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Clinical-oriented Three-dimensional Gait Analysis Method for Evaluating Gait Disorder
Published on: March 4, 2018
Angular deformities of the lower limb in children.
Ramin Espandar1, Seyed Mohammad-Javad Mortazavi, Taghi Baghdadi
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR, Iran.
Asian Journal of Sports Medicine
|March 1, 2012
Summary
Angular deformities in children are usually benign, but asymmetrical cases may signal serious issues. Intense soccer play in males over 16 can worsen genu varum, potentially increasing injury risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Child Growth and Development
Background:
- Angular deformities of the lower limbs are common in children, often representing normal growth variations.
- Symmetrical deformities without symptoms typically indicate a benign condition with a good prognosis.
- Asymmetrical deformities, pain, joint stiffness, or associated systemic conditions may suggest serious underlying causes requiring intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major topics concerning angular knee deformities in the pediatric population.
- To explore the relationship between sports participation and body adaptations during childhood growth.
- To highlight the specific impact of intense soccer participation on genu varum development in adolescent males.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on pediatric angular lower limb deformities.
- Analysis of the effects of sports participation, particularly soccer, on knee alignment.
- Discussion of diagnostic criteria differentiating benign from pathological deformities.
Main Results:
- Most childhood angular limb deformities are benign variations.
- Intense soccer participation from age 16 onwards is associated with increased genu varum in males.
- Genu varum may predispose individuals to a higher risk of injuries.
Conclusions:
- While most angular deformities are benign, careful evaluation is necessary for asymmetrical or symptomatic cases.
- The impact of intense sports like soccer on developing lower limbs warrants attention.
- Strategies to mitigate the progression of genu varum in young athletes may be beneficial.
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