The prevalence of Genu Varum in primary school children in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of genu varum (bow legs) in primary school children in Port Harcourt. Eight hundred children (400 boys and 400 girls) aged between 6 – 10 years were selected by random sampling from some  selected primary schools in the Port Harcourt metropolis. For evaluation of genu varum (GVR), intercondylar distance was measured; those that had musculoskeletal system disorder were eliminated from the study. The prevalence of GVR was 4.6%. It was  observed that GVR was 3 times more in boys (3.5%) than in girls (1.1%), this  difference was also significant (P < 0.05). There was also a decline in the prevalence of GVR in older children. Differentiation of pathologic GVR from physiologic condition is important in normal growth of children and corrective surgery undertaken where necessary.

Key words: Genu Varum, angle deformities, prevalence, children, surgery.