As people age, their leg shapes subtly change, and some elderly individuals unknowingly develop "X-shaped legs". When standing, their knees can be close together, but their feet are separated. When walking, their knees turn outward, causing soreness and a wobbly gait after prolonged walking. If they are not careful, they are prone to falling.
This type of genu valgum may seem like just an unattractive appearance, but it is actually an early warning of joint damage.
Professor Peng Hao, a specially-appointed orthopedic expert at Hainan Cancer Hospital/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University and Hainan Chengmei Hospital, reminds that patients with severe genu valgum can still walk steadily after undergoing standardized joint replacement surgery.
Typical case: severe genu valgum, rapid postoperative recovery
Ms. Chen, 60 years old, has been plagued by severe left knee valgus for a long time. As she aged, the deformity continued to worsen, causing her not only to walk with difficulty and have difficulty squatting, but also greatly restricting her daily life. Recommended by friends and relatives, Ms. Chen came to seek the diagnosis and treatment of Professor Peng Hao.
Based on relevant examinations, Ms. Chen was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoarthritis of the left knee, accompanied by severe valgus deformity of the left knee and left patellar dislocation.
For Ms. Chen's condition, Professor Peng Hao formulated a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan: based on standardized anti-rheumatoid treatment, a double-compartment knee arthroplasty was performed to correct lower limb deformities, alleviate joint pain, and restore knee joint mobility.
Professor Peng explained that the patient had a slack medial collateral ligament, contracted lateral collateral ligament, and a slack cruciate ligament, leading to an imbalance in the tension of the soft tissues surrounding the joint. Therefore, a semi-constrained prosthesis was used during the surgery to effectively ensure the stability of the knee joint after surgery.
After completing thorough preoperative preparations, Professor Peng Hao's team successfully performed the surgery. Postoperatively, the patient's lower limb force line immediately returned to normal, the soft tissue tension of the knee joint was balanced, and the range of motion of the joint recovered well.
Currently, Ms. Chen has completely overcome her years of joint pain and regained a steady and comfortable walking state.
Expert Science Popularization
Early intervention and scientific treatment are necessary for genu valgum
Professor Peng Hao explained that genu valgum, commonly known as "X-shaped legs", is characterized by the knees being close together when standing and the inner ankles not fitting together. In the elderly, genu valgum is often caused by degenerative joint disease, requiring timely intervention and avoiding delay.
The main hazards of genu valgum
1. Abnormal appearance: The lower limbs exhibit a typical X-shape, indicating limb deformity;
2. Recurrent pain: Due to uneven stress on joints, the knees, patella, and ankles are prone to recurrent soreness;
3. Abnormal gait: fatigue during walking, weakness and limpness of the legs, and a significantly increased risk of falling;
4. Accelerated joint degeneration: exacerbating the wear and tear of the lateral cartilage of the knee joint, and aggravating joint lesions;
5. Limited function: Difficulty in squatting and climbing stairs, severely reducing quality of life.
Treatment plan for grading of genu valgum
Patients with mild genu valgum can prioritize conservative treatment, which includes weight loss and burden reduction, professional rehabilitation training, physical therapy, medication, or wearing auxiliary protective gear, to delay the progression of deformity and alleviate joint discomfort.
If conservative treatment fails and deformities and pain severely affect daily life, timely surgical intervention is necessary. Knee arthroplasty is currently a mature and effective surgical procedure for treating severe arthritis combined with severe genu valgum. Through the use of specialized prostheses and precise orthopedic techniques, it reconstructs the normal force line of the lower extremities, thereby eliminating pain, correcting deformities, and restoring joint function at their source.
Professor Peng Hao emphasized that surgery is a crucial step in rehabilitation, not the end. Patients need to follow individualized rehabilitation plans and gradually carry out functional training to achieve rapid recovery and return to normal life as soon as possible.
Professor Peng Hao has been deeply engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases for 42 years, specializing in various complex artificial hip and knee replacements as well as joint revision surgeries. Now, he has been officially appointed as a distinguished expert at Hainan Cancer Hospital/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University and Hainan Chengmei Hospital, and has established a deep collaboration with the hospitals. The vast number of elderly friends in Hainan who are plagued by musculoskeletal pain, especially those who are elderly and have complex conditions, can enjoy top-notch orthopedic diagnosis and treatment services in China right at their doorstep without having to leave the island.
Expert Introduction
Peng Hao
Chief Physician I (Grade II position)
Professor
Ph.D. supervisor
He is the leader of the orthopedic department at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, the director of the orthopedic research laboratory, the former director of the orthopedic department, the director of the joint surgery department, and the deputy director of the general surgery department (2005-2024). He has been awarded the title of Excellent Communist Party Member by the Health Commission of Hubei Province, Wuhan University, and Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University on multiple occasions.
Medical expertise
With 42 years of profound experience in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarticular diseases, I possess extensive clinical expertise particularly in the realm of joint disorders. I excel in complex artificial hip and knee replacements, as well as joint revision surgeries. My clinical focus includes: the stepwise treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, surgical intervention for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) arthritis; the stepwise treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the knee joint, as well as a series of surgeries for hip fractures (acetabulum, femoral neck, femoral trochanter); and limb-sparing surgeries for tumors surrounding the hip and knee joints.
Clinic Hours
July 17th, 8:00-12:00
Visit location
Consultation Room No. 1, First Consultation Area, Hainan Cancer Hospital
Warm Tips
To facilitate the experts in understanding your condition as soon as possible, please bring along:
1. ID card, medical insurance card, and mobile phone;
2. Imaging data from previous relevant examinations;
3. Paper medical records, diagnosis reports, hospitalization records, and other records from previous visits;
4. Several issues that I am most eager to solve or inquire about.