valgus

1. Characterized by an abnormal outward turning of a bone, especially of the hip, knee, or foot.
2. Knock-kneed.

[Latin, bowlegged.]

Abnormal shape of a part of the body so that it curves outwards from its proximal end (point nearest to the trunk) to its distal end (point furthest from the centre of the trunk). For example, femoral valgus results in a bow-legged appearance. Extra stress is placed on the inside of the hips and on the outside of the knee which can give rise to injuries. A valgus of the forearm involving a pathological bony change in the elbow is an overuse injury of throwers. It can be avoided by using a proper throwing technique.

A condition in which a body segment is curved outwards from its proximal to its distal end. Compare varus. See also femoral valgus, forefoot varus, rearfoot valgus, tibial varus.

[L.] bent outward; twisted; denoting a deformity in which the angulation is away from the midline of the body, as in coxa valga.

Carpal valgus in a lamb. By permission from Smith BP, Large Animal Internal Medicine, Mosby, 2001