TIBIAL BOWING

CONGENITAL PSEUDARTHROSIS OF THE TIBIA (CPT)

Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia (CPT) is a rare condition where the shin bone (tibia) is weak, bowed, or poorly formed from birth, often leading to easy fractures that don’t heal, creating a false joint (also called a non-healing fracture). Parents often notice curved leg, leg length difference, swelling, or that the child limps or has trouble walking. Searches like “baby tibia not healing” or “curved shin bone in child” are common when symptoms first appear.

CPT is frequently linked to Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder affecting nerves and bones. Diagnosis involves a physical exam, X-ray, MRI of the tibia, and sometimes genetic testing.

Treatment is challenging and may include bracing, bone grafting, rod insertion, or external fixation. Physical therapy supports recovery, and though rare, amputation may be considered in severe cases. With proper care from a bone doctor (orthopedic specialist), many children go on to lead active lives.

BLOUNT’S DISEASE, OR TIBIA VARA

Blount’s disease, or tibia vara, is a growth disorder of the shin bone (tibia) that causes progressive bowing of the legs in children. Unlike normal bowed legs in toddlers, which usually straighten before age 3, Blount’s disease leads to worsening deformity due to uneven growth at the proximal tibial physis, often seen in early walkers, overweight children, or certain ethnic groups. Parents may notice inward bending below the knee, one leg more bowed than the other, or leg length differences, and search terms like “bowed legs in child,” “tibia bowing,” “pain in knee when walking,” or “brace/surgery for bowed legs.” Diagnosis involves physical exam, X-ray, and sometimes MRI, and treatment—based on age and severity—ranges from observation and bracing to osteotomy or guided growth surgery to prevent complications like joint instability or early arthritis.

OTHER LOWER LIMB DEFORMITIES

KNOCK KNEES (GENU VALGUM)

Knock knees in children, also called genu valgum, is when the knees touch or angle inward while the ankles stay apart when standing. It's common between ages 2 to 7, with most cases peaking around age 4 and correcting naturally by age 7 or 8. Parents often search for “knock knees in toddlers,” “child walking with knees inward,” or “is knock knees normal at age 5.” While usually harmless, persistent knock knees, especially with pain, limping, or difficulty walking, may indicate an underlying issue such as rickets, bone dysplasia, obesity, or previous leg injury. Diagnosis involves physical exam and X-rays for leg alignment. Common parent concerns include “can knock knees be corrected naturally” or “does my child need braces or surgery for knock knees.” Treatment depends on severity and may involve observation, bracing, or guided growth surgery for significant deformities.

FOOT DEFORMITIES

FLAT FOOT, OR PES PLANUS

Flat foot, or pes planus, is a condition where the foot arch is very low or absent, causing the entire sole to touch the ground when standing. It’s common in infants and young children, and many parents wonder, “are flat feet normal in babies?” or “my child has flat feet, is this okay?” In most cases, flexible flatfoot is a normal part of growth that doesn’t cause pain or need treatment. However, if flat feet cause pain in kids, lead to changes in walking patterns, or the child walks on the inside of the foot, parents may search “flatfoot treatment for children” or “when do flat feet need treatment?” Problematic flat feet can be caused by tight heel cords, neuromuscular disorders, or abnormal foot structure. Diagnosis involves a clinical exam and sometimes imaging. Treatment options range from observation, arch-supporting shoe inserts, and exercises for flat feet in kids to physiotherapy or, rarely, surgery. Parents often look for “best shoes for flat feet in kids” or “shoe inserts for flat feet.” Most children with flat feet grow up to lead active, pain-free lives with proper care and guidance from an orthopedic doctor.

CAVOVARUS FOOT

Cavovarus foot is a complex foot deformity characterized by a high arch (cavus) and an inward-turned heel (varus). Parents often notice a child with a high foot arch or that their child is walking on the outside of the foot. This condition can affect one or both feet and may be present at birth (congenital) or develop later due to neurological problems like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or muscle imbalance. The foot arches are too high, causing foot pain in kids, instability, frequent ankle sprains, and difficulty wearing shoes. Diagnosis involves a detailed clinical exam, gait assessment, and imaging such as weight-bearing X-rays or MRI to understand the foot structure and causes. Mild cases often improve with foot braces, custom orthotics, and physical therapy, while more severe or rigid deformities may need surgery for cavovarus foot to realign bones and improve function. Parents often search for “how to fix high arch foot,” “foot brace for cavovarus foot,” or “orthopedic doctor for foot deformities.” Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent long-term issues and maintain mobility.

UPPER LIMB DEFORMITIES

CUBITUS VARUS AND CUBITUS VALGUS 

Cubitus varus and cubitus valgus are elbow deformities affecting the alignment of the elbow joint, often seen after childhood fractures or developmental issues. Parents may notice their child’s elbow bends inward (cubitus varus), also known as gunstock deformity, where the forearm angles inward when the arm is extended, causing a noticeable crooked or bent inward elbow. This usually results from a poorly healed supracondylar fracture. Conversely, cubitus valgus occurs when the child’s elbow bends outward or sticks out, creating a wider angle at the joint, which can be congenital or develop after injury or infection. Common parent concerns include “why is my child’s elbow crooked,” “elbow deformity after fracture,” or “knock elbow in children.” Both conditions can cause cosmetic concerns, affect arm function, and sometimes lead to nerve irritation with cubitus valgus. Treatment varies based on severity; mild cases might need no intervention, while more severe deformities often require elbow correction surgery. Early evaluation by a pediatric orthopedic specialist helps ensure the best outcome.