Coxa vara- congenital
Overview
A Coxa vara is a deformity of the hip, whereby the angle between the ball and the shaft of the femur is reduced to less than 120 degrees. This results in the leg being shortened, and therefore a limp occurs. It is commonly caused by injury, such as a fracture. It can also occur when the bone tissue in the neck of the femur is softer than normal, meaning it bends under the weight of the body. This may either be congenital, also known as Mau-Nilsonne Syndrome, or the result of a bone disorder.
Symptoms
* Short leg * Limp * Walking difficulty * Stiff hip joint * Hip pain
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is mainly radiological. Clinical signs include a widened bitrochanteric measurement. The patient may have a short limbed gait, or in severe cases a Trendelenburg gait (due to restriction of abduction). The Trendelenburg test maybe positive.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. Most cases do not require any treatment. If treatment is required, it is usually a valgus osteotomy of the femur fixed by an angled blade plate device or even a DHS.