Lateral bowing of the legs is known as:

Appeared in: NORCET 10 Prelims-2026

Explanation

Genu varum is the specific medical term for an angular deformity at the knee where the lower leg is angled outward (laterally) in relation to the thigh's axis.
This condition is commonly known as 'bowlegs' or 'bandy-legs'.
The term originates from Latin, where 'genu' means 'knee' and 'varum' means 'bent outwards'.
Clinically, it is identified by a wide space between the knees when an individual stands with their ankles together.

Option B: Genu valgum describes the opposite condition, where the knees angle inward toward the midline.
Option C: Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine, characterized by a sideways or lateral curvature.
Option D: Kyphosis is also a spinal deformity, specifically an excessive outward curve of the thoracic spine, causing a 'hunchback' appearance.

Visual 1: Diagram - A clear illustration comparing the alignment of the legs in a person with normal posture, genu varum (bowlegs), and genu valgum (knock-knees). This helps visualize the angular differences at the knee joint.
Visual 2: Clinical Photograph - An image of a toddler standing, showing the characteristic appearance of genu varum with a distinct gap between the knees. This provides a real-world example of the condition.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical terminology for musculoskeletal deformities of the lower limbs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in assessing limb alignment during pediatric check-ups and educating parents about normal developmental variations versus red flags.
Recognizing the difference between physiologic bowing (normal in toddlers) and pathologic bowing is crucial for timely referral to a specialist.
What if? If a 4-year-old child presents with worsening genu varum and pain, the nurse's priority action would be to document the findings and facilitate a referral for orthopedic evaluation, as this is outside the normal age for physiologic bowing and suggests a pathological cause like Blount's disease.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key descriptive phrase in the question stem: 'Lateral bowing of the legs'.
Break down the term: 'Lateral' means outward, away from the midline.
Next, analyze the options. Recognize that 'Scoliosis' and 'Kyphosis' are spinal deformities and can be eliminated as they do not relate to the legs.
Focus on the remaining two options: 'Genu varum' and 'Genu valgum'. Recall or deduce the meaning of the Latin roots. 'Genu' refers to the knee.
'Varum' refers to an outward deviation, while 'valgum' refers to an inward deviation.
Match the description 'lateral bowing' (outward) with the correct term, 'Genu varum'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Medical terminology for musculoskeletal deformities of the lower limbs.
Stem keywords: Lateral bowing, legs
Lead-in keywords: known as

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