Genu Varum Treatment in Korea |
Gangnam JS Hospital
Genu varum (bow legs) is a lower limb alignment condition where the knees remain apart when standing with feet together. Progressive varus alignment increases medial knee compartment load and accelerates cartilage degeneration, potentially leading to osteoarthritis.
At Gangnam JS Hospital, treatment focuses on biomechanical correction, joint preservation, and long-term function using advanced orthopedic surgical techniques.
What Is Genu Varum?
Genu varum refers to a varus deformity of the knee joint in which the mechanical axis shifts medially. This causes:
- Uneven weight distribution
- Increased medial compartment pressure
- Progressive cartilage wear
- Knee pain during walking or exercise
- Early degenerative arthritis
Severity is confirmed using long-leg standing radiographs and mechanical axis evaluation.
When Is Treatment Necessary?
Treatment may be recommended when patients experience:
- Chronic medial knee pain
- Progressive deformity
- Early to moderate osteoarthritis
- Functional limitation during activity
- Cosmetic concerns combined with biomechanical imbalance
Mild cases without symptoms may be monitored conservatively.
Treatment Options at Gangnam JS Hospital
1️⃣ High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO)
HTO is commonly performed for active patients under 60 with medial compartment arthritis and varus alignment.
Benefits include:
- Realignment of the mechanical axis
- Reduced medial compartment load
- Delayed need for total knee replacement
- Preservation of natural joint structure
The procedure redistributes weight-bearing forces to the healthier lateral compartment.
2️⃣ Distal Femoral Osteotomy (DFO)
Recommended when deformity originates from the femur rather than the tibia.
3️⃣ Total Knee Replacement (Advanced Cases)
For severe bone-on-bone osteoarthritis, total knee replacement may be indicated.
4️⃣ Regenerative Adjunct Therapy
In selected early cases, biologic therapy such as PRP or stem cell support may be combined with structural correction strategies.
Why Choose Korea for Genu Varum Surgery?
Korea is internationally recognized for:
- Precision osteotomy techniques
- Advanced preoperative alignment analysis
- Modern fixation systems
- Accelerated rehabilitation protocols
Gangnam JS Hospital specializes in joint-preserving realignment procedures before recommending total knee replacement.
Recovery Timeline (HTO Example)
- Week 1–2: Limited weight-bearing
- Week 3–6: Progressive mobilization
- Month 2–3: Strength rebuilding
- 3–6 Months: Return to moderate activity
- 6–12 Months: Full functional recovery
Recovery varies depending on deformity severity and procedure type.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
- Patients under 60 with medial compartment osteoarthritis
- Active individuals seeking joint preservation
- Patients with progressive varus deformity
- Those aiming to delay knee replacement
A comprehensive orthopedic consultation with alignment imaging is required to determine the optimal treatment strategy.
