Genu recurvatum congenitum

Overview

Genu recurvatum congenitum is a rare congenital disease. Its essence is excessive hyperextension of knee with limited flexion, optionally in combination with subluxation or dislocation of the femoral condyle to the tibia. The aetiology is not clearly clarified, congenital positional deformities and congenital connective tissue disorders are reported. The co-occurrence with other congenital malformations of the musculoskeletal system (dysplasia of hip joint, abnormities of foot under the ankle) is also common. The diagnosis is based on a somatic finding, ultrasound imaging (especially contracture and / or quadriceps fibrosis) and X-ray (exclusion of dislocation in joint or traumatism) are made. In more severe cases, more complex musculoskeletal abnormalities are present, it is advisable to look at least clinically for other congenital defects, syndromological units may be present. A conservative approach prevails in management – we start splinting and casting of the knee in a neutral position on the day of delivery. Depending on the flexion achieved, we continue conservatively or consider an indication for surgical solution. That is also reserved for primarily more severe cases of defects and also if the defect was detected at a later age. For milder forms of defect and early healing, the prognosis is excellent, in other cases the results are individual, walking mechanism impairment may persist. Most patients require regular dispensarization. In the case report, we will talk about a newborn from our hospital, that is a typical example of a mild form of this defect.

Keywords:

genu recurvatum congenitum – back knee – knee hyperextension