physiologic bowing
Normal developmental angulation of the legs in children that resolves spontaneously with growth.
Full Definition
Physiologic bowing refers to the normal developmental changes in lower extremity alignment that occur as children grow. Newborns typically have genu varum (bow-legs) which gradually corrects and may progress to genu valgum (knock-knees) before achieving adult alignment. These changes follow predictable patterns and resolve without intervention. Radiologists must distinguish physiologic bowing from pathologic conditions such as Blount disease, rickets, or skeletal dysplasias. Key differentiating features include symmetry, absence of metaphyseal changes, and alignment measurements within normal developmental ranges.
Usage
Usage note: Always distinguish from pathologic causes; emphasize the normal, self-resolving nature.
In Context
- "The bilateral symmetric appearance and patient age were consistent with physiologic bowing." — pediatric orthopedic imaging
- "Absence of metaphyseal changes supported the diagnosis of physiologic rather than pathologic bowing." — lower extremity radiograph interpretation