[Deformities of the lower limbs in the frontal plane in children].

Idiopathic genu varum and genu valgum are common problems in pediatric orthopedic practice. Standardized evaluation is essential to compare the deformity with age specific normal ranges. Secondary deformities are infrequent, often unilateral, and progressive with growth. Epiphyseal stapling at adolescence is required only in severe deformities. Patient selection for this procedure is difficult because of uncertainties regarding accurate bone age determination and prediction of final poststapling outcome. Closely spaced evaluations between 10 and 13 years of age are helpful for determining the optimal time for stapling.