Varus deformity
1007457
221464922
2008-06-24T16:49:48Z
84.203.36.248
made VARUS lowercase
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Image = varus.jpg |
Caption = ''Varus Deformity'' [[MRI]] and photograph |
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ICD10 = {{ICD10|M|21|1|m|20}} |
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In [[orthopedics]], a '''varus deformity''' is a term for the inward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint. The opposite of varus is called [[valgus deformity|valgus]].
The terms varus and valgus always refer to the direction that the distal segment of the joint points.
For example, in a '''varus''' deformity of the knee, the distal part of the leg below the knee is deviated ''inward'', resulting in a '''bowlegged''' appearance. Conversely, a ''valgus'' deformity at the knee results in a ''knock-kneed'' appearance, with the distal part of the leg deviated ''outward''.
==Terminology==
The terminology is made confusing by the '''etymology''' of these words.
*In Latin, '''varus''' actually means ''"knock-kneed"'' and '''valgus''' means ''"bowlegged."
*In a '''knock-kneed''' person, the femur is deviated ''inward'' in relation to the ''hip'', so the term ''varus'' is correctly applied for the hip, as it refers to the distal segment being angled inward.
*But in the same knock-kneed person, the opposite situation is found at the ''knee'', with the distal segment now being deviated ''outward'', so the term ''valgus'' is used for the knee.
*It is correct for a knock-kneed deformity to be called both a ''varus'' deformity at the hip/femur and a ''valgus'' deformity at the knee/tibia, although the common terminology is to refer to it as ''genu valgum''.
If this is confusing, just remember that "varus = inward" and "valgus = outward" and always refers to the direction that the distal part of the joint points.
When the terminology specifies a bone rather than a joint, the bone is taken to be the distal segment of a joint. Thus, a varus deformity of the tibia refers to the femur/tibia joint (the knee) and not the ankle joint.
==Examples==
*'''Hip:''' ''[[coxa vara]]'' — the angle between the head and the shaft of the femur is reduced, resulting in a limp.
*'''Knee:''' ''[[genu varum]]'' (from Latin ''genu'' = knee) — the tibia is turned inward in relation to the femur, resulting in a bowlegged deformity.
*'''Ankle:''' ''[[talipes varus]]'' (from Latin ''talus'' = ankle and ''pes'' = foot) — inward turning of the heel, resulting in clubfoot with the person walking on the outer part of the foot.
*'''Toe:''' ''[[hallux varus]]'' (Latin ''hallux'' = big toe) — inward deviation of the big toe away from the second toe.
*'''Elbows:''' ''[[cubitus varus]]'' (Latin ''cubitus'' = elbow) — turned inward elbows
==See also==
*[[valgus deformity]]
{{Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue}}
[[Category:Orthopedics]]
[[nl:Varus (aandoening)]]