Epidemiology Of Angular Deformities Of The Knee In Children In Benin, Nigeria

Background: Bony problems such as angular deformities and metabolic bone disease are of high frequency in Nigeria. Objective: The aim of this study was to define the pattern of presentation in children with angular deformities of the knee. Methodology: It was an 18-month prospective study involving children aged between birth and 16 years who presented at the consultant orthopaedic outpatient department with angular deformity of the knee. Results: Rickets was found to be the most common aetiology of angular deformity of the knee and bilateral knee affectation was the most common mode of presentation. Genu valgum was the commonest deformity seen and most patients presented before the age of 5years. Conclusion: Rickets is the most common cause of angular deformity of the knee in patients presenting at the orthopaedic clinics in UBTH, but this may not reflect the true prevalence of angular knee deformities in the community. Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 11 (4) 2008: pp. 114-11