U
Unloader
An 'unloader' is a device - like a brace - which changes the forces going through the knee in order to protect a damaged side.
Unloader brace
An unloader brace is a knee brace that subtly alters the alignment of the knee as weight is taken to reduce the forces going through a vulnerable part of the knee.
V
Valgus
Valgus is a descriptive term implying that the lower leg is angled outwards compared to the upper leg, ie a patient may be described as having genu valgum (a knock knee) or a valgus deformity so that the knee appears angled towards the midline. Page updated March 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Valgus osteotomy
A valgus osteotomy is a surgical procedure where the bone is cut and re-angled, to correct a varus (bow-leg) deformity.
Varus
Varus refers to a limb alignment where the knees bow outwards.
Varus malalignment
Varus malalignment is abnormal bowing of the knee, to the outer side. Page updated May 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Varus osteotomy
A varus osteotomy is a surgical procedure where the bone is cut and re-angled, to correct a valgus (knock-knee) deformity.
Varus recurvatum
Varus recurvatum is a bow-leg (varus) alignment of the tibia and femur, together with hyper-extension, so that the knee goes both backwards and bows outwards.
Varus thrust
A varus thrust is when the knee joint thrusts to the outer aspect with each step, as weight is taken on that leg.
VAS
VAS is an abbreviation for 'visual analogue scale' patients grade their symptoms along a line or a line of buttons, eg 1-10, where one end represents the worst and the other end the best scenario.