Wheel bending means that the distance between the knees is greater than normal. In the case of cobalt, there is an increased distance between the feet. Both wheel bones and cobaltness usually go by themselves.
Symptoms of wheel bending in children
Most children are wheelchair-bound when they are born. Wheel bending becomes even more noticeable as the child begins to stand. Many children can also stretch the knee joints so much that their knees almost seem to bend a little backward.
Children who start walking early will sometimes become more wheelchair-bound over a period of time. This is because the skeleton is softer in younger children. It is not dangerous and grows away.
At the age of two, wheel bones tend to decrease and the bones begin to straighten more.
Older children who are overweight can become cobalt. This is due to the increased load on the knee joint ligaments. Overweight should be avoided if the child is obese.
When and where should I seek care?
Most people who are wheelbase or content do not need to seek care. The trouble usually goes by itself.
Treatment of wheel bending in children
It is possible to adjust the leg if the wheel bent or the cobblestone becomes very strong. In this case, it only becomes relevant at the age of eight to ten and must be done well in advance before the child stops growing.
The adjustment is done by screwing a small plate on both the inside of the knee joints at the cobalt and at the outside of the knee joints at the wheel arch.
The defect usually straightens within one to two years after surgery and then it is time to remove the plate so that the bone can continue to grow as usual.
Influence and participate in your care
In order for you to be involved in your care and treatment of wheel bending in children, it is important that you understand the information you receive from the healthcare staff. Ask questions if you don’t understand.
Children should also be involved in their care. The older the child, the more important it is.