464 THE INFERIOR EXTREMITY 



may be so great that the angle between the long axes of the 

 femur and tibia, which is normally about 170, may approach 

 90. When the knee is flexed, however, the deformity disappears, 



FIG. 136. Genu Valgum. (From a Radiogram by Dr. Claude Gouldes- 

 brough. ) Observe the increased growth of the medial part of the distal 

 end of the diaphysis of the femur. 



as the posterior surfaces of the femoral condyles are not affected 

 and the tibia itself has undergone no alteration. The weight 

 of the trunk is no longer transmitted evenly to the tarsus, the 

 pressure being now distributed over the medial border of the 

 foot. An undue strain is therefore thrown on the plantar 



