Genu varus

Genu varus, commonly referred to as bow-leggedness, is a condition in which the each leg is curved so as to give the appearance of a bow .

Most cases of bow-leggedness are inherited, and are considered part of the normal variation of the human body shape. Most babies are born with curved legs and the degree to which growth straightens them out varies.

Some cases can be caused by medical problems, and this often gives rise to a one-sided bow-leggedness. Skeletal problems, infection, tumors and rickets can affect the growth of the leg, resulting in genu varus.

See also

• varus deformity