RESUMO
Total 636 lower limbs of 318 normal Pakistani children from newborn to 12.5 years were marked for anterior superior iliac spine [ASIS], centre of the patella [PC] and centre of the intermalleolar line [IMC]. Limbs were photographed in straight standing position and knee angle was geometrically measured. Male and female difference of knee angle was insignificant [P>0.05]. We observed a general trend from extreme bowlegs in infancy to maximum knock-knees at 4 years. Then there was a gradual progression towards neutral knee angle. Greatest mean Varus of 10.01 degrees was noted in children less than 6 months. Maximum valgus of 5.96 degrees was measured at 4 years. After 11 years of age a mean valgus of 3.08 degrees was maintained. Compared to Chinese children, Pakistanis are 5 degrees less valgus at 2 years, values level at 4 years and become 4 degrees more valgus beyond 6 years of age. Compared to American white children, Pakistanis initially show less Varus, progress slow, attain less valgus and finally remain closer to the neutral knee angle. Racial difference in knee angle should be considered for Pakistanis to achieve the optimum results with regards to knee angle correction or knee replacement arthroplasty