Non-surgical Correction of Genu Varum and Valgum in Young Children–A Crosssectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The study emphasises on nonsurgical correction of genu varum and genu valgum in 369 children between the age of 2-8 years. The data collected from centres focuses on early intervention in the growth phase could help to tackle deformity better. The present study highlights cost-effective treatment of deformity in low-resource settings. Primary frontal knee deformity among Cameroonian children is a growing concern in paediatric orthopaedic consultations. It can be related to rickets, or family history. Conservative non-surgical treatment with casting and bracing at early age is usually done but its effectiveness has not yet been reported. This study aimed at determining the frequency, the clinical profile, the results of casting and the associated prognostic factors. Methods: A transversal retrospective study was conducted in the two major rehabilitation centres of Yaounde, namely the National Rehabilitation centre for disabled person and Promhandicam Centre, from the 1st January 2023 to 30th June 2024. All consulting patients’ files were reviewed, searching for children with primary frontal deformity in valgus or varus. Those aged from 2 to 8 years old received plaster casting and bracing after ethical and administrative considerations and informed consent. Their pre and post casting knee deformity variables (Hip-knee-ankle angle, intercondylar distance and intermalleolar distance) were compared. Results: 369 children having a primary knee deformity were identified among 1 214 (30,40%) children aged from 2 to 8 years old, consulted. There was a male predominance (51.41%). Bilateral genu valgum was the most common deformity 245/369 (66,4%) followed by bilateral genu varum 84 (22.46%). Pre and post evaluation concerned 369 children and 720 knees. There was improvement among all children, but mostly among younger ones concerning hip-knee-ankle angle, inter condylar distance and inter malleolar distance. Conclusion: Plaster and casting are effective in children with genu valgum and varum and is recommended, mostly at early ages.