Valgus deformity of the legs. Causes, signs and methods of treatment of varus curvature of the leg Curvature of the bones of the leg in adulthood

Any curvature of the lower leg in a child ultimately leads to a violation of the correct placement of the foot. Therefore, such diseases of the musculoskeletal system are always accompanied by flat feet or club feet, destruction of the ankle and knee joints. If leg curvature is detected in children, treatment should begin immediately. In the initial stages, therapy is possible with conservative measures without surgery. Although sometimes the methods used may seem barbaric. For example, some orthopedists recommend placing a cast on the baby's shins to correct the shin bones.

In fact, there are a huge number of simpler and more accessible techniques. corrections. Read in this material a description of the first signs of curvature of the tibia of the leg in a child. If you see these symptoms, consult an orthopedist immediately.

Probable causes of deformation

You may be surprised, but all children are born bow-legged! This happens because the baby's legs are constantly bent while in the uterus. The curvature may not be noticeable until the baby begins to walk. In the second year of life, the baby's legs begin to straighten. So neither you nor your child most likely have any reason to worry. Although you need to know the probable causes of deformation of the shin bones.

If the baby’s legs remain crooked after three years, then we will be talking about an o-shaped curvature of the legs. This condition is dangerous, a sign of rickets, a bone disease caused by a lack of vitamin D, characterized by weak bone tissue. Children aged six to twenty-four months are at risk as the disease can cause serious damage to muscles, limbs, back pain and even cracked bones.

To prevent the development of rickets, watch out for: so that the baby receives a sufficient amount of vitamin D from food, mineral and vitamin supplements and exposure to the sun. In more rare cases, o-shaped curvature of the legs is distinctive feature excess fluoride in the body and even lead poisoning.

Although breast milk is an ideal food for babies, it does not contain the vitamin D needed to prevent rickets. Therefore, all children who are on breastfeeding, need extra vitamin D. The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised the figure required quantity vitamin D per day from two hundred units to four hundred IU (for babies fed breast milk from birth).

Sign 6 of Blount's disease and osteopsatirrosis

An O-shaped curvature of a child's legs is sometimes a sign of Blount's disease.– developmental pathologies tibia, resulting in severe curvature of one or both legs. Typically, varus curvature of the legs in children becomes noticeable between the ages of two and four years.

Blount disease is most often hereditary and mainly affects girls. At risk are children who started walking early, dark-skinned babies and children with overweight. Special prostheses (splints) are usually successfully used to treat young children, but in some cases, for example in adolescents, surgical intervention is required.

And finally, varus curvature of the lower leg in a child in any direction may be the first sign of a rare genetic disorder - osteogenesis imperfecta (osteopsatyrosis). Among the main signs of this disease are frequent fractures, short stature, discoloration of teeth and a bluish or grayish tint to the sclera of the child’s eyes. Children born with osteogenesis imperfecta usually have fragile bones. Although there is no cure for this disease, there are many treatments available to reduce the incidence of fractures and reduce pain.

X-shaped extended curvature of the legs in children

If your baby tries to walk as if his knees are turned inward- most likely, your child has a fairly common deformity of the knee joint with an inward rotation. When a baby learns to walk, this rotation of the knees is part of the normal process because it helps maintain balance.

Yes, for most children, the hobbling gait looks exactly like this until they are three years old, for some - until they are five or six. Just like with an O-shaped curvature, for overweight children there is a threat of maintaining this position, because the growing bones are deformed under the pressure of unnecessary kilograms.

An X-shaped curvature of a child’s legs is not only a cosmetic problem; shins turned inward will interfere with him while running and other activities. physical activity. In this case, physiotherapy and splints are of great help; in particularly difficult situations, surgical intervention is recommended.

A child's valgus that does not straighten out may be a sign of a tibial injury, a bone or bone marrow infection, or a bone disease such as rickets (see Crooked Legs above). But with valgus curvature of the leg, the child exhibits even more eloquent signs - inflammation, pain and high fever.

See how the curvature of the legs in children manifests itself and is corrected - the video shows modern methods of influence:

Deviation of the tibia, in which the lower limbs have the shape of the letter X, in medical practice is called valgus deformity of the tibia. In addition to the unaesthetic appearance, patients experience impaired support function of the feet. To get rid of this pathological condition, they resort to conservative treatment. If it turns out to be ineffective, the patient is prescribed surgery.

