Genu varum (bowlegs) and genu valgum (knock-knees) are common knee deformities in children that often resolve naturally as they grow. Genu Varum (Bowlegs): In this condition, the knees are apart while the feet and ankles are together, creating an outward curve. It’s typical in infants and toddlers (1-3 years old) and usually improves by age 3 or 4. If severe or persistent, orthotics or braces may be used to support proper alignment and guide bone growth. Genu Valgum (Knock-Knees): Here, the knees touch but the feet are apart. It is common in children aged 3-5 and typically corrects itself over time. If it persists, orthotics or braces may be used to improve alignment. Orthotics and Braces: Orthotics are shoe inserts that correct foot misalignment, potentially improving knee positioning. Braces or splints may be used in severe cases to guide proper bone growth. Braces: In more severe cases of genu varum or genu valgum, braces or splints might be used to help guide the bones to grow in the correct position. These devices are typically used when there's a concern about the condition not self-correcting over time. Braces may be worn during activities to promote proper alignment during movement.

HKAFO  The term HKAFO is an acronym that stands for hipknee-ankle-foot-orthosis and describes the part of the body that this device encompasses. This device is basically a KAFO with the addition of a hip joint and pelvic section.  The addition of the hip joint and pelvic section provides control to selected hip motions. These selected motions about the hip are front to back, side to side, and rotation. One reason the hip section is added to a KAFO is to reduce or minimize the risk of the hip moving out of proper position or dislocating.  Another common reason is to stabilize the hip and lower spine in cases where the patient is weak or paralyzed. One common application of HKAFO is RGO, or, reciprocal gait orthosis, which helps move one hip upon moving the other hip and encouraging a normal gait.

KNOW YOUR ACTIVITY LEVEL : Level One(K1) The patient has the ability or potential to use a prosthesis for transfers or ambulation on level surfaces at fixed cadence. This is typical of a household ambulator or a person who only walks about in their own home. Level Two(K2) The patient has the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse lowlevel environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs or uneven surfaces. This is typical of the limited community ambulator. Level Three(K3) The patient has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. A person at level 3 is typically a community ambulator who also has the ability to traverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic or exercise activity that demands prosthetic use beyond simple locomotion. Level Four(K4) The patient has the ability or potential for prosthetic ambulation that exceeds basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress or energy levels. This is typical of the prosthetic demands of the child, active adult or athlete.