Congenital knee deformity

　　Congenital knee deformity refers to the congenital structural and functional changes of the knee joint. The knee joint is the largest and most complex joint in the human body, consisting of the distal end of the femur, the proximal end of the tibia, and the patella in front. Its main movement patterns are flexion and extension of the knee, with slight rotational activity in a semi-flexed position. The most common lower limb deformities in children are genu varum and genu valgum, which are angular deformities of the knee outward or inward. The causes of genu varum and genu valgum are divided into physiological and pathological categories. Among them, pathological causes account for the majority, common factors include rickets, trauma, inflammation, congenital skeletal growth disorders (Blount disease), tumors, poliomyelitis, and cerebral palsy, which can all cause deformities of the knee joint in the lower limbs.

　　Genu varum and genu valgum are more common in lower limb deformities in children. The causes of genu varum and genu valgum are divided into physiological and pathological categories. For example, rickets, trauma, inflammation, congenital skeletal growth disorders (Blount disease), tumors, poliomyelitis, and cerebral palsy can all cause disorders in the linear arrangement of the lower limbs, leading to genu varum and genu valgum deformities. Bilateral genu varum accounts for about 1/4, and bilateral genu valgum accounts for more than 60%.

　　In a normal knee joint, the pressure is evenly distributed on the joint surface. However, in people with O-shaped or X-shaped legs, due to the genu varum, the body weight is excessively concentrated on the medial joint surface of the knee joint. Excessive pressure and friction can lead to wear of the cartilage surface on the medial side of the knee joint, collapse of the tibial plateau, and secondary osteoarthritis. As people age, joint pain is more likely to occur, affecting normal walking activities.

　　Congenital knee deformity refers to the congenital structural and functional changes of the knee joint. The main movement patterns are flexion and extension of the knee, with slight rotational activity in a semi-flexed position. When moving, there may be limitations in limb movement, and it is not possible to reach a normal posture. At this time, the observation of the external appearance can often clearly indicate the situation, and combined with X-ray examination, the actual condition can be diagnosed. The lesions of genu varum are mostly manifested at the proximal tibia, while the lesions of genu valgum are mostly at the distal femur.

　　The etiology of this disease is not yet clear, and it may be related to environmental factors, genetic factors, dietary factors, and emotional and nutritional factors during pregnancy. Therefore, it is not possible to prevent the disease directly by targeting the etiology. Early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment are of great significance in indirectly preventing the disease, and they can also reduce the occurrence of infectious complications. For patients who have already developed infections, antibiotics should be used as soon as possible for treatment.

　　Congenital knee deformities are congenital changes in the structure and function of the knee. Genu varum and genu valgum are angular deformities that bend outward and inward. They are more common in lower limb deformities in children. Local postural deformities can usually be observed with the naked eye.

　　X-ray examination is usually used to determine local deformities, and changes in the bones can be seen.

　　Magnetic resonance imaging can determine the abnormal conditions of local muscle and ligament tissues.

　　Blood routine and erythrocyte sedimentation rate tests are used to determine whether there are conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatism.

　　Congenital knee deformities in children have many manifestations, such as unilateral genu varum and genu valgum, which are mainly caused by factors such as trauma, inflammation, and congenital skeletal growth disorders. To prevent the occurrence of knee deformities, appropriate dietary adjustments can be made, which can have a certain effect on the prevention and treatment of knee deformities.

　　1. Eat more high-calcium foods, such as milk, eggs, soy products, vegetables, and fruits, and foods rich in calcium. For example: dried potatoes, potato flour, bread; coriander, rapini, mustard; seafood such as kelp, jellyfish, sea cucumber, seaweed, shrimp paste, etc. Calcium supplements may be needed if necessary.

　　2. Increase the intake of various vitamins, such as vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, and D, etc.

　　3. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in rough fiber, often eat nuts, and pay attention to the supplement of nutrition. A balanced diet should take in foods rich in antioxidants such as mangoes, papayas, melons, grapes, oranges, pineapples, bananas, strawberries, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, etc.

　　The correction methods for congenital knee deformities include: conservative treatment, surgical treatment, the use of correction instruments, splints, bandages, exercise, and the use of orthopedic insoles, etc.

　　Surgical treatment is suitable for severe congenital knee deformities or patients with concurrent osteoarthritis and joint pain. The benefits of surgery are passive treatment and immediate correction.