Why does the disease develop?

Valgus of the leg in children can be congenital or acquired. The congenital pathological condition is caused by abnormalities in the development of the musculoskeletal system. An acquired defect occurs due to the influence of the following factors:

rickets;
traumatic damage to the hip, knee or lower leg;
diabetes;
dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
lack of phosphorus and calcium in the body;
sedentary lifestyle;
excessive body weight;
osteomyelitis;
femoral vascular dysplasia;
kidney diseases.

Such pathological conditions provoke a decrease in the strength of bone tissue. Often they accompany an existing congenital valgus deviation of the ankle joints in a child.

How to recognize pathology?

In young children, the legs take on the shape of the letter X.

Hallux valgus deformity is mainly diagnosed in children in the first years of life. Most often this happens when the little patient has just learned to walk. This pathological condition is provoked by a strong load on the lower limbs with rapid growth and weakening muscle tissue and ligaments. The knee joint is primarily affected. During the examination, it is noticeable that the lower limbs are slightly bent back at the knee joint. The shins and thighs look like the letter X. The distance between the ankles increases and is more than 5 centimeters.

As a result, the feet also change. Little patient leans on inner part feet, valgus flatfoot appears. The baby begins to walk unsteadily, limp or shuffle his feet. After active physical activity, the foot begins to ache and painful sensations in it. If the valgus deformity of the legs on the left and right sides is different, during the progression of the pathological condition, curvature of the spinal column occurs.

Are there complications?

Valgus deformity of the lower extremities in children provokes a sufficient number of consequences. Arthrosis, which is a destructive-dystrophic disease of the joints, is often diagnosed. In addition, a large number of patients suffering from lower leg deformities are diagnosed with osteochondrosis and curvature of the spinal column. Flat feet, valgus alignment of the feet, and abnormal shape of the hip bone tissue often appear. In addition, due to deformation of the lower leg, shortening of the lower extremities can also be observed.

Diagnostic measures

To determine the presence of flat feet, the child needs to have a plantography done.

Ankle valgus is easy to diagnose. When contacting a pediatrician or general practitioner, the patient is sent to an orthopedist. First of all, a visual examination is carried out, after which they resort to x-rays of the legs. It is carried out in two projections. To determine whether flat feet accompany the pathological condition, they resort to plantography.

To determine the cause of the appearance hallux valgus deformity lower extremities, the patient is sent for an ultrasound examination of the joints. In addition, a blood test is required, which shows the level of sugar and calcium. Special attention You should also pay attention to assessing the condition of your kidneys. Sometimes computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are required.

How does the treatment work?

Conservative therapy

If valgus deformity of the lower leg is diagnosed in a timely manner, before degenerative-destructive changes in the joints begin, the curvature of the lower extremities can be corrected. Treatment consists of using medicinal physical culture, massage treatments. Besides, mandatory element therapy is orthopedic shoes, which are selected by the attending doctor. With its help, it is possible to reduce the load on the feet and joint tissue. In addition, it is important to monitor your diet. The menu focuses on foods that contain large amounts of phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D. Such foods include nuts, dairy products, fish and eggs.

Exercise therapy and massage for hallux valgus

Swimming is beneficial for patients with this pathology.

As for therapeutic physical training, doctors recommend cycling, swimming, and walking up the stairs. To get rid of hallux valgus, a special set of exercises has been developed. A small patient is recommended to sit cross-legged. During this pose, the feet touch each other and the knees are spread apart.

Massage is important in the treatment of hallux valgus pathology. With its help, it is possible to stop the divergence of the ankles by increasing the tone of muscle tissue and ligaments. This makes it possible to strengthen the lower limbs. The course of massage treatments consists of 15 sessions, which are attended once every 2 days. Then they take a break for a month, after which they conduct another course. The massage therapist begins the procedure with light kneading and rubbing of the lower extremities, gradually increasing the intensity of movements. It is important that patients should not feel pain. The massage process primarily involves rubbing and stroking the lumbar region and buttocks, after which it moves on to the muscle tissue of the lower extremities, affecting the legs, thighs, ankles and knees.

