Fig. 1 – An X-ray of the hips showing a normal left side and coxa vara on the right side.
The Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Hip Deformity Service treats patients with coxa vara. Coxa vara is an unusual hip condition in which there is a discrepancy of growth in the round ball part of the joint and the upper end of the thigh bone. This discrepancy leads to overgrowth, and a shepherd's crook deformity of the hip joint.
Coxa vara usually presents with a limp, and limited ability to bring the thigh out to the side. X-rays are diagnostic. Depending on the underlying cause and severity of the deformity, reconstructive surgery may be needed to improve the hip alignment and biomechanics.
