Genu Recurvatum Research Paper

Genu Recurvatum, otherwise known as back knee, is hyperextension of the knee. Hyperextension of the knee occurs when the knee joint passes more than 180 degrees. When this happens, the knee can usually pass about 10 to 15 degrees more than the standard degree (Anonymous, 2015). Here, the femur bone leans on the anterior part of the tibia instead of being balanced out (Loudon, Goist, Loudon, 1998). This could cause damage to the soft tissue around it, and increased stress on the knees. Genu Recurvatum can happen in many ways, the most common being genetic (Speck, 2014). There are three types of genu recurvatum; internal rotary deformity recurvatum, external rotary deformity recurvatum, and non-rotatory deformity recurvatum. Each type could lead

The three types of genu recurvatum are; internal rotary deformity recurvatum, external rotary deformity recurvatum, and non-rotatory deformity recurvatum. Internal rotary deformity recurvatum is where the forefoot is rotated outward causing one to adjust to the position by hyperextending the knee. This type of genu recurvatum could lead to a less severe recurvatum and genu varum (or bow legs) where the knees rotate outwards (Credi, 2014). External rotary deformity recurvatum is where the foot remains in an equinovarus position (this position is also known as to walk “like a horse” where the big toe is the horse’s hoof and the heel is the horse’s back pointing joint) and is generally seen in stroke patients. This type of genu recurvatum could lead to increase damage of soft tissue and genu valgum where the lower legs rotate outwards (Credi, 2014). The third type of genu recurvatum is non-rotatory deformity recurvatum where the ankle and foot are normal just the knee is hyperextended. This type of genu recurvatum produces stress to the posterior soft tissue of the knee (Credi, 2014). There are people who train to become hyperextended because of the advantage it gives them in certain sports. All though the process is dangerous, the athletes that usually train to get genu recurvatum are children

Doctors use MRIs, x-rays, and different types of test (such as measuring the heel height or gait analysis) to discover which type of genu recurvatum the athlete has. The x-rays and MRIs are used to show information on the bone alignment and soft tissue in the knee and leg (Credi, 2014). Signs and symptoms of genu recurvatum include difficulty with endurance activities and pinching in the front of the knee (LaPrade, 2012). Although, when the athlete is standing statically, it can be easily spotted that their knees are hyperextended; a test can also be performed to see if the athlete has genu recurvatum. Measuring the athletes’ heel height is usually the best way to diagnose the patient with genu recurvatum (LaPrade, 2012). When the heel height is taken, the doctor presses down on the knee while the heel is brought up. If there is a normal knee to compare the hyperextended knee to, if the heel height is increased, then it could be a diagnosis for genu recurvatum. Usually, when the test is done, if the heel height measures about 10 cm (3.9 inches) then the athlete is diagnosed with genu recurvatum (Loudon et al., 1998). When shown on X-rays, patients with genu recurvatum will show the femur tilting on the tibia. Those who have a greater posterior slope (when the femur is not leaning on the anterior part of the tibia as much) tend to have fewer problems than