Various Leg Deformations Observed, Anterior View

Description

Presented in anterior anatomical position, the female lower limbs are shown from proximal thigh to toes, allowing comparison of frontal-plane alignment at the hip, knee, and ankle. The distal femora and proximal tibiae define the tibiofemoral angle, with the patellae centered over the trochlear grooves to highlight changes in patellar position as the knees drift medially (genu valgum) or laterally (genu varum). Distally, the tibial shafts lead to the medial and lateral malleoli, and the feet provide a reference line for overall mechanical axis from femoral head region toward the ankle mortise. Skin surface landmarks remain readable. Anterior alignment is not cosmetic trivia, it predicts load distribution across the medial and lateral compartments of the knee and often explains pain patterns and radiographic findings. Genu varum increases medial compartment contact stress and correlates with progression of medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, while genu valgum shifts load laterally and can aggravate lateral compartment disease and patellofemoral maltracking. For teaching, the paired presentation is helpful when discussing the normal physiologic valgus angle, increased Q-angle patterns more common in women, and pediatric etiologies such as rickets or Blount disease versus acquired deformity after fracture malunion. A surgical planning landmark. Use this artwork in musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology courses to anchor discussion of coronal-plane deformities and how femur, tibia, and patella alignment changes apparent limb length and gait. It also fits orthopedics and sports medicine texts covering knee osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, bracing indications, and preoperative assessment for high tibial osteotomy or total knee arthroplasty alignment targets. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.