Knee Malalignment

Knee malalignment refers to an abnormal positioning of the knee joint that disrupts its biomechanical function. Normally, the femur (thigh bone), tibia, and patella (kneecap) align in a way that allows for smooth movement and even distribution of weight. However, in cases of malalignment, these structures do not track properly, leading to excess stress on certain areas of the joint.

There are two primary types of knee malalignment:

1. Varus Deformity (Bowleggedness) – The knees angle outward, causing increased pressure on the inner (medial) side of the knee.
2. Valgus Deformity (Knock Knees) – The knees angle inward, putting more stress on the outer (lateral) portion of the knee.

These misalignments can contribute to joint pain, instability, and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Knee malalignment can result from various factors, including congenital conditions, injuries, and degenerative diseases. Some of the most common causes include:

Congenital and developmental factors

Some individuals are born with slight variations in leg alignment that may worsen over time. During childhood and adolescence, rapid growth can contribute to malalignment if the bones do not develop symmetrically.

Previous injury or trauma

Fractures, ligament injuries, and meniscus tears can alter the normal alignment of the knee. If these injuries do not heal correctly, they may lead to long-term misalignment, causing ongoing pain and dysfunction.

Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease

Over time, the cartilage in the knee wears down due to aging or excessive stress. This breakdown can lead to changes in the way the bones align, resulting in malalignment. Varus deformity (bowleggedness) is particularly common in individuals with advanced osteoarthritis.

Excessive weight

Carrying excess weight places additional stress on the knee joint, increasing the risk of cartilage damage and altering the normal alignment of the knee over time.

Weak or imbalanced muscles

Muscular imbalances in the quadriceps, hamstrings, or hip muscles can contribute to improper knee tracking. Weakness in the hip abductors and core muscles, in particular, can lead to knee malalignment.

Gait abnormalities

Poor walking mechanics, such as excessive pronation (foot rolling inward) or supination (foot rolling outward) can affect knee alignment. These gait abnormalities can gradually lead to joint strain and malalignment.

The symptoms of knee malalignment vary depending on the severity and type of misalignment. Common signs include:

• Pain and discomfort: Pain is often localized to specific areas of the knee, particularly the inner (medial) or outer (lateral) joint line, depending on the type of malalignment.
• Joint stiffness: Individuals may experience difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee.
• Instability and weakness: A feeling of the knee “giving way” or being unstable during movement.
• Swelling and inflammation: Recurrent swelling may occur due to irritation of the joint structures.
• Clicking or popping: Misalignment can cause abnormal tracking of the kneecap, leading to audible or palpable sensations when moving the joint.
• Decreased range of motion: Progressive malalignment can restrict normal movement, making activities like walking, running, or squatting difficult.
• Altered gait: Individuals may develop an abnormal walking pattern to compensate for knee pain or instability.

Accurate diagnosis of knee malalignment is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. Dr. Gazzaniga will perform a comprehensive evaluation that typically involves:

Medical history and physical examination

A thorough history is taken to assess symptoms, past injuries, and daily activities that may contribute to knee issues. During the physical examination, the Dr. Gazzaniga evaluates knee alignment, joint stability, muscle strength, and range of motion. Special tests may be performed to assess ligament integrity and patellar tracking.

X-rays

X-rays are a crucial imaging tool to evaluate the alignment of the knee bones. They help assess joint space narrowing, bone abnormalities, and the degree of misalignment. Weight-bearing X-rays are particularly useful in assessing how the knee functions under normal loads.

MRI

An MRI may be recommended to evaluate soft tissue structures such as ligaments, menisci, and cartilage. This imaging technique is useful in identifying injuries or degenerative changes that may contribute to malalignment.

CT scan

In complex cases, a CT scan may be used to provide a more detailed, three-dimensional assessment of bone alignment and joint structure.

Gait analysis

A gait analysis may be performed to evaluate walking mechanics and detect abnormalities in weight distribution. This assessment helps identify contributing factors to knee malalignment and informs treatment recommendations.