Genu recurvatum is a deformity in the knee joint, so that the knee bends backwards. In this deformity, excessive extension occurs in the tibiofemoral joint. Genu recurvatum is also called knee hyperextension and back knee. This deformity is more common in women[citation needed] and people with familial ligamentous laxity.[2] Hyperextension of the knee may be mild, moderate or severe.

Genu recurvatum
Ella Harper, a sideshow performer, had genu recurvatum and was billed as "The Camel Girl."[1]
SpecialtyMedical genetics, rheumatology Edit this on Wikidata

The normal range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint is from 0 to 135 degrees in an adult. Full knee extension should be no more than 10 degrees. In genu recurvatum, normal extension is increased. The development of genu recurvatum may lead to knee pain and knee osteoarthritis.

Causes

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A girl with genu recurvatum of her right leg due to polio

The following factors may be involved in causing this deformity:[citation needed]

Pathophysiology

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The most important factors of knee stability include:[citation needed]

Treatment

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Treatment generally includes the following:[citation needed]

  • Sometimes pharmacologic therapy for initial disease treatment
  • Physical therapy: physiotherapy will be beneficial in patient with complaint of pain, discomfort.
  • Occupational therapy
  • Use of appropriate assistive devices such as orthoses
  • Surgery

Incidence

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This condition is considered to be rare, with about 1 in 100,000 births being affected by the congenital form of genu recurvatum,[3] although it's a common feature in some disorders, such as in joint hypermobility, which affects 1 in 30 people.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Pednaud, J. Tithonu (8 May 2006). "The Human Marvels". thehumanmarvels.com. Retrieved 24 April 2010.
  2. ^ Benson, Michael; Fixsen, John; Macnicol, Malcolm (1 August 2009). Children's Orthopaedics and Fractures. Springer. p. 495. ISBN 978-1-84882-610-6.
  3. ^ "Congenital Genu Recurvatum". Medical Bag. 7 February 2013. Archived from the original on 5 November 2021. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
  4. ^ "Ehlers-Danlos syndromes". nhs.uk. 18 October 2017.
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