Bow legs in Egyptian children

ABSTRACT

Bow legs is one of the frequently encountered deformity in clinical practice among children. Sixty-four children presented with bilateral bow leg deformity were seen in the Outpatients Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic, El-Shatby University Hospital within six months period. All were rackitic, except one which was tibia vara. Three doses of vitamin D 600,000 units were given at four weeks interval to all cases. Mild cases were followed up while for severe cases osteoclasis was performed to correct the deformity. Cases were assessed clinically, biochemically and radiologically before treatment and six months after. Rickets was found to be the commonest cause of bow legs. Serum alkaline phosphatase was found to be the most reliable criterion for the diagnosis of the activity. Medical treatment is sufficient in treating mild cases while osteoclasis yielded satisfactory results in correction of severe cases