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Blount's Disease / (Tibia Vara)
What is Blount's Disease?
Blount's Disease is a disorder of the tibia growth plate below the knee. The medial (inside) aspect of the growth plate does not grow as much as the lateral (outside) aspect and that causes the lower leg to bow outward and worsen over time. It may affect one or both legs.
Who is at Risk for Blount's Disease?
It is not well understood, but genetic factors are likely.
- Early walkers
- Children that are overweight are more likely to be affected
What are the symptoms of Blount's Disease?
Symptoms may vary from person to person, but it is not typically a painful condition.
- Shortening of the affected leg
- Bowleg deformity that can affect gait
How is Blount's Disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is through an x-ray and physical exam.
At our Limb Lengthening Center, we use an EOS low dose radiation scanner to image this condition as it is less than 1/10 the radiation of a normal x-ray and the measurements are much more accurate.
How is Blount's Disease treated?
- Manage conservatively with watchful waiting or surgery
- Guided growth with “8” plate
- Tibial osteotomy (surgery to cut the bone) with internal (plate and screws or a rod) or external fixation (usually a hexapod type of frame like Taylor Spatial Frame, TL Hex or Vilex)