Limb alignment

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Limb alignment is the alignment of the leg when standing and weight-bearing. Page updated September 2023 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Weightbearing view

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.

Illustration to show how a weightbearing X-ray can allow lines to mark how the forces go through the limb..

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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Varus, Valgus

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