Genu Varum
Definition
A lower extremity alignment where the knees angle outward from the midline, commonly called 'bow legs.' Measured as the distance between the medial femoral condyles when the ankles are touching. Normal in infants, but persistence or development in adults is a structural finding.
Clinical Significance
Genu varum increases lateral knee compartment loading and the medial meniscus compression. It is associated with lateral knee osteoarthritis, iliotibial band syndrome, and altered gait mechanics. Often accompanies excessive femoral external rotation or supinated foot posture.
How AKMI Assesses This
AKMI measures intercondylar distance, standing lower extremity alignment, and correlates varum with hip rotation data and foot mechanics to identify the primary driver.
Get your knee assessed
A biomechanical assessment measures genu varum and its relationship to the rest of your structural chain. 18 tests, objective data, personalized programming.