[The significance of axial misalignment as a pre-osteoarthrotic deformity, and its radiological assessment].

Pathological misalignment of the axis of the leg in the frontal plane should always be considered as predisposing to osteoarthrosis of the knee joint. This is especially relevant with increasing age. Complete radiological investigation of the leg with the patient standing allows determination of the site and degree of any axial deviation and calculation of the required angle of correction. In the light of these considerations it is apparent that correction of pathological axial misalignment of the leg is not only justified but necessary.