What is a Blount’s disease?

Blount’s disease is a growth disorder of the shin bone (tibia) in which the lower leg turns inward, resembling a bow-legged condition.

How is Blount’s disease different from bowlegs?

Blount’s disease looks very similar to bowlegs. However, bowlegs can straighten as a child ages. The legs of children with Blount’s disease get worse as a child gets older.

Signs can include:

• Bowing below the knee in one or both legs
• Condition can worsen very quickly

A physical exam and X-rays are used to diagnose Blount’s disease.

Nonsurgical treatment options

Bracing usually is the first treatment option for children if they have severe bowing. If a patient does not respond to bracing or they are diagnosed at an older age, surgery is often recommended.

Surgical treatment options

• Cutting the shin bone to place it in the proper position
• Lengthening the shin bone
• Guided growth surgery

Your doctor will work with you to determine what surgery may be right for your child.

Follow-up

Most children have little to no problems with everyday activities after treatment.