Bowlegs

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Medicine
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Bowed appearance of lower extremities is common in infants starting to walk.
• Often due to internal tibial rotation relative to the femur, termed physiologic bowing.
• This condition usually self-resolves with growth and maturation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate between physiologic bowing and structural deformities in children.
• To identify conditions requiring intervention versus those needing only reassurance.
• To guide evaluation of bowed lower extremities in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• Clinical observation of lower extremity alignment during ambulation.
• Assessment of tibial rotation and femoral relationship.
• Evaluation for signs of tibia varum or underlying bone disorders.

Main Results:

• Physiologic bowing is common and typically benign, resolving spontaneously.
• Tibia varum represents a structural growth arrest requiring further evaluation.
• Systemic bone disorders can cause true bowing due to weight-bearing effects.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis is crucial to distinguish self-resolving conditions from those needing intervention.
• Early identification of tibia varum or bone disorders ensures timely management.
• Reassurance is appropriate for parents of infants with physiologic bowing.