Bone problems among children -- no matter how rare, pediatricians believe that it may result to severe physical deformities if left unchecked. Conditions like coxa valga are hardly ever heard but for those with severe cases may need to have surgical treatment. There are certain symptoms that may pinpoint this rare childhood illness and they are easy to spot. Some childhood diseases may resolve itself without any medical or surgical treatment, though for some there might be an indelible sign of the deformity, genetics experts say. The controversy among hip implants that may help those who have hip problems have taken a backseat after news of DePuy knee replacement recalls broke out.

The problem with coxa valga is the how the angle of the hip does not follow the normal angle. In most cases, the deformity may be seen as early as the baby turns 15 months old. The normal hip angle in children is between 135 to 145 degrees but those with this hip deformity – it may be higher. External rotation and limitation of the adduction causes the abduction of the leg among patients with such disorder and may be mistaken as a problem with the joint instead of the increased angle in the head and neck of the femur.

Mild conditions may sometimes be asymptomatic. Some may even develop this problem on both hips and may cause gait problems. Primary signs of this hip condition include leg length discrepancy, prominent greater trochanter and limited abduction and internal rotation of the hip. In some cases patients may have femoral retroversion which is evident when the child starts to stand. The child may have problems standing up because of the diminished base of support. Decreased anteversion, which is often seen among those who are obese, may also be experienced by the child.

To diagnose and confirm this problem in the hip, doctors may recommend an x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography to be done. If the child grows with the development of the acetabulum keeping up with the body and age of the child, a surgical intervention may not be required. On the other hand, if a surgical operation is needed to decrease the angle of the hip – a valgus osteotomy may be performed. There are incidences when the problem continues even after a surgical operation. A total hip replacement surgery may not be needed unless there condition calls for it.