Blount Disease
Blount disease is a rare genetic disorder that appears in children over the age of one. It usually appears between one and three years of age, but it can also occur later in life, during adolescence and even adulthood. Children who are overweight or gain weight quickly are at increased risk for the disease. Children who begin walking early may also be at risk. Less than 1% of the population has this disorder.
Is Blount disease curable?
One of the most common orthopedic deformities in children is Blount disease. This condition causes the shin bone, called the tibia, to grow unevenly, resulting in the leg bowing down below the knee. It usually affects children who are overweight or start walking very early in their lives. The condition can be treated with a brace, but without treatment, the deformity may persist into adulthood and cause problems.
Treatments for Blount disease range from bracing to surgery. The surgical procedure removes a small wedge of bone from the tibia or fibula to realign the lower leg. After the surgery, a plate is placed over the site to help the bone grow into a straight position. The plate should be removed between two and three years later.
Is Blount disease painful?
Most young children don’t experience any pain from Blount disease, but older children may complain of knee pain, especially when walking. A pediatrician may refer a child to an orthopedic surgeon to investigate this condition. An X-ray can be helpful to determine the extent of the disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also show the structure of the knee joint, bone growth plates, and blood supply. It may also help doctors determine whether a child has early or advanced stage of the disease.
If you suspect your child has Blount disease, it is important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible. This disorder is caused by a growth plate that is abnormally shaped in the shin bone. Children with the disorder have a pronounced bowing of the leg, similar to that of a bowleg. Treatment will include bracing and possibly surgery.
Is Blount’s disease genetic?
There are several ways to find out if you have Blount’s disease. First, you need to consult an orthopaedic surgeon. They will perform an x-ray to identify the condition. X-rays will reveal changes to the growth plate of the tibia and the abnormal shape of the tibia.
Blount’s disease is a growth deformity of the bone that develops in the region below the knee. It is caused by an abnormal growth plate and affects young children, usually those who are very early walkers. The deformity is usually centered on the tibia, but can affect either leg.
Surgical procedures are the most common treatment for this condition. During the operation, doctors remove a wedge of the tibia and realign it to a more normal position. During the recovery process, a plate is placed over the growth plate so the bone will grow straighter.
How can I fix my baby’s bow legs naturally?
The most common cause of bowed legs in babies is called physiologic genu varum. This condition results from the baby’s legs being in a restricted position inside the womb. As a result, the bones had to bend and rotate to fit in this tight space. Bow legs can also be caused by Blount’s disease, a growth disorder more common in African Americans and premature babies.
There are a number of natural treatments for bow legs. For example, yoga is a good way to strengthen the legs and improve alignment. A balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals can also help. Also, a massage can help reinforce the legs and back. But no matter what treatment you choose, you must be patient and persistent.