Blount's Disease
#10
Blount’s Disease is a disorder that affects the growth plates around the knee, causing bowed/deformed legs. This disease affects less than 1% of the population.
Cause
The exact cause of Blount’s Disease is still unknown, but studies show that the disease may be genetic. Babies who walk before 1 year old and teenagers who gain weight quickly are more likely to get Blount’s Disease.
Types
There are two types of Blount’s Disease: infantile and adolescent.
Infantile Blount’s Disease occurs from birth to 3 years old, and often occurs in both legs. Another feature to note is that the deformity only occurs in the tibia.
Adolescent Blount’s Disease occurs in children who are over 10 years old, and usually only affects one leg. The deformity occurs in the thigh bone as well as the tibia.
Treatment
Treatment for this disease includes wearing a brace to correct the shape of the legs and possibly surgery if bracing does not correct the deformity.
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