Valgus

VALGUS, a term opposite to the term varus and used to denote the outward curvature of the limbs from the midline of the body. This term is applied to curvatures that occur in the bones or near the joints or in the joints themselves, which is why the outward curvature of a limb is usually denoted by the word valgus and the name of the joint in which or near which the curvature occurred. Such curvatures are very common in the lower extremities and rare in the upper ones. - Cubitus valgus represents a curvature in the elbow joint, consisting of abnormal abduction directed toward the radial side. This deformity is either congenital or based on intra-articular fractures of the external condyle with subsequent healing above the normal place; it occurs rarely. - Coxa valgus is a deformity of the femoral neck, consisting of a more direct position of the neck relative to the shaft of the femur (see Figure 1), i.e., the angle formed by the femur and the neck is greater than 130 degrees, and consequently, the femur is abducted; it occurs quite often. - Genu valgum consists of abnormal abduction of the shin, due to which an angle is formed between the thigh and the shin, open outward. With bilateral curvature, X-shaped legs are obtained, i.e., when standing, the knees are pressed closely together, while the feet are far apart (see Figure 2); it occurs very often (see Knee joint). - Pes valgus is a deformity of the foot, consisting of the deviation of the foot outward (pronation of the foot, see Figure 3), often combined with flatfoot; pes valgus occurs quite often (see Foot).