Bowing of the Knee is usually caused by:

- Blount's Disease (problems with development of the growth plate at the inner aspect of the knee)

- Previous infection or injury

- Rickets

- The condition may develop spontaneously in an overweight adolescent who previously had straight legs.

The signs of Bowing of the Knee are pretty straightforward due to the appearance of the obvious gap between the knees when the patient stands together. Pain is not usually present though the deformity tends to worsen with time if left untreated.

If left untreated, adolescents with bowing of the knee may experience pain while adults may develop pain in the medial part of the knee as well as arthritis.

Post-surgical complications that may arise can include:

- Compartment syndrome (increased pressure in a muscle compartment)

- Growth disturbance

- Infection

- Recurrence of deformity

Treatment of this condition is usually surgical and includes:

- A cut in the bone for realignment (Osteotomy) which tends to be necessary for an older adolescent who has stopped growing.

- Temporary tether of the normal outer growth plate at the knee in a younger child or a permanent tether in an older child