Limb alignment

Limb alignment is the alignment of the leg when standing and weight-bearing.

Page updated September 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

mechanical axis
Long-leg weightbearing X-rays will allow computation of the distance between the mechanical axis (yellow) and the anatomical axis (blue). Here on the one side the patient is shown to have a varus (bow-leg) deformity because the two lines do not match up in the centre of the knee joint.

 

Varus and valgus deformity

When the legs are bowed, it is called a varus deformity. When they are knock-kneed it is called a valgus deformity.

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Dr Sheila Strover (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

See biography...

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