Genu Recurvatum (Congenital)

Genu Recurvatum (Congenital), lateral radiograph of genu recurvatum — Lateral radiograph of genu recurvatum. Image by Kinderradiologie Olgahospital Klinikum Stuttgart, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Aetiology

secondary to intra uterine posture
- these are flexible
- respond to nonoperative management
  - gentle manipulation should start at birth
  - tibia is brought posterior to the femur as the knee is flexed
  - after manipulation the desired correction may be held with a cast

Associations

congenital dislocation of the knee
arthrogryposis & myelodysplasia
club feet
DDH
congenital anomalies

Treatment

nonoperative
- initially
  - begin nonoperative as above
operative
- if < 30° flexion at 3 months
  - operative release

Reviewed by Professor Phong Tran, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western Health. Last updated 10 October 2026.