Due to bone deformation, children and adults begin to have bowed legs. Pathology is observed when the correct contour of the legs is violated and is not only a cosmetic defect. The lack of competent therapy is fraught with uneven distribution of the load on the joints and the development of... If the latter progresses, severe pain appears in the legs, which can only be eliminated through surgery.

General information

Doctors call the correct shape of the legs in which through the head femur, forming the hip joint, a straight line runs through the middle of the kneecap and the first interdigital space. In this case, 3 spindle-shaped contours should be observed - in the perineal area, knee joints, ankles. IN otherwise curvature of the legs is diagnosed. It may result from bone deformation or unfavorable soft tissue distribution. In any case, the pathology brings discomfort and causes dissatisfaction with the shape of your legs.

Note! Every fifth inhabitant of the planet is dissatisfied with the shape of her legs. If she notices gait distortion or lameness, she should immediately consult a doctor.

Classification

Curvature can manifest itself in 2 forms:

– it is easy to recognize by the characteristic letter “X”, which is visible when the patient closes his legs together. That is why the pathology is called X-shaped. It is worth noting that a slight outward deviation of the shin is allowed. For men, the permissible angle normally does not exceed 5–7 degrees, while for women it is 10 degrees.
Varus– due to the fact that both shins, when a defect is diagnosed, resemble the letter “O”, it is called O-shaped. You can recognize it by its internal contour - the lower leg is arched in an arc that stretches from the perineum to the closed ankles.

In addition, the curvature may be:

true - when the bones of the lower extremities are deformed;
false - when the defect is the result of a special arrangement of soft tissues that create curvature.

Important! Valgus curvature leads to the development of flat feet, and varus curvature leads to the appearance of secondary flat feet.

False curvature does not always require surgical intervention. Most often it is a consequence of improperly distributed load on the hips, legs and feet during sports. This condition is not a serious pathology and is easily eliminated with the help of regular training of the lower leg muscles, thanks to which they finally connect when the legs are closed.

Causes

Medicine identifies several causes of curvature of the legs. First of all, this:

Due to the fact that many diseases, one way or another, affect metabolism and subsequently lead to the development of pathologies of bone, cartilage and muscle tissue, at an early age children should be regularly examined by a pediatric orthopedist. He will check how the musculoskeletal system is developing and rule out or confirm the presence of a curvature of the lower leg.

Symptoms

The first sign of pathology is an irregular contour of the legs. It may also be indicated by flat feet. You can verify the presence of the latter by regularly checking how your shoes wear down. If the sole is almost flat, everything is fine, but when there is trampling inward or outward, you need to see a doctor.

Note! After injuries and fractures, curvatures may appear as a result of improper bone healing. Any delay in treatment in this case is fraught not only with discomfort, but also with pain.

It is worth noting that with birth defects, children learn to walk more slowly and lag behind their peers in physical development.

Diagnostics

To identify curvature of the legs, it is enough to contact a traumatologist or orthopedist. After a visual examination and history taking, he will most likely prescribe:

feet, legs;
joints;
, calcium level.

To identify flat feet, plantography is used - a method that involves obtaining a footprint or imprint of the foot.

Important!At this stage, the doctor strives not only to make the correct diagnosis, but also to identify the causes of the deformity. That is why he takes into account everything, including the quality of kidney function, which can also provoke the development of a defect.

Treatment

It is worth noting that the defect can be corrected with the help of physical exercises only in mild cases. Congenital pathologies accompanied by underdevelopment or asymmetry of muscles are corrected by a plastic surgeon. In addition, the type of curvature matters.

Correction of hallux valgus deformity in children

Therapy depends on the results obtained from the studies. Identified diseases of the urinary or skeletal system, for example, are eliminated by prescribing special medications.

Additionally, experts advise parents to ensure that the child stands with his legs wide apart as little as possible. He is also recommended to wear orthopedic shoes with a beveled heel, a special insole and a hard heel.

Important! Walking barefoot has a beneficial effect on the condition of the legs. In this case, you can walk on grass, sand or pebbles, simultaneously trying to grab them with your toes.

