genu valgum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “genu valgum” mean?
A condition where the knees angle in and touch each other while the ankles are apart, commonly known as 'knock-knees'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A condition where the knees angle in and touch each other while the ankles are apart, commonly known as 'knock-knees'.
In medicine and orthopaedics, it refers to a skeletal deformity of the lower limbs, characterised by a lateral deviation of the tibia or femur, resulting in a decreased distance between the knees. It can be physiological in children or pathological due to various conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; both use the Latin medical term. The common lay term 'knock-knees' is used identically.
Connotations
Purely clinical and descriptive in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both varieties, used almost exclusively by medical professionals. The term 'knock-knees' is more frequent in lay conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “genu valgum” in a Sentence
The patient has genu valgum.The orthopaedist assessed the genu valgum.Genu valgum is often seen in children.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “genu valgum” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The valgus knee alignment was measured.
- She has a valgus deformity.
American English
- The valgus knee alignment was measured.
- She has a valgus deformity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical, anatomical, physiotherapy, and biomechanics literature and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used; the lay term 'knock-knees' is used instead.
Technical
The primary context. Used in clinical notes, diagnoses, surgical planning, and orthopaedic discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “genu valgum”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “genu valgum”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “genu valgum”
- Incorrectly using 'genu valgus' as the noun (valgus is the adjective; valgum is the neuter noun form).
- Pronouncing 'genu' with a hard 'g' (as in 'get').
- Using it in non-medical contexts where 'knock-knees' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, physiological genu valgum is common in children between ages 2 and 5 and often corrects itself with growth.
It can be caused by various factors including rickets, skeletal dysplasias, obesity, trauma, or certain genetic conditions.
The opposite condition, where the knees are apart and ankles together, is called 'genu varum' or 'bow legs'.
Treatment depends on severity and cause, ranging from observation and physiotherapy in mild cases to bracing or osteotomy (corrective bone surgery) in severe, symptomatic cases.
A condition where the knees angle in and touch each other while the ankles are apart, commonly known as 'knock-knees'.
Genu valgum is usually technical / medical in register.
Genu valgum: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒiːnjuː ˈvælɡəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒinu ˈvælɡəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone named VAL who GUMS their knees together (genu) - they have 'genu valgum' where the knees knock together.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A STRUCTURE (with misaligned load-bearing columns).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common lay term for 'genu valgum'?