Proportion of Genu Valgum and Genu Varum in Students Aged 19-25 Years

Abstract

Background: Knee joint mal alignments are divided into genu valgum and genu varum. The presence of these mal-alignments leads to complications like tibio-femoral osteoarthritis, compensatory changes in ankle/foot, etc. Taking a community of physiotherapy students, the proportion of genu varum, genu valgum and its association with body mass index (BMI) and foot posture index (FPI) was investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the proportion of genu valgum and genu varum in subjects aged 19 -25 years. Materials and Methods: The data was collected from D.Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai. A consent form and a validated proforma was used. Age, BMI, FPI, IKD (Inter-knee distance), IMD (Inter-malleolar distance) and Q-angle was recorded, and the data was statistically analysed. Results: 45 out of 100 females had genu valgum which was found to be associated with higher BMI and pronated feet. 9 out of 100 females had genu varum which was found to be associated with lower BMI. Chi-square test was done to find out these associations. Conclusion: Awareness of the proportion of angular mal-alignment in knee would increase the recognition of this problem among the individuals and doctors for better execution of strategies that can help avoid these mal-alignments. [Jain U Natl J Integr Res Med, 2021; 12(4):19-25]