Blount’s disease is progressive and worsens if not treated.

Symptoms of Blount’s Disease

The most obvious symptom of Blount’s disease is the sudden bowing of one or both legs. Although the cause of Blount’s disease is unknown, it is believed to be related to obesity and early walking. Blount’s most commonly affects African-American children.

According to Boys Town Pediatrics, other symptoms of Blount’s disease may include:

• Bowing of one or both legs that occurs rapidly and continues to progress.
• Legs which appear asymmetric.
• Bowing that occurs just below the knee.
• Tibial torsion (toes that turn obviously inward toward the knee).

Doctor Examination

If your toddler shows any symptoms of Blount’s schedule an examination with his or her doctor. During the exam, the doctor will look at both legs checking to see if one or both angle inward. The knees and lower legs will then be x-rayed to confirm the diagnosis. If Blount’s disease is confirmed your child will be referred to a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.

Treatment

Mild cases of Blount’s usually require the use of a special brace called a Knee-Ankle-Foot prosthetic in order to straighten the leg. Moderate to severe cases usually require cutting the bone in order to straighten the leg followed by the placement of steel pins to keep the bone in place.

Recovery