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    Biomechanics

    (D-124) Correction of Genu Varus Using an Orthopedic Device

    Friday, October 13, 2023
    3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PDT
    Location: Exhibit Hall - Row D - Poster # 124
    Introduction:: Genu varus, limb length discrepancy, and internal tibial rotation are three physiological disorders that impact many individuals. Genu varus is a condition in which an individual’s leg or legs bend outwards at the knee, as seen in Figure 1 (Cleveland Clinic, n.d). There are many potential complications of genu varus, though it often leads to an internal tibial rotation and a limb length discrepancy. Though there is a dire need for the correction of these issues, it is also important to maintain a high quality of life. Currently, the treatments for genu varus knee are physical therapy, various orthotics, and a surgical procedure: high tibial osteotomy. Each of these has proven effective in the treatment of genu varus, though they are not patient specific and are not ideal for all patients. To aid in the correction of our patient’s condition, our team has designed an orthopedic brace that stabilizes the knee in the frontal plane, demonstrated in Figure 2, and provides correction in three-degree increments.

    Materials and Methods:: The effectiveness of the orthopedic brace is determined by periodically taking measurements for the Q-angle, range of motion, and muscle activation and functionality. To conduct these measurements, equipment such as a goniometer, an electromyograph (EMG), and a 2D-gait analysis. The goniometer is used to record angles of range of motion, such as knee extension and knee flexion, as well as the Q-angle. With the use of the EMG the activation of muscles such as the gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris, and rectus femoris were evaluated to determine if the brace constricted muscle activation during use and whether muscles were more normally activated post brace usage. Using the 2D-gait analysis system, the patient’s stride was evaluated to determine whether the brace allowed the patient to properly complete a full stride. Each of these measurements were taken prior to brace usage, during brace usage, and after brace usage is completed.

    Results, Conclusions, and Discussions:: Over a period of three months, the varus angle of the patient’s knee was corrected by approximately 3°, increasing the patient’s Q-angle to a degree of more normal range, 15°. A three-point pressure system within the braces design allowed for the 3° of varus correction. One static pressure plate located on the medial side of the leg, at the knee, to keep the knee from shifting medially. The other two plates are located on the lateral side, two inches above and below the knee, and are used to provide the correction of the varus deformity. The patient also showed increased mobility, specifically in their ability to bend and straighten the knee, as well as a reduction in pain while walking and standing. The increase in mobility resulted in a significant improvement in their gait and lower limb muscle activation. These results indicate that the designed brace is effective in correcting genu varus. Based on these results, further testing should be conducted to ensure that the current design can correct the angle to a degree within the normal range and further restore the patient’s range of motion.

    Genu varus is a condition that is highly debilitating and can lead to many other issues such as an internal tibial rotation and a limb length discrepancy. While a high tibial osteotomy, bracing, and physical therapy are known solutions, they can often be highly invasive or non-patient specific. To find a less invasive and more patient specific option, our team designed a brace that provided stability in the frontal plane and varus correction in 3° increments. The goal of this design was to provide varus correction, to increase range of motion, and to reduce the pain experienced when performing day-to-day activities such as walking and standing. Through the implementation and testing of this device, it was determined that the brace was effective in providing a three-degree correction to the patient’s varus knee angle, as well as increasing the patient’s mobility and range of motion. While more testing and correction of the patient’s knee could be conducted, it was determined that the orthopedic device designed for this specific patient was effective. 





    Acknowledgements (Optional): :

    References (Optional): :

    Bow Legged (Genu Varum): What is it, causes & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22049-bow-legged


    Schollaert, L. (2018). Working your BODY in all planes of motion, and why it matters! — Boost Fitness. Boost Fitness. https://www.boost-fitness.com/blog/2018/6/5/working-your-body-in-all-planes-of-motion-and-why-it-matters