Skeletal dysplasia is the medical term for conditions that affect bone development, neurological function and cartilage growth.

Blounts Disease:
It is a relatively common clinical condition seen in orthopedic practice in Africa….the deformity leads to early degenerative changes in the knee.

Condition

Braces for correction

Bowlegs is a condition in which the knees stay wide apart when a person stands with the feet and ankles together. It is considered normal in children under 18 months. A child who still has bowlegs at about age three should be evaluated by orthopedic specialist.

Knock knee is a condition caused by an underlying congenital or developmental disease where the knees bend inward and touch or "knock" against one another, even when a person is standing with their ankles apart.

Rickets disease is a disorder caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. It leads to softening and weakening of the bones, and may cause bowlegs or knock-knees.

The following is the normal growth and development for children, from infancy to the age of 10:

From infancy to 18 months, a child’s legs are initially bowlegged (varus), causing toddlers to often walk with their feet wide apart.

When the child is between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 years, the legs have usually straightened.

By 3 to 4 years, the child’s legs typically grow into a knock-knee (valgus) position.

Finally, by age 8 to 10 years, the child’s legs have settled in to what will likely be their adult alignment.

No neck support for the infants. When the mother walks, the head dangles and swings with her gait.

Notice the spread of the baby’s legs. The wider the mother’s waist, the more unnatural the position for the baby.

The mother appears to have knock knees.

Is it possible that the traditional way to carry a baby is causing bone deformity? These babies can stay in these positions for eight to ten hours a day while their mothers are working.

Notice how the baby’s legs are allowed to move freely. Also notice the position of the baby allows for visual stimulation and interaction with the surrounding environment.