Development of garment with elastic straps and pressure applicator in mechanotherapy to correct children’s genu valgum

Abstract

Objective: Genu valgum (GV), also known as valgus knee, or knock-knee, is a common orthopaedic condition in growing children. Physiological genu valgum have intermalleolar distance of up to 8 cm, the greatest distance being observed between 3 and 4 years, disappearing gradually after the age of 7-8 years. If the longitudinal axis of the knee joint is not aligned by then, physiotherapeutic intervention is called for. Aim: The aim of our study was to determine if garment with elastic straps and pressure applicator could be used in mechanotherapy to correct children’s excessive GV. Methods: The study has lasted last 6 years and there has been three study periods. In all study-periods, practical part lasted six months. Inclusion criterias were: subjects were not involved in physical therapy and did not wear orthoses during the study. Once in every month myometric values (tone, biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of m. sartorius, tensor fasciae latae, semitendinosus, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius caput mediale, m. peroneus longus) were determined with MyotonPro (Myoton AS, Estonia); anthropometric (height, body mass, intermalleolar distance), and goniometric (tibiofemoral angle) parameters were measured according to the standard technique. During the last three months children didn’t wear garment and final measurement was done to evaluate long term effect of garment. Individual analysis was carried out to evaluate the results. Results: After wearing the garments with pressure and elastic components the changes in the lower limb joint alignment and biomechanical parameters promoted the correction of GV position. Three months after the wearing period the changes occurred the worsening of GV position, which indicates that the muscles could not maintain the condition achieved by wearing the garment. Conclusion: The relationship between applied mechano therapeutic stimulus and changes in the lower limb joint alignment and changes of the biomechanical parameters are individual. Study continues with upgrading a device where a new solution is found using digital technology to measure tensile strength at a desired period.