
Genu varum in achondroplasia
Michael C Ain1, Eric D Shirley, Ashkan Pirouzmanesh
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21224-2780, USA. ehenze1@jhmi.edu
Abstract:
The etiology of genu varum in achondroplasia is the subject of much speculation. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the association between fibular overgrowth and genu varum in achondroplasia. A retrospective analysis was performed on the long-leg radiographs of 48 pediatric patients with achondroplasia. All patients were skeletally immature, and the average age was 7.7 years (range, 3-16 years). Boys were significantly more likely to have varus mechanical tibiofemoral angles than girls (Fisher exact test, P=0.038 for the right leg and P=0.008 for the left leg). The distance from the proximal and distal fibula to the proximal tibia knee and ankle joint orientation lines, respectively, was not associated with the alignment of the lower extremity. We conclude that fibular overgrowth does not correlate with the severity of genu varum.
Related Concept Videos
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification
Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula

