Curriculum · Musculoskeletal / Orthopedic / Rheumatology
Blount disease
What it is
Blount disease is a growth disorder that causes a progressive varus, or bowing, deformity of the tibia, due to abnormal cartilage growth at the proximal tibial physis. The source divides it into two types: 1) infantile, ≤3 years, which is more common and often bilateral; 2) adolescent, over 10 years, which is often unilateral and associated with obesity.
Causes and risk
Early walking, before 1 year, obesity, African descent, family history and excessive mechanical stress.
How it presents
Progressive bowing of the legs, internal tibial rotation, leg length discrepancy, and knee pain, which comes later in the course.