Valgus deformity

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Overview
In orthopedics, a valgus deformity is a term for the outward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint. The opposite of valgus is called varus.

The terms varus and valgus always refer to the direction that the distal segment of the joint points.

For a discussion of the etymology of these words, see the entry under varus.

Examples

 * Hip: coxa valga (from Latin coxa = hip) &mdash; the shaft of the femur is bent outward in respect to the neck of the femur, causing bowleggedness.
 * Knee: genu valgum (from Latin genu = knee) &mdash; the tibia is turned outward in relation to the femur, resulting in a knock-kneed appearance.
 * Ankle: talipes valgus (from Latin talus = ankle and Greek pes = foot) &mdash; outward turning of the heel, resulting in clubfoot with the person walking on the inner part of the foot.
 * Toe: hallux valgus (Latin hallux = big toe) &mdash; outward deviation of the big toe toward the second toe.
 * Elbows: cubitus valgus (Latin cubitus = elbow) &mdash; turned-out elbows