| p>'Valgus' is a term used by the medical profession | | | | disease. Please note: there is natural variation |
| to describe joints that form an angle different from | | | | between individuals, with some having a larger angle |
| the usual. It does not apply only to the knee. Valgus | | | | through the knee than others. The change in angle is |
| means that the part of the body furthest away | | | | the important factor. |
| from the torso is angled away from the midline | | | | When a knee becomes so painful that surgery is the |
| position. In simple terms, if the knees are described | | | | only option, the good news is that in most cases the |
| as valgus, they are 'Knock-kneed.' | | | | surgeon can correct any angulation. It is not |
| Valgus knees indicate that the arthritis is mainly on | | | | uncommon for patients to have a straighter knee |
| the outside of the knee. The wearing down of the | | | | after their operation than they have had for years. |
| cartilage lining on the outside of the knee has led to a | | | | As is common in osteoarthritis, it is important not to |
| change in the angle through the joint. The | | | | focus too much on factors such as joint angle - after |
| terminology a doctor would use would be to describe | | | | all it is just a measurement. Symptoms, particularly |
| being knock-kneed as having a valgus deformity, or | | | | pain, generally take priority in the decision making |
| the latin phrase 'genu valgum.' | | | | process. It is wise to seek an expert opinion |
| Doctors approximate the angle of deformity to | | | | however, as on some occasions, large deformities |
| assess the progression of the degenerative joint | | | | make surgical intervention more difficult than usual. |