Angular Deformity of the Lower Limb

Angular Deformity of the Lower Limb, genu valgum, clinical and radiographic appearance
Genu valgum, clinical and radiographic appearance. Image by BioMed Central, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.

Definition

  • normal development of tibio femoral axis
birth15° varus
15 months 0°
36 months10° valgus
6-7 years5-6° of valgus
Tibial Femoral Axis
  • what causes the deformity
  • where is the anomaly
    • tibia, femur, joint etc
  • what part of the bone is deformed
  • valgus or varus
    • valgus
      • renal osteodystrophy
    • varus
      • hypophosphatemic rickets

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