EpistemisGenu recurvatum
Specialty: Musculoskeletal.
Why it occurs
- Generalized ligamentous laxity (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Marfan Syndrome)
- Paralysis or weakness of the quadriceps muscle or hamstring muscles (sequela of poliomyelitis or motor neuropathy)
- Extensor muscle spasticity after stroke or cerebral palsy
- Congenital or acquired bone deformity of the tibial plateau (loss of physiological posterior tibial inclination)
- Sequence of cruciate ligament rupture (especially the posterior cruciate ligament) poorly rehabilitated
- Hip dysplasia with compensatory pattern
Initial workup
Telemetry of lower extremities in load | Lateral knee x-ray in forced full extension to measure the recurvatum angle | Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee to evaluate the integrity of the posterior cruciate ligament, posterior capsule and menisci.
red flags
Progressive knee hyperextension associated with recurrent episodes of instability with repeated falls, intense joint pain that worsens with support and persistent inflammation (hemarthrosis or destructive synovitis due to secondary structural damage).
Standard management
- There are no specific drugs to correct the deformity — treatment focuses on articulated hyperextension control orthoses and proprioceptive physiotherapy); in case of joint pain due to overload: Meloxicam (15 mg once a day orally for short periods
- Paracetamol (1 g every 12 hours orally).
Educational guidance for study. It is NOT a prescription recommendation. The actual choice depends on the cause, the patient, and current guidelines.
- Area
- Musculoskeletal
- Listed causes
- 6
- Treatment options
- 2