We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.
You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.
To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:
On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.
On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.
Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.
Bow-legs (genu varum) and knock-knees (genu valgum) are common reasons for referrals to paediatric orthopaedic clinics and are what we term “normal variants”. Bow-legs mean that there is a gap between the knees when the ankles are pressed together. Knock-knees are present when there is a gap between the malleoli when the knees are pressed together.
Usually no. There is a very famous study from Scandinavia in 1975 which demonstrated the changing alignment of children’s leg as they age. This is often remembered and shown in the Salenius Curve.
The Salenius curve shows that all children are born with bow legs and that these are usually present until about the age of 2. After this they become knock kneed. The degree of knock-knee is most obvious between ages of 3-4. The legs then gradually straighten reaching an adult shape by the age of 10-12. This is often a very small degree of valgus. Heavy children and children with loose ligaments stretch their knee joints and will appear to have greater deformity. Many babies have big calf muscles, which can make the leg seem quite bent even the bones are only slightly curved.
Symmetrical bow-legs before the age of two, and symmetrical knock-knees seen between the ages of 2 and 12 are termed “physiological” because these appearance are part of the normal growth and development. It should be remembered that we are all slightly different in appearance and this goes for leg shape too.
For physiological symmetrical bow-legs and knock-knees, no. It is helpful to explain the normal to the parents and it can be helpful to ask them to take photos 3 or 4 months apart which usually demonstrates to them that things are moving the way we would expect There is no place for physiotherapy, special shoes or braces as this is the normal development of lower limb alignment. Occasionally if there is an underlying cause this may require treatment. This is indicated with the presence of asymmetric, pain, progressive deformity out with the normal curve.
NHSL Guidelines