Adolescent Blount’s Disease
Adolescent Blount’s disease is a less common form of the condition that typically affects individuals over the age of ten. Unlike infantile Blount’s disease, which usually affects both legs, the adolescent variant is more likely to impact only one side. Furthermore, this type of Blount’s disease can affect both the femur in the thigh and the tibia. Adolescents with this condition often experience pain and instability, which can be attributed to both their body weight and the severity of the disease.
Anatomy
Growth plates play a crucial role in the lengthening and growth of bones. These delicate sections of the skeleton are particularly vulnerable, and one such growth plate is located just above the tibia and below the femur. Blount’s disease occurs when excessive pressure is exerted on the growth plate of the tibia. Since these growth plates are composed of soft cartilage, the intense pressure leads to deformity. Consequently, the outer side of the tibia continues to grow while the inner portion remains stagnant. Over time, this uneven growth causes the legs to bend outward, resulting in a bow-legged appearance.