Module 3, Pediatric Orthopaedist Level

A six year old, otherwise healthy girl presents with the parents complaint that she has a funny gait. They specifically note that she has a waddling gait and has a shorter left leg. She has never complained of pain and has never had any recognized fractures. The parents had not noticed this until a grandmother visited them from out of the country. The grandmother brought this to the parents attention.

Question 3A

The best time to do a valgus osteotomy for coxa vara is prior to 18 months of age.

Question 3B

The goal of the valgus osteotomy should be correction of epiphyseal angle to less than 10 degrees.

Question 3C

Premature physeal closure of the femoral growth plate is usually related to surgical trauma.

Question 3D

Coxa vara may be associated with acetabular dysplasia and needs to be monitored.

Question 3E

The deformity of the femur is caused by a defect of enchondral ossification of the femoral neck.