BOW LEG CORRECTION

What Are the Symptoms of Bow Legs?

Bowed legs may not cause any pain or limitations, particularly early in life. However, over time, persistent bowing can lead to discomfort in the knees due to the abnormal stress placed on the joints. The pain can worsen if the condition is left untreated or the knee is injured because of a stress overload. Other possible symptoms include inflammation, swelling and stiffness.

One of the main concerns for bowlegged patients is the risk of developing knee arthritis. In addition to the uncomfortable symptoms mentioned above, arthritis can lead to limitations with exercise and recreational sports. Eventually, as the condition progresses, it can interfere with normal daily activities.

Bow legs do not need to cause physical symptoms to qualify for surgery. The cosmetic appearance of bowed legs can affect your self-esteem, especially if you were teased or bullied as a child. You may feel that your clothing choices are limited because you’re embarrassed to wear shorts or skirts. You may struggle to maintain an active social life if you don’t feel confident in your appearance. All of these are valid reasons to consider corrective surgery.

How Are Bow Legs Diagnosed?

Visual examination is usually sufficient for bow leg diagnosis. Dr. Assayag will observe the way you stand and walk, as well as the physical structure of the affected joint, to determine the extent of the malalignment. He will also inquire about your medical history and any symptoms you’re experiencing. For additional information, Dr. Assayag may order x-rays so he can assess the severity of the condition and determine which surgical technique is appropriate.

What Is Bow Leg Correction?

Surgical bow leg correction is the only effective option for adults. Mild bowleggedness in children can sometimes be improved with special shoes, braces or therapy, but there are no nonsurgical options that can realign bowed legs for adult patients. At best, conservative measures such as activity modification and braces may decrease the symptoms associated with bow legs.

The procedure most commonly used to correct bowed legs is called osteotomy. During the procedure, Dr. Assayag cuts the relevant bones above or below the knee and realigns them. Adjusting the angle of the bones restores even weight-bearing through the knee and lowers the risk of joint degeneration.

Is Bow Leg Correction Right for Me?

Osteotomy can deliver significant improvements in confidence, symptoms and knee function. Typically, the best candidates for bow leg surgery meet the following criteria:

• Are under 60 years of age
• Do not smoke
• Are not overweight
• Can limit weight bearing for six to eight weeks post-surgery
• Are motivated to complete a physical therapy regimen

Before surgery is performed, Dr. Assayag will explain your treatment options and help you choose the best one for you based on the extent of the bowing, your activity level and your age.

The Bow Leg Correction Procedure

Tibial osteotomy is the most common corrective surgery for bowed legs. During this procedure, Dr. Assayag makes a small incision in the front and/or the side of the knee to expose the tibia (the shin bone). He then removes a wedge-shaped section of the tibia just below the knee. This allows him to adjust the leg by closing the gap in the bone like a hinge. To complete the procedure, Dr. Assayag anchors the edges of the cut bone into their new position with plates and screws.

In some cases, Dr. Assayag will adjust the femur (the thigh bone) instead of or in addition to the tibia. He will determine which bone to target based on x-ray findings that identify the location of the deformity.

What to Expect After Your Bow Leg Correction Surgery

Optimal recovery is a collaboration between you and your medical team. Dr. Assayag will prescribe medications to help you manage pain, inflammation and nausea after your surgery. He may also prescribe a blood thinner and an antibiotic, as well as vitamin D3 and calcium supplements to assist with bone healing.

You will need physical therapy after bow leg correction surgery. This part of your recovery journey helps to promote muscle strengthening, maintain or increase range of motion of your joints and reduce the risk of complications. Your rehabilitation program will begin shortly after your surgery and continue for months. Some exercises may be done at home, while others may require a fitness center or a dedicated physical therapy facility. 

Weight-bearing will be restricted at first. Expect to use crutches during the initial healing period and ease back into regular activities slowly. During follow-up visits, x-rays will be taken so Dr. Assayag can monitor how well the bone is healing. You may be able to resume your full activities six months after surgery.

Cost and Financing Considerations

Orthopedic surgery is an investment in a healthy, active life. At HeightRx, we believe everyone should have access to high-quality care that can profoundly improve their quality of life, and we want to limit the financial barriers that may prevent you from seeking treatment.

We will discuss the potential costs of your operation at your initial consultation. If you are seeking surgery for medical reasons, your insurance carrier may cover some or all of the cost. Please contact your insurance company directly to confirm your benefits for surgery and physical therapy. If your insurance will not sufficiently cover your surgical expenses or you do not have health insurance, our team can help you explore other financing options.