Genu recurvatum is also known as back knee or knee hyperextension. It occurs when hyperextension of your knees is greater than 5 degrees.
There are three types of genu-recurvatum:
- ERD (External Rotary Deformity)
- IRD (Internal Rotary Deformity)
- NRD (Non-rotary deformity )
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Genu recurvatum is seen more commonly in women than men. Genu recurvatum can be caused by abnormal positioning of the ankle and foot during walking or by injuries that involve knee hyperextension. Other genu recurvatum causes include postural issues, muscles weakness, trauma/injury and quadriceps contracture.
Symptoms include pain in the medial tibiofemoral joint, which is in the posterior lateral ligamentous structure in the outside back portion of your knee, or in the inner leg portion of the knee. If genu recurvatum is not treated in time, it can lead to increased tissue damage and can cause permanent deformity. So timely diagnosis and proper treatment of genu recurvatum are important.
ERD External Rotary Deformity Recurvatum happens when the foot stays in an equinovarus posture while walking. The heel is elevated, and the forefoot points inward. This causes hyperextension of your knee. ERD (external rotary deformity) is commonly seen in patients who have suffered from a stroke, whose leg (foot) motions becomes abnormal due to an abnormal patterns of muscle tone.
Internal Rotary Deformity recurvatum begins with an abnormal gait in which the front part of your foot (forefoot) is rotated outward. It causes the person to compensate by over-extending the knee, resulting in a genu recurvatum deformity.
Non Rotary Deformity recurvatum is a condition in which the ankle and foot are placed normally and the knee is the primary abnormality. The non-rotary deformity is usually caused by an injury that forces hyperextension of the knee.
These three types of genu recurvatum that put pressure on the knee. And if they are not corrected they will cause joint deformity which will increase as the time progresses.
The untreated external rotary deformity can cause permanent recurvatum, as well as increasing soft tissue damage, and genu valgum deformity in the knee. The internal rotary deformity causes a less severe recurvatum deformity, which is also known as bow legs or genu varum. Non-rotary deformity increases the stress on the posterior soft tissues structures of the knee, which causes an increase in recurvatum deformity.
To classify and diagnose genu recurvatum, physicians use X-rays or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) along with gait analysis. Foot orthotics are required for patients who suffer from external rotary deformity or internal rotary deformity. They correct the position of their feet. Mild cases might be supported by physical therapists who may tape the knee. Patients with more severe recurtum may require knee braces.
Balance exercises, gait training, and proprioceptive exercises can help improve the mild to moderate knee recurvatum. Exercises to strengthen quadriceps muscles and gastrocnemius muscles. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the knee recurvatum, but Sometimes, surgery is required to correct damage to the knee.