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Blount's Disease

Blount's Disease

Blount’s disease is a condition that causes the leg bones below the knee/s to curve or bow outward. This is caused by an abnormality in the growth plate of the tibia (shinbone). Some amount of bowing is normal in young infants and toddlers. 

Obesity in children can lead to Blount’s disease. It is also more common in persons with African heritage. Some studies show that your child’s chances for having Blount’s disease increase if someone in your family has had the condition.

The most obvious symptom of Blount's disease is bowlegs. The bowing of the leg or legs may be associated with intoeing. Intoeing is where the foot or feet turn inward instead of pointing forward. If this occurs, your older child may complain of pain in his or her leg, mostly around the knee.  

Diagnosis of Blount’s Disease

If your child’s pediatrician thinks that your child may have Blount’s disease, he or she will refer your child to an orthopedic specialist. Orthopedic specialists at Riley at IU Health will examine your child’s legs and will also have X-rays made to look at the bones.

An X-ray is needed to check for abnormal growth patterns at the top of the shinbone/s. Abnormal growth patterns are the hallmark of Blount’s disease. An X-ray also helps the orthopedist measure the severity of the bowing. 

Treatments

Surgery is the most effective treatment option for Blount’s disease. Your child’s orthopedic surgeon will discuss surgery around the age of 3 if the condition is caught by this time. The type of surgical intervention depends on the type and severity of your child's condition. Options may include:

  • Guided Growth. This is a minimally invasive procedure where the growth plate on the outside portion of the leg is temporarily slowed, allowing the deformity to correct with time.
  • Osteotomy. This is a procedure in which the bone is cut and realigned. The bone is then stabilized with screws, a plate and screws or an external fixator.

Your child’s orthopedic surgeon will discuss this in more detail with you if needed. 

Key Points to Remember

  • Blount’s disease is a condition that causes the leg bones below the knee/s to curve or bow outward.
  • The most obvious symptom of Blount's disease is bowlegs, which may be associated with intoeing.
  • If your child’s pediatrician thinks that your child may have Blount’s disease, he or she will refer your child to an orthopedic specialist.
  • Surgery is the most effective treatment option for Blount’s disease.

Support Services & Resources

Visit the following online resources to learn more about Blount’s disease.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

OrthoInfo

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides more information about the causes, symptoms and treatment of Blount’s disease.

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Riley Outpatient Center at IU Health

Pediatric Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
575 Riley Hospital Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46202

317.948.2550

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IU Health North Hospital Medical Office Building

Pediatric Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
11725 N Illinois St
Carmel, IN 46032

317.948.2550

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Departments Treating This Condition