Learn about Bowed Legs Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Bowed Legs and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Bowed Legs

Bowed legs, medically known as genu varum, is a common condition in children where the legs curve outward at the knees while the ankles touch. In pediatric orthopedics, treatment is typically non-surgical and involves careful monitoring, as physiological bowing often corrects itself as the child grows. For persistent or severe cases, especially those caused by underlying conditions like Blount's disease or rickets, intervention may be necessary. This can include specialized bracing to guide proper bone growth. In rare instances where conservative measures fail and the deformity is significant, a surgical procedure called an osteotomy may be performed. This involves carefully cutting and realigning the tibia or femur bone to correct the angle, followed by stabilization with internal plates or external fixation. The goal is to restore normal leg alignment, improve gait, and prevent long-term joint problems.

Key Highlights

    Corrects significant leg deformity to improve walking mechanics and posture.Alleviates knee and ankle pain often associated with severe bowing.Prevents long-term complications like early-onset arthritis in the knees.Can improve a child's physical mobility and participation in activities.Modern surgical techniques aim for precise correction with minimal scarring.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Severe, progressive, or painful bowing that does not improve with growth (typically after age 3-4).
  • Diagnosis of Blount's disease (tibia vara), a growth disorder affecting the shin bone.
  • Bowing caused by metabolic bone diseases like rickets that is unresponsive to medical therapy.
  • Significant leg length discrepancy or abnormal gait causing functional limitations.
  • Bowing due to trauma or infection that has healed in a deformed position.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive orthopedic evaluation including physical exam and full-length standing X-rays.
  • Blood tests may be ordered to rule out underlying metabolic conditions like rickets.
  • Discussion of the surgical plan, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with the pediatric orthopedic surgeon.
  • Pre-operative instructions regarding fasting (no food or drink) for a specified period before surgery.
  • Arranging for post-operative support and time off school for the child's recovery.

Risks & possible complications

  • General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
  • Nerve or blood vessel injury near the surgical site.
  • Delayed bone healing or non-union of the osteotomy site.
  • Over-correction or under-correction of the deformity.
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
  • Need for additional surgery, such as hardware removal.
  • Stiffness in the knee or ankle joint.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital stay is required for pain management and initial monitoring after surgery.
  • The leg will be placed in a cast or brace to protect the correction as the bone heals.
  • Use of crutches or a walker is necessary to keep weight off the leg for several weeks.
  • Regular follow-up visits and X-rays are crucial to monitor bone healing and alignment.
  • Once the bone is healed, physical therapy is started to restore strength, flexibility, and normal gait.
  • Full recovery and return to sports may take several months, depending on the procedure's complexity.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for full functional recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering bowed legs in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for bowed legs compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 150 Thousand – 400 Thousand 3-5 days ~ 3-6 months for full functional recovery Know More
Turkey TRY 525 Thousand – 1.4 Million 3-5 days ~ 3-6 months for full functional recovery Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

John Bhatia is a 4-year-old boy...

John Bhatia is a 4-year-old boy from a family with a history of early walkers. His parents first noticed his legs bowing shortly after he started walking at 10 months old, assuming he would 'grow out of it.' By age 3, the bowing in both legs was pronounced, causing him to waddle when he ran and trip frequently during play. Concerned about his clumsiness and the visible curve, his pediatrician referred him to a pediatric orthopedist. After X-rays confirmed bilateral tibia vara (Blount's disease), the doctor recommended guided growth surgery, a minimally invasive procedure using small plates to gently correct the alignment over time. John underwent the outpatient surgery, which involved two tiny incisions. The initial recovery involved mild pain managed with medication and walking normally within a few days. Over the next year, the plates guided his legs to straighten naturally. His emotional journey was marked by his parents' initial anxiety and guilt, fearing they had missed something. John, however, adapted bravely. Post-recovery, he runs with confidence, no longer trips, and proudly shows off the small scars as 'robot parts.' His family feels immense relief, witnessing his newfound physical ease and joy.

Pediatric Orthopedics for Bowed Legs

Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform bowed legs and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Neeraj Gupta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prashanth Inna
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Nandi
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated