Leg Axis Correction

A perfectly aligned knee has its weight-bearing axis in a line running through the hip, knee, and ankle joint. If there is a significant deviation of the leg axes, this can lead to premature osteoarthritis and cartilage damage.

The following knee angular deformities are distinguished based on inward/outward inclination:

• Knock-knee: The tibial/fibular head (not the joint itself) is angled away from the body’s midline
• Bow-leg: The tibial/fibular head is angled towards the body’s midline
• Hyperextension and Hypoextension

Diagnosis of Knock-Knees/Bow-Legs

The diagnosis of knock-knees or bow-legs is made through a clinical examination. If the misalignment is not pronounced and thus not detectable by a clinical diagnosis, an X-ray is required to accurately determine an axial misalignment.

Treatment of Knock-Knees/Bow-Legs – Leg Axis Correction

In cases of mild severity, conservative therapies can help.

For severe deformities, a surgical procedure, known as a realignment osteotomy, is recommended. During this procedure, an incision is made near the knee joint on the shin bone or thigh bone to shift the leg axis into the healthy joint area. The bone cut is held in place by a special titanium plate and secured with screws. The plate can be removed after approximately one year.