Normal values of knee angle, intercondylar and intermalleolar distances in Nigerian children

Abstract

There is little data on the range of variation of knee angle, intermalleolar and intercondylar distances in African children. Such measurements are needed to assist determining whether a child legs are normal or not. Knee angle intermalleolar and intercondylar distances were measured in 2166 Nigerian children aged one year to 10 years to establish normal values for these measurements. In the study we discovered that knees were maximally bowed at ages 1-3 years and reduced to neutral of 0o at age five (5 years) in girls and age seven (7) in boys. Both sexes had no bowing after age (7 years) in boys. Both sexes had no bowing after age of 7 years. The valgus angle was found to be constant at about 11?? between ages 1-10 years in both sexes. Mean intercondylar distance was 0.2 cm at 1 year of age and did not vary significantly at 10 years of age. The greatest intermalleolar distances of 2.5cm and 2.2cm were noted between the ages of 2 and 4 years. Normograms of these measurements are presented as diagnostic aids in clinical settings.