Abnormal leg alignment that places uneven load across the knee joint, accelerating cartilage wear in the overloaded compartment. Treatment ranges from bracing and physiotherapy through to osteotomy or knee replacement.
(03) 9573 9659
Knee deformity refers to abnormal alignment of the leg that alters the distribution of load across the knee joint. When the leg is not correctly aligned, one compartment of the knee bears disproportionate load, which accelerates cartilage wear and can lead to early-onset osteoarthritis in that compartment. Recognising and addressing deformity is an important part of both preventing and treating knee joint disease.
The knee normally sits in a slight valgus alignment, meaning the leg angles gently inward from hip to foot. Significant deviation from this normal alignment, either into varus (bow-legged) or valgus (knock-kneed), changes the distribution of forces across the knee joint.
Varus deformity places excessive load on the medial (inner) compartment of the knee. It is the most common deformity associated with medial knee osteoarthritis and is frequently seen in patients presenting with isolated inner-compartment knee pain and joint space narrowing on the inner side.
Valgus deformity places excessive load on the lateral (outer) compartment and may also affect the mechanics of the patellofemoral joint. It can arise from developmental factors, previous fractures, ligament insufficiency or as a consequence of pre-existing joint disease.
Mr Balakumar assesses knee deformity using full-length standing leg X-rays, which allow accurate measurement of the mechanical axis of the limb. The relationship between the deformity, the degree of cartilage loss and the patient’s age and activity level all inform the treatment discussion. Understanding the specific pattern of deformity is essential before any surgical planning is undertaken.
In younger patients with significant deformity and early to moderate cartilage loss, a femoral or tibial osteotomy may be considered to realign the leg and redistribute load away from the damaged compartment. This is a joint preservation approach that may delay or avoid the need for knee replacement.
In older patients or those with more advanced arthritis, knee replacement that corrects the deformity as part of the procedure is the more appropriate option. Both partial and total knee replacement can address associated deformity depending on its nature and severity. The specific approach is discussed in detail at the consultation.
(03) 9573 9659
Mr Balakumar is one of a small number of surgeons in Australia with formal training in both paediatric and adult hip surgery. His fellowship at Harvard’s Children’s Hospital in Boston, under some of the world’s leading specialists in hip preservation, gives him a depth of expertise that is difficult to find in a single practice.
His approach is the same whether the patient is 6 months or 65 years old – thorough assessment, honest options, and no pressure toward surgery until the clinical picture clearly supports it.
(03) 9573 9659
Progressive loss of cartilage within the knee joint causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Treatment options range from physiotherapy and injections through to partial or total knee replacement depending on severity.
Melbourne Orthopaedic Group is home to a team of experienced orthopaedic surgeons, providing comprehensive care for sports injuries and orthopaedic conditions. Whether it’s joint replacement or sports injuries, our specialists provide comprehensive orthopaedic care.
