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Varus Deformity
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In Orthopedics , a varus deformity is a term for the inward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint. The opposite of varus is called Valgus .

The terms varus and valgus always refer to the direction that the distal segment of the joint points.

For example, in a varus deformity of the knee, the distal part of the leg below the knee is deviated ''inward'', resulting in a '''bowlegged''' appearance. Conversely, a ''valgus'' deformity at the knee results in a ''knock-kneed'' appearance, with the distal part of the leg deviated ''outward''.

The terminology is made confusing by the etymology of these words.
  • In Latin, varus actually means ''"knock-kneed"'' and '''valgus''' means ''"bowlegged,"'' the opposite of what was described in the preceding section! This is because the Latin words were used in describing the relationship of the bones at the hip joint rather than at the knee.

  • In a knock-kneed person, the femur is deviated ''inward'' in relation to the ''hip'', so the term ''varus'' is correctly applied for the hip, as it refers to the distal segment being angled inward.

  • But in the same knock-kneed person, the opposite situation is found at the ''knee'', with the distal segment now being deviated ''outward'', so the term ''valgus'' is used for the knee.

  • It is correct for a knock-kneed deformity to be called both a ''varus'' deformity at the hip/femur and a ''valgus'' deformity at the knee/tibia, although the common terminology is to refer to it as ''genu valgus.''


If this is confusing, just remember that "varus = inward" and "valgus = outer" and always refers to the direction that the distal part of the joint points.

When the terminology specifies a bone rather than a joint, the bone is taken to be the distal segment of a joint. Thus, a varus deformity of the tibia refers to the femur/tibia joint (the knee) and not the ankle joint.


EXAMPLES

  • Hip: '' Coxa Varus '' (from Latin ''cox'' = hip) — the shaft of the Femur is bent inward in respect to the neck of the femur, causing knock-knee.

  • Knee: '' Genu Varus '' (from Latin ''genu'' = knee) — the tibia is turned inward in relation to the femur, resulting in a bowlegged deformity.

  • Ankle: '' Talipes Varus '' (from Latin ''talus'' = ankle and ''pes'' = foot) — inward turning of the heel, resulting in clubfoot with the person walking on the outer part of the foot.

  • Toe: '' Hallux Varus '' (Latin ''hallux'' = big toe) — inward deviation of the big toe away from the second toe.



SEE ALSO