Why can't bow legs (O-legs) be corrected? The real reason many people miss.

What is bow legs?

Bow legs are when both legs are when viewed from the front A state where it appears bent into the shape of the letter 'O' It refers to.
Professionally A shape where the upper and lower bones of the knee joint are spread outward. That is the cause.

in other words, When the bone structure itself is bent outward, rather than the external appearance It is a type of bridge that occurs.

core: The biggest determining factor for bow legs is bone shape no see.

 

Why do bow legs occur?

Most bow legs Naturally formed during the growth process without a specific cause It works.

However, the following factors may be involved.

■ Genetic influence

• There is no conclusion yet regarding the existence of a specific gene.

• but Cases where similar leg shapes appear within a family unit is reported.

■ Lifestyle patterns during the growth period

• When I was young If you play a lot of soccer (almost at a professional level) There are studies showing that bow legs are increasing.

■ Specific diseases

Some diseases are The problem of the inner knee growth plate not growing well It can cause bow legs.

example:

• Blount bottle The growth plate on the inside of the knee does not grow normally and gradually changes into an O-shape.

• Rickets and other diseases It can also affect the shape of the legs

but Most bowlegs commonly seen occur naturally without specific diseases. do.

Is it possible to self-diagnose bowlegs?

■ Old method: Stand with legs together and measure the distance between the knees

It is a method used in orthopedic textbooks, but Inaccurate by current standards do.

• If you have a lot of fat on your thighs

• Depending on body type
  This is because the distance between the knees can vary significantly.

■ Accurate Diagnosis: X-ray Standards

Currently Where at the knee does the line connecting the center of the hip joint and the center of the ankle pass through using an X-ray? We determine it as.

 

💡 reference:
It is rare for it to pass exactly down the center of the knee, and on average, it tends to pass slightly inward (medial) than the center.

 

Is it possible to correct this through stretching and exercise?

❌ Conclusion: Cannot be corrected

Bowlegs caused by bone shape cannot be corrected with stretching or exercise.

Why is it impossible?

• The cause is bone shape

• Bones do not change shape due to external forces

• Excessive stretching is actually Stretching of soft tissues around the joints damage

⚠️ caution: Excessive stretching may look good temporarily, but this is not the bone. As a result of stretching of joints and soft tissues It could be not good.

 

Can it be corrected with insoles or corrective devices?

❌ Impossible

As for insoles Cannot change bone shape .

 

As a real-life example,

• When taking 'before and after' photos Induce to tighten the glutes It is said that there were cases where it looked like the legs were attached.

• in other words, It is not that the actual bone structure has changed. .

Factors determining leg shape

1. Bone shape (greatest impact)

2. Distribution of soft tissues such as fat and muscle

While the appearance can be improved, The fundamental structure does not change .

 

At what degree of curvature should surgery be considered?

■ No clear standards

The criteria for corrective surgery are applied differently from an orthopedic perspective and an aesthetic perspective. It works.

 

✔ Aesthetic perspective

• Example: The knee centerline

  • 0 degrees = Ideal center

  • If it is shifted inward, it is expressed as 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees... and so on.

• Some people feel discomfort even if it bends by just 1 to 2 degrees, and

• There are also people who don't care even if it is 3 degrees or higher.

→ The patient's expectations are the most important
You must first determine whether you will be satisfied even after surgery.

 

✔ Orthopedic Perspective (Regarding Arthritis)

• The degree of curvature In large cases like 7~8 degrees

  • Even if for cosmetic purposes

  • Can be shaped into a leg form that is advantageous for preventing arthritis

in other words, The perspective that even cosmetic surgery can help improve the knee environment in the long term no see.

 

Will the results of bowleg surgery remain over time?

• If the bone heals well after bone correction surgery

• Maintained with one's own bones Because it becomes

• Even as time passes The shape is maintained being

Unlike general cosmetic procedures A characteristic where the basic structure does not change over time There is.

 

Full summary

■ What are bow legs?

A state where the bone structure is bent outwards.

■ Why does it happen?

Mostly no particular reason.
May be affected by certain diseases and exercise habits during the growth period.

■ Is self-diagnosis possible?

Estimation by eye is inaccurate.
For an accurate diagnosis, confirm the joint axis on an X-ray.

■ Can it be corrected with stretching and insoles?

Cannot be corrected. Risk of soft tissue damage if forced.

■ How is surgery determined?

There are no fixed standards for the degree of correction; the decision is made based on a comprehensive assessment of aesthetic expectations, the degree of curvature, and the future joint environment.