Blount’s Disease

Blount’s disease is a developmental condition that affects the growth plate around the knee causing progressive bowing. The exact cause is unknown. There are three forms of the disease depending on the age of diagnosis.

Infantile: Age less than 3 years old. Most often affects both sides. Early walking and obesity may be involved.
Juvenile: Age between 3 and 8 years of age.
Adolescent: Age older than 8 years of age. This type often involves only one side and obese children are most commonly affected.

Treatment is determined by the age of the child and the severity of the condition. In the infant form, bracing will sometimes be advocated. Surgery is often recommended for progressive deformity in the infantile form or those patients with juvenile or adolescent forms.

More information:
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/child/child68.htm
http://www.orthoseek.com/articles/blount.html
http://orthopedics.about.com/library/glossary/bldef-blounts.htm