Conditions We Treat Bowed Legs

Bowed Legs

Bowed legs is a condition characterized by legs that bend outwards around or below the knees, even when the ankles are together. It occurs when the growth plate near the inside of the knee slows down or stops making new bone while the growth plate near the outside continues to grow normally, giving a bowed appearance to the legs.

Bowed legs are a natural part of a child’s development, typically around two years old. In some children, the conditions worsen or develop in later childhood. However, many factors, such as the child’s nutrition, health, and lack of vitamin D, can influence the condition.

If Not Treated

If Not Treated

Neglecting bowed legs leads to persistent bowing and, in later life, causes discomfort and pain in the hips, knees, and/or ankles because of abnormal joint stress. Without medical intervention, children with bowed legs can face a lifetime of disability.  

Children with disabilities often experience stigma and discrimination, leading to poor self-confidence and isolation.

Treatment

Treatment

The approach to treatment depends on the severity of the bowed legs.

Guided Growth

In milder cases, surgeons place a small plate on the outside of the knee, allowing the knee to grow gradually straight over 6-12 months.

Osteotomy 

In more severe cases or where guided growth is less suitable, a more extensive surgery called an osteotomy is necessary to adjust the leg’s orientation. Doctors start by removing a triangular piece of bone to straighten the leg. The osteotomy is then secured with a wire or plate that provides the stability needed while the bone heals.

Before

Children like Plasdus and Djouneydou rely on the support and generosity of people like you to receive surgery and comprehensive care offered at CURE hospitals.

We treat bowed legs at CURE Children’s Hospitals in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, Philippines, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 

After

Children like Plasdus and Djouneydou rely on the support and generosity of people like you to receive surgery and comprehensive care offered at CURE hospitals.

We treat bowed legs at CURE Children’s Hospitals in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, Philippines, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 

“The deformity seems just to affect the knee, but it will affect the whole body. So during a child’s growth, it involves both legs. As Plasdus (pictured above) limps, he has to bend his spine. The spine bends, affecting the sciatic nerve, which weakens the leg and can cause urinary tract infections and problems with the reproductive system. If the bowed leg is not treated, it will completely affect his lifestyle and he can become wheelchair bound.”

Help Kids Heal from Bowed Legs