What does Genu Recurvatum refer to in leg alignment?

Genu Recurvatum refers to a condition where the knees are hyper-extended, meaning that the knees bend backward beyond the straight line when standing or walking. This hyperextension can result from various factors, including muscle imbalance, laxity in ligaments, or certain structural anomalies. When diagnosing leg alignment issues, it's crucial to understand that Genu Recurvatum is characterized specifically by this excessive extension, which can lead to instability and potential injuries in the knees and surrounding structures.

In contrast, the other terms like "knock knees" and "bow legs" indicate different types of knee alignments where the knees either point inward or outward, respectively, rather than being hyper-extended. "Flat feet" describes a condition where the arches of the feet collapse, which is unrelated to the alignment of the knees or hyperextension thereof. Understanding Genu Recurvatum in this context helps clarify the specific nature of knee issues that may arise from this condition.