If the situation worsens, special tires are used. Sometimes an operation is indicated, which boils down to removing the wedge from the femur and restoring the axis of the limb. Due to the fact that hallux valgus is often the result of diseases of the kidneys or endocrine glands, the patient is prescribed treatment along with surgery. If it is successful, the curvature does not recur.

Massage for hallux valgus

Massage improves muscle tone and strengthens the limb. The main thing is to carry it out daily or every other day, for a month.. After this, you can take a break for up to 4 weeks, and then repeat the massage course from the beginning. With each subsequent course, experts advise increasing the intensity, as this will allow you to achieve visible results faster.

Note!Proper massage is painless.

During the massage, the back, limb, lower back, buttocks are rubbed and stroked. There are several techniques for influencing the muscles and joints in these areas that a specialist knows, which is why it is important to contact him.

When these procedures do not produce a visible effect, it makes sense to consult a plastic surgeon.

Methods of plastic surgery in the fight against curvature of the legs

After the operation, the patient is given a special orthopedic device, which he is forced to wear for 5–8 months, depending on the complexity of the operation.

Important!To achieve the desired stable result, it is recommended to perform orthopedic surgery on the lower leg after the patient reaches 18 years of age. At this time, the last growth spurt of bone tissue and the entire body is completed, due to which there is no need for repeated operations.

Curvature of the legs is a pathology that directly affects a person’s quality of life. At best, a cosmetic defect appears, at worst, it progresses, which entails distortion of gait, discomfort, and pain. Treatment of curvature should begin with a consultation with a traumatologist or orthopedist. He will recommend visiting physical therapy and swimming. If they do not produce results, the question of the need for surgery will arise.

Crooked legs are not only a cosmetic defect, but often also a serious illness, manifested by curvature of the lower leg. Depending on the shape of the legs, a distinction is made between varus deformity of the legs (limbs in the shape of the letter “O”) and valgus deformation of the legs (limbs in the shape of the letter “X”). It is not difficult to understand whether a person has a problem with his legs: any deviation from a straight line drawn through the projections hip joint, knee joint and the first interdigital space indicates pathology. You can also ask the patient to place his feet close to each other and try to squeeze his knees: he simply will not be able to do this, because the knee joints will turn outward, clearly demonstrating the large gap between the shins. If a person suffering from valgus squeezes the knees, then the shins will diverge to the sides, then if the divergence is more than five centimeters, they speak of the presence of a valgus anomaly in the development of the limbs.

Reference. A slight outward deviation of the ankles (up to 7° in men and up to 10° in women) is not considered a pathology. Valgus curvature is characterized by a large angle of curvature, at which there is a significant divergence of the legs with the knees closed. Interestingly, in some cases, reverse inversion of the foot, characteristic of varus deformity, leads to the gradual development of valgus in the patient.

Causes of hallux valgus in children and adults

Sometimes a child is born with a hereditary valgus curvature of the tibia, but the pathology most often appears after the child gets to his feet. In addition, the legs in children are usually deformed due to rapid bone growth against the background of slow formation of the musculoskeletal system as a whole. With valgus curvature of the tibia, the knee joint is primarily affected, which leads to “hyperextension” of the leg in the knee area. If a child has a valgus deviation of the legs, then over time he is likely to develop flat feet and scoliosis.

Causes of hallux valgus in children:

hereditary or genetic disease of the limbs;
congenital anomaly of the legs;
disease of bone and cartilage tissue;
metabolic disorders (improper absorption of vitamins and minerals);
inflammatory processes;
rickets in severe form;
deficiency in food of calcium and vitamin D, which promotes its absorption (possibly due to insufficient exposure to the sun);
excess weight.

Causes of valgus curvature of the leg in adults in many cases, “comes from childhood”, since due to the slow development of the disease, obvious symptoms fully manifest themselves with age, for example, due to. In addition, injuries to the lower extremities lead to deformation of the lower leg (usually one).

Symptoms of hallux valgus

The main sign of valgus curvature is the X-shaped shape of the legs, that is, an obvious displacement of the axes of the limbs. But the matter is not limited to only external manifestations: a person experiences pain with any movement of the lower leg and foot, including while walking. The load on the limb is distributed unevenly and mainly falls on the knee and ankle joints, which because of this are gradually destroyed. If you do not begin to treat hallux valgus, the person will lose the ability to move normally and become disabled.

