Valgus deformity

Valgus deformity
Valgus Deformity MRI and photograph
ICD-10	M21.0

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]

Overview

In orthopedics, a valgus deformity is a term for the outward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint. The opposite of valgus is called varus.

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

For a discussion of the etymology of these words, see the entry under varus.

Examples

• Hip: coxa valga (from Latin coxa = hip) — the shaft of the femur is bent outward in respect to the neck of the femur, causing bowleggedness.
• Knee: genu valgum (from Latin genu = knee) — the tibia is turned outward in relation to the femur, resulting in a knock-kneed appearance.
• Ankle: talipes valgus (from Latin talus = ankle and Greek pes = foot) — outward turning of the heel, resulting in clubfoot with the person walking on the inner part of the foot.
• Toe: hallux valgus (Latin hallux = big toe) — outward deviation of the big toe toward the second toe.
• Elbows: cubitus valgus (Latin cubitus = elbow) — turned-out elbows

See also

• varus deformity