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Glite Dictionary
genu valgum

genu valgum

8.9
A condition where the knees lean inward and touch when the legs are straight
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒiːnuː ˈvælɡəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : genu valgo
  • After the assessment, the specialist confirmed that he had genu valgum, commonly known as knock-knees.

Examples

  • Children with genu valgum often outgrow the condition as their bones mature.

  • Treatment for genu valgum may include physical therapy or, in severe cases, surgery.

  • The orthopedist diagnosed her with genu valgum after a careful examination of her gait.

  • The doctor diagnosed her with genu valgum.

  • Many children experience genu valgum during their growth.

  • Children with genu valgum often have knees that touch each other when they stand straight.

  • The doctor explained that genu valgum can affect a child's walking pattern and posture.

Synonyms

knock-knee
vsgenu valgum
8.2

Knees that turn inward and touch when the legs are straight

is the medical term naming the same inward angling of the knees

Surface Forms

genu valgum singular
genu valgums plural

Morphology

genu + valgum

This is a Latin medical compound whose parts are technical morphemes rather than everyday English words; 'genu' is a specialist term for the knee and 'valgum' is not a recognized common-word element here. An average B1 learner who knows ordinary English vocabulary would not be able to derive the meaning 'knock-knee' from these constituents, so the expression is opaque.

Etymology

Genu valgum comes from Latin words: genu means 'knee' and valgum means 'bent inward'. So genu valgum describes knees that angle in and touch each other, which is why people call it 'knock-knee'.