Surgical treatment of hallux valgus

The defect is corrected during a corrective (varus) osteotomy - an operation during which part of the femur is removed, and then the remaining parts are fused using compression-distraction osteosynthesis, for which an Elizarov apparatus is installed on the limb (with its help, if necessary, the limb can be lengthened) . If the patient has significant damage to the knee joint, then he is additionally given reconstructive chondroplasty. Surgery Hallux valgus deformity is not performed on patients under 18 years of age, since their musculoskeletal system is not yet fully formed.

Curvature of the legs: video consultation with a specialist

Conservative treatment of valgus deviation of the tibia

If shin valgus is diagnosed in time, without waiting for changes in the joints, then curvature of the limbs can be avoided. This applies to a greater extent to children, who should be shown to an orthopedic doctor at the first signs of pathology. At all stages of valgus curvature of the legs in children, physical therapy and massage, in addition, orthopedic shoes are selected to reduce the load on the joints. The same techniques are suitable for preventing bowed legs in children. Particular attention must be paid to nutrition - it is recommended to include foods rich in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D (dairy products, fish, eggs, nuts) in the diet.

Physical exercise. Experts advise cycling, swimming, playing ball and walking up the stairs. A complex has been developed for patients with hallux valgus. physical therapy exercises . If a pathology is detected in a child, then he needs to be taught to sit cross-legged (the feet touch each other, and the knees are spread in different directions).

Massage. With valgus deformity of the tibia, it is important to prevent the divergence of the ankles from progressing, that is, to increase the tone of the ligaments and muscles and thus strengthen the limb. To do this, the patient is prescribed a course of massage, which usually includes 15-20 sessions, carried out every other day (every day is possible). It is advisable to repeat the courses after two weeks or a month. The intensity of the procedures is gradually increased, but they should not cause pain. During the massage, the specialist first strokes, rubs and kneads the muscles of the gluteal and lumbar regions, and then acts on the leg muscles, working with the shins, knees and ankle joints.

False curvature of the legs

Valgus and varus are true deformities of the leg, but there is also a false curvature, in which the bones are straight, but the limbs appear crooked due to improper distribution or underdevelopment of soft tissues, leading to non-closure calf muscles.

False curvature of the leg is corrected physical activity(by doing special exercises you can “pump up”, that is, increase the volume of the calf muscle), contouring (Macroline filler) and installing silicone implants (cruroplasty). Usually, the shape of the lower leg is changed by patients with underdeveloped, deformed and asymmetrical lower leg muscles, among them there are many athletes and bodybuilders, that is, people for whom it is important to have a proportional body.

The main thing about hallux valgus deformity

Photos before and after treatment for hallux valgus

O-shaped curvature (varus deformity) is the most common reason for cosmetic orthopedic correction of the shape of the legs (about 15-20 times more often than X-shaped curvature).

Classification of leg shape (Artemyev A.A., 2001):

Perfect legs;
True O-shaped curvature (varus deformity);

Below is a video on how to fix crooked legs

What is O-shaped curvature

Using the classification, it is easy to independently determine what shape your legs are and decide whether something needs to be changed or not.

Perfect legs. The knees, calves and feet close together, with three spaces between them.
True O-shaped curvature (varus deformity). The knee joints do not close when the feet are closed, and a spindle-shaped defect of the internal contour is formed from the perineum to the feet.
Associated with the distribution of soft tissues on the lower leg. With false curvature, the knees and feet close together, but the calves do not. As a result, a soft tissue defect is formed from the knees to the ankles, and the appearance of thin and crooked legs is created.
- knees close, feet do not close.

It is very important that timely correction of shin deformities allows not only to achieve a very good aesthetic result, but also prevents the development of diseases of the knee joints in adulthood and old age. Incorrect distribution of loads during varus deformity leads to uneven and premature “wear” of the knee joints.

Therefore, timely correction of the curvature of the legs is a measure to prevent arthrosis of the knee joints.

Three options for correcting the shape of the legs

You can rest assured that we will do it perfect legs in almost any case, the point is how long the process will take. We offer three ways to correct leg varus deformity:

Ilizarov correction (see details below);
Express method;
Improved express method.

Express methods involve fixation with a pin, which significantly reduces rehabilitation time - in fact, you can begin active rehabilitation within 19 days after surgery

If you think you have false curvature -

Principles of leg shape correction using the Ilizarov apparatus

O-shaped curvature- the most common reason for cosmetic orthopedic correction of the shape of the legs (about 15-20 times more often than).

General principle correction of the shape of the legs - intersection of the bone in the area of deformity and fusion in the correct position.

To perform an osteotomy, it is not necessary to make a large skin incision. A small (5 mm) puncture and one suture are sufficient. With an aesthetically favorable distribution of soft tissue on the lower leg excellent result can be achieved without completely crossing the bone, but only by breaking it on one side. This allows us to expect a reduction in treatment time by 5-15%.

After crossing the bone (osteotomy), it is necessary to bring the axis of the limb into correct position and fix in this position until fusion.

X-shaped deformation is corrected in the same way, only the direction of displacement of the bone fragments is exactly the opposite.

The ideal device for bringing the limb axis into the correct position and fixation is the Ilizarov apparatus. Unfortunately, not everyone realizes the possibilities of this method. The maximum experience in using the Ilizarov apparatus has been accumulated in Russia. For the purpose of aesthetic correction of the shape of the legs, we have been using this method since 1996. During this time, more than 1.5 thousand corrections and lengthenings of the femur and tibia were performed for a variety of conditions - different leg lengths, improper healing of fractures and, of course, with increased height and cosmetic correction of shape.

The Ilizarov apparatus allows:

correct angular deformation;
perform medialization;
eliminate rotational displacements;
remove the protruding head of the fibula;
lengthen a limb.

More simplified open-loop designs have limited capabilities. At the same time, the Ilizarov apparatus can be covered with trousers without any problems and weighs only 900 grams.

Angular correction

Angular correction is the easiest way to correct the shape of your legs. At the request of the patient, using the Ilizarov apparatus, any curvature can be corrected, regardless of the type and severity.

The effect of angular correction in cases of pronounced O-shaped curvature of the legs.
On the left is a 19-year-old girl, on the right is a 26-year-old man.

A prerequisite for obtaining an excellent result by performing angular correction alone is an aesthetically favorable distribution of soft tissues on the lower leg - when the calf muscles are located along inner surface shins. The reason for this condition lies in the peculiarities of the attachment of the head of the gastrocnemius muscle, and not in the fact that the muscles are not “pumped up”. Physical exercise in this case will not lead to success.

When correcting varus deformity, medialization can be performed simultaneously, which will significantly improve the aesthetic effect.

Medialization of the tibia

Medialization is the inward displacement of the peripheral (lower) fragment of the tibia after osteotomy. In modern pin-rod devices, this procedure is performed at the patient’s request almost painlessly and gradually by twisting the rods in the process of correcting the curvature.

At the request of patients, angular correction is complemented by medialization in almost 60% of cases and significantly improves the aesthetic effect.

Rotation

Rotational displacement is caused by the installation of the limb in a position of displacement around the longitudinal axis.

This type of deformation occurs in 2-3% of cases and can be unilateral (asymmetrical) or bilateral. Correction of rotation is carried out in case of significant severity or asymmetry on different legs.

Appearance female patient 19 years old before and after combined correction
(angular correction + medialization + rotation + lengthening of the legs by 3 cm).
On the right are radiographs during the correction process.

Reduction of the protruding head of the fibula

A protruding head of the fibula in combination with varus deformity occurs in no more than 1% of cases.

Appearance of a 26-year-old man before and after correction (correction of varus deformity + reduction of the head of the fibula + lengthening of the tibia by 1.5 cm)

Lowering the head of the fibula involves lengthening the legs by 1-2 cm, which significantly enhances the cosmetic effect.

Elongation

Limb lengthening is based on the discovery of G.A. Ilizarov - biological tissues respond to stretching with regeneration. This is achieved by increasing the distance between the rings of the apparatus, which entails an increase in the distance between bone fragments and, accordingly, stretching of the tissue.

Scheme of limb lengthening using the Ilizarov apparatus

(correction of O-shaped curvature + medialization + lengthening 4.5 cm)

Lengthening by a small amount (2-4 cm) in order to optimize proportions significantly improves the aesthetic effect when correcting curvature of the legs, completely changes a person’s self-esteem, and often his lifestyle.

Ways to reduce treatment and rehabilitation time when correcting crooked legs

The average time from surgery to removal of the devices is 3 months. In the case of leg lengthening, you need to add approximately 1 month for each centimeter of lengthening. The specified period assumes gradual increase loads and activity during the fixation process and the ability to fully load the legs and walk freely without restrictions immediately after removing the devices. You can remove the devices earlier, for example, after 50-60 days. However, after this you will have to sharply limit the load (even walking with crutches) for another month and a half until the final fusion occurs.

There are the following ways to reduce treatment time:

a gradual increase in loads on the legs (under the supervision of a doctor) reduces the time of fixation with Ilizarov apparatuses by 5-10%;
incomplete osteotomy reduces the fixation period by 5-15%.

Alternative methods of correction (without the Ilizarov apparatus)

osteotomy with plate fixation allows you to correct curvature of the legs without Ilizarov apparatus;
osteotomy with devices moving the legs into the correct position and subsequent transition to fixation with a rod allows you to remove the devices approximately a month after the operation and immediately begin rehabilitation.

Features of rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is recovery from temporary limitations of function. After surgery, restoration of motor activity should occur gradually and strictly in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.

The gradual expansion of the activity regime is facilitated by the use of special means of support and movement.

Modern means support and movement after surgery

Additional information and frequently asked questions

At the decision-making stage and during the correction process, additional questions often arise. Answers to all the questions listed below - Here you can find out what examination is necessary before surgery, how to properly take photos for an absentee consultation, and much more.

Often asked:

— Will exercises help correct the true curvature of the legs?
- No, they won’t help. The reason is bone deformation, which is the reason for this shape of the legs.

— Will exercises help in cases where there is false curvature of the legs?
- No, they won’t help. False curvature of the legs is associated with the distribution of soft tissues. Many people believe that there is a deficiency of soft tissue, the muscle is not “pumped up”. In fact, the volume of muscles in all people is usually proportional to the volume of the lower leg. But for some, the calf muscle is located on the inner surface, it is clearly visible, and it’s beautiful. Other people seem to have small calf muscles. In fact, the volume is sufficient, but these muscles are displaced posteriorly. Exercises will increase their volume, but this will not reduce the deficiency of the internal contour, which actually creates the impression of false curvature of the legs.

— The child’s legs are crooked, what should I do?
- If the child is between 0 and 8 years old, then the shape changes at this age. You just need to observe. If this causes serious concern, and the curvature is pronounced, then you need to contact a pediatric orthopedist to identify various diseases which can cause deformation of the legs. The effectiveness of massage, exercise and other conservative methods at this age is greatly exaggerated. If the deformity is a consequence of diseases, for example, Blount's disease, then the operation should be performed without delay. If the curvature of the legs is a structural feature, then it is better to wait until the growth zones close. This usually occurs between the ages of 14 and 18. This is the optimal age to correct the so-called. idiopathic varus or valgus deformity.

— Does shin deformation affect the position of the foot?
- Yes, it does. As a rule, these are interconnected processes. Parents pay more attention to the position of the foot, as problems arise with the selection of shoes. In fact, in such cases it is necessary to examine the entire child. It is necessary to evaluate the shape of the entire lower limb. In 90% of cases of foot deformity, a careful examination will reveal deformation of the knee joints, different leg lengths, and much more. Moreover, the correction must begin from top to bottom - first the hips, then the legs, and only then the feet.

If you want to study the problem in more detail, we recommend that you refer to this book:

If you are interested in the problem under consideration and would like to receive additional information or professional advice, call +7 909 641-36-41

Photo gallery of works

Woman 27 years old. Varus deformity of the legs.

Male 21 years old. Varus (true O-shaped) deformity of the legs, short stature. We performed angular correction, medialization and lengthened the tibia by 4 cm (see detailed patient diary).