M21.05: Valgus deformity, not elsewhere classified Pelvic region and thigh

You have a valgus deformity in your hip joint.

The two hip joints connect the pelvis to the thighbones (femurs). At each side of the pelvic bone there is a depression. This depression is also called the hip socket. The femoral head sits in the hip socket. The femoral head is the rounded, top end of the femur. The head of the femur is connected to the long, straight section of the femur by the neck of the femur. The neck of the femur is usually positioned at a certain angle to the long, straight section of the femur.

The bones and joints are normally in a specific position and at specific angles to one another. With a valgus deformity, the bones or joints are not positioned as normal or not at the usual angle to one another. With a valgus deformity in the hip joint, the angle between the neck of the femur and the long, straight section of the femