Blount's Disease or Tibia vara is a condition that causes a person’s lower leg to turn inwards, resembling a bowed leg.
But unlike bow legs, which can often straighten out as a child grows, Blount’s disease slowly gets worse. It can cause severe bowing of the legs and a lifetime of disability.
What causes Blount’s disease?
While the cause is unknown, Blount’s disease occurs mostly in young children and is especially prevalent in developing countries. It is thought Blount’s disease develops due to weight pressing on growing bones. The shin bone then fails to develop normally.
Treatment
Children under three-years are usually treated with braces to prevent severe bowing. If braces don’t work, or if the child isn’t diagnosed until they’re older, surgery is usually required. If the leg can be corrected it should work properly, and the child can usually run and play with other children and go to school.
Disability can be prevented so seek early assistance.
