Windswept Legs
Windswept legs is a combination of bowed legs and knock knees (genu valgum); a knee on one leg tilts inward while the other bows outward. Windswept legs occurs when the growth plates near the knees slow down or stop making new bone while the growth plate near the other knee continues to grow normally, giving a “windswept” appearance to the legs.
What issues do children with windswept legs face?
If children do not receive treatment, severe deformity can arise, causing significant problems with walking. Over time, the abnormal forces across the joints can result in pain and early arthritis.
Pain
Windswept legs causes persistent pain in the hips, knees, and ankles because of abnormal joint stress.
Stigma
Children often experience discrimination, leading to poor self-confidence and isolation.
Missed Opportunities
Lack of mobility makes it hard for children to participate in community life, play with friends, or even consistently attend school.
Treatment
The approach to treating windswept legs depends on the severity.
Guided Growth
In milder cases, surgeons place a small plate on the growth plate on one side of each knee, allowing the knee to grow gradually straight over six to 12 months. It is minor surgery, and the child can start walking the day after the procedure.
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.
Treatment for windswept legs is available at these CURE hospitals:
CUREkid Spotlight, Windswept Legs
Maryanne | CURE Kenya
Before Surgery
Maryanne’s legs began to bend around her knees when she was just two years old. After surgery at a local hospital was not successful, doctors referred her to CURE Kenya.
After Surgery
At CURE, Maryanne received the surgeries and physical therapy she needed to walk on newly straightened legs! Today she is in school and receiving regular check-ups from CURE. And because of our generous donors, it’s all at no cost to her family.