Coxa vara: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:FemurAngles.jpg| | | name = Coxa vara | ||
| image = [[File:FemurAngles.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Diagram showing the angle of the femur in coxa vara | |||
| field = [[Orthopedics]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = [[Limping]], [[leg length discrepancy]], [[hip pain]] | |||
| complications = [[Osteoarthritis]], [[hip dysplasia]] | |||
| onset = Congenital or acquired | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = Congenital, [[trauma]], [[bone disease]] | |||
| risks = [[Developmental dysplasia of the hip]], [[rickets]], [[Paget's disease of bone]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[X-ray]], [[physical examination]] | |||
| differential = [[Coxa valga]], [[slipped capital femoral epiphysis]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[physical therapy]] | |||
| medication = [[Pain management]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depending on cause and treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Coxa vara''' is a deformity of the [[hip joint]] where the angle between the head and the shaft of the [[femur]] is reduced to less than 120 degrees. This condition can lead to a variety of clinical symptoms and complications, affecting the biomechanics of the hip and lower limb. | '''Coxa vara''' is a deformity of the [[hip joint]] where the angle between the head and the shaft of the [[femur]] is reduced to less than 120 degrees. This condition can lead to a variety of clinical symptoms and complications, affecting the biomechanics of the hip and lower limb. | ||
== Anatomy and Pathophysiology == | == Anatomy and Pathophysiology == | ||
In a normal hip joint, the angle between the head and the shaft of the femur, known as the [[femoral neck angle]], is typically between 120 and 135 degrees. In coxa vara, this angle is decreased, which can alter the distribution of weight and stress across the hip joint. | In a normal hip joint, the angle between the head and the shaft of the femur, known as the [[femoral neck angle]], is typically between 120 and 135 degrees. In coxa vara, this angle is decreased, which can alter the distribution of weight and stress across the hip joint. | ||
The reduction in the femoral neck angle can lead to: | The reduction in the femoral neck angle can lead to: | ||
* Increased stress on the [[femoral neck]], predisposing it to fractures. | * Increased stress on the [[femoral neck]], predisposing it to fractures. | ||
* Altered [[gait]] patterns due to changes in [[biomechanics]]. | * Altered [[gait]] patterns due to changes in [[biomechanics]]. | ||
* Potential development of [[osteoarthritis]] due to abnormal joint loading. | * Potential development of [[osteoarthritis]] due to abnormal joint loading. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Coxa vara can be congenital, developmental, or acquired. Some common causes include: | Coxa vara can be congenital, developmental, or acquired. Some common causes include: | ||
* '''Congenital coxa vara''': Present at birth, often due to developmental abnormalities. | * '''Congenital coxa vara''': Present at birth, often due to developmental abnormalities. | ||
* '''Developmental coxa vara''': Occurs during childhood as the bones grow. | * '''Developmental coxa vara''': Occurs during childhood as the bones grow. | ||
* '''Acquired coxa vara''': Can result from conditions such as [[rickets]], [[osteomalacia]], or trauma to the hip. | * '''Acquired coxa vara''': Can result from conditions such as [[rickets]], [[osteomalacia]], or trauma to the hip. | ||
== Clinical Presentation == | == Clinical Presentation == | ||
Patients with coxa vara may present with: | Patients with coxa vara may present with: | ||
* [[Limping]] or altered gait. | * [[Limping]] or altered gait. | ||
* [[Hip pain]] or discomfort, especially with activity. | * [[Hip pain]] or discomfort, especially with activity. | ||
* Limited range of motion in the hip joint. | * Limited range of motion in the hip joint. | ||
* Leg length discrepancy, with the affected leg appearing shorter. | * Leg length discrepancy, with the affected leg appearing shorter. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of coxa vara is typically made through clinical examination and confirmed with imaging studies such as [[X-rays]]. The X-ray will show a decreased femoral neck angle, and additional imaging may be used to assess the extent of the deformity and any associated conditions. | Diagnosis of coxa vara is typically made through clinical examination and confirmed with imaging studies such as [[X-rays]]. The X-ray will show a decreased femoral neck angle, and additional imaging may be used to assess the extent of the deformity and any associated conditions. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of coxa vara depends on the severity of the deformity and the symptoms experienced by the patient. Options include: | Treatment of coxa vara depends on the severity of the deformity and the symptoms experienced by the patient. Options include: | ||
* '''Conservative management''': Physical therapy and activity modification for mild cases. | * '''Conservative management''': Physical therapy and activity modification for mild cases. | ||
* '''Surgical intervention''': Osteotomy procedures to correct the angle of the femur in more severe cases. | * '''Surgical intervention''': Osteotomy procedures to correct the angle of the femur in more severe cases. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for individuals with coxa vara varies depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. Early intervention can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications such as osteoarthritis. | The prognosis for individuals with coxa vara varies depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. Early intervention can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications such as osteoarthritis. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Hip dysplasia]] | * [[Hip dysplasia]] | ||
* [[Femoral neck fracture]] | * [[Femoral neck fracture]] | ||
* [[Osteotomy]] | * [[Osteotomy]] | ||
[[Category:Orthopedic conditions]] | [[Category:Orthopedic conditions]] | ||
Latest revision as of 13:54, 5 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Coxa vara | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Limping, leg length discrepancy, hip pain |
| Complications | Osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia |
| Onset | Congenital or acquired |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Congenital, trauma, bone disease |
| Risks | Developmental dysplasia of the hip, rickets, Paget's disease of bone |
| Diagnosis | X-ray, physical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Coxa valga, slipped capital femoral epiphysis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgery, physical therapy |
| Medication | Pain management |
| Prognosis | Variable, depending on cause and treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Coxa vara is a deformity of the hip joint where the angle between the head and the shaft of the femur is reduced to less than 120 degrees. This condition can lead to a variety of clinical symptoms and complications, affecting the biomechanics of the hip and lower limb.
Anatomy and Pathophysiology[edit]
In a normal hip joint, the angle between the head and the shaft of the femur, known as the femoral neck angle, is typically between 120 and 135 degrees. In coxa vara, this angle is decreased, which can alter the distribution of weight and stress across the hip joint. The reduction in the femoral neck angle can lead to:
- Increased stress on the femoral neck, predisposing it to fractures.
- Altered gait patterns due to changes in biomechanics.
- Potential development of osteoarthritis due to abnormal joint loading.
Causes[edit]
Coxa vara can be congenital, developmental, or acquired. Some common causes include:
- Congenital coxa vara: Present at birth, often due to developmental abnormalities.
- Developmental coxa vara: Occurs during childhood as the bones grow.
- Acquired coxa vara: Can result from conditions such as rickets, osteomalacia, or trauma to the hip.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients with coxa vara may present with:
- Limping or altered gait.
- Hip pain or discomfort, especially with activity.
- Limited range of motion in the hip joint.
- Leg length discrepancy, with the affected leg appearing shorter.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of coxa vara is typically made through clinical examination and confirmed with imaging studies such as X-rays. The X-ray will show a decreased femoral neck angle, and additional imaging may be used to assess the extent of the deformity and any associated conditions.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of coxa vara depends on the severity of the deformity and the symptoms experienced by the patient. Options include:
- Conservative management: Physical therapy and activity modification for mild cases.
- Surgical intervention: Osteotomy procedures to correct the angle of the femur in more severe cases.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with coxa vara varies depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. Early intervention can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications such as osteoarthritis.
