Does osteotomy treat knock knees?

Knock knees, also called genu valgum, make the knees angle inward when the legs are straight. In an osteotomy, a surgeon reshapes a bone to improve the line from the hip through the knee to the ankle. The cut may be opened or closed and is stabilised while the bone heals.

The right approach depends on whether the alignment comes from the thigh bone, shin bone or both. In a growing child, guided growth may sometimes be considered instead; an osteotomy is more often discussed when growth is nearly complete or the deformity needs direct correction. Mild, painless alignment may need observation rather than surgery.

A specialist assessment can measure the legs clinically and with standing X-rays. Take note of pain, fatigue, limping, uneven shoe wear, activity limits and whether the alignment is changing. Physiotherapy may support strength, balance and movement, but exercises do not usually change the shape of a mature bone.

If surgery is proposed, ask about the exact bone to be corrected, fixation, protected weight bearing, expected rehabilitation and return to school, work or sport. Follow-up imaging checks that alignment and healing are progressing as planned.

Arrange medical review if knock knees are painful, clearly worsening, present on one side, associated with limping, or limiting ordinary activities. Seek urgent care after an injury if the child or adult cannot bear weight, has severe swelling, numbness or a cold foot.

Where does the deformity begin? Is observation, guided growth or osteotomy appropriate for my age and growth stage? What will recovery restrict, and how will you monitor bone healing and alignment?