Physiological Genu Valgus

Physiological genu valgus is a structural feature of the human knee joint that limits lateral movement in the body's center of gravity during the gait cycle. Because of this knee alignment, the COG moves laterally a distance equal to that between the two ankle joints (right hand figure).

physiological genu valgus

Without physiological genu valgus, the COG would move laterally a distance equal to that between the two hip joints (left hand figure).

Last updated 5-18-98 Dave Thompson PT
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