O-leg definition: O-leg is medically known as inversion of the knee, commonly known as “loopy leg”, “bow leg”, “basket leg”. It refers to the inward rotation of the shin bone of the lower leg at the knee joint, so it is called inversion of the knee.
Second, O-leg diagnosis: in the heel, both feet together, relax the legs upright, such as the two knees exist distance, it is said to have O-leg. Generally, according to the two indicators of normal knee distance and active knee distance, determine the severity of O-leg.
The normal knee distance refers to the distance between the inner knee joints when the ankles are close together and the legs and knees are relaxed when standing upright. Active knee distance refers to the distance between the medial side of the knee joints when the ankles are close together and the legs and knee joints are forced inward while standing upright. According to the size of the normal knee distance and active knee distance, “O-leg” is divided into degree I, degree II, degree III and degree IV.
1, the normal knee distance is below 3 cm, the active knee distance is 0 is Ⅰ degree; 2, the normal knee distance is below 3 cm, the active knee distance is more than 0 is Ⅱ degree; 3, the normal knee distance is between 3-5 cm is Ⅲ degree; 4, the normal knee distance is more than 5 cm is Ⅳ degree.
What we normally call ‘O-leg’ and ‘X-leg’ have different meanings at different ages. The development of a child’s leg shape is a rotational process. In infancy before 1.5 years old, the infant’s leg shape shows about 15° of inversion, which is also called diaper leg because many people think it is caused by diapers; at about 1.5 years old, the child’s leg shape gradually rotates outward and becomes straight, which becomes straight leg; from 2.5 years old to 5 years old, the leg shape begins to appear knee external rotation, which is manifested as light “X-leg “At the age of 8, the child’s leg basically grows into the adult leg shape, that is, 5 degrees to 15 degrees of X-shaped knee valgus. “Although the normal leg shape at this time is 5 degrees to 15 degrees of knee valgus, but because the human leg muscles are concave and convex, in the visual effect is a pair of beautiful straight legs.” Some data show that inversion of the knee is fairly common in infants and toddlers under the age of 3; in children between the ages of 3 and 4, 20% have mild knee valgus; and by the age of 7, this percentage drops to less than 2%. In other words, the majority of children with “O-leg” and “X-leg” at different stages will correct themselves and generally do not need special treatment, but if both legs have “O-leg” or “X-leg However, if the “O-leg” or “X-leg” of both legs are asymmetrical, or the angle is too large, or not in line with the physiological age change, it may be pathological.
Common causes: Most of them are due to bad walking posture, sitting posture and other causes of O-shaped legs. Usually due to long-term incorrect posture or incorrect force habits (such as walking in a figure of eight, standing at rest, unsuitable high heels, etc.) caused by uneven or abnormal distribution of muscles governing the joints and lower limb fat. Common causes in children are calcium deficiency, premature walking, abnormal sitting posture, etc.
Treatment: Generally through the correction of abnormal standing, sitting and walking posture, if necessary, with corrective insoles and orthopedic bandages can achieve the therapeutic effect. Severe cases require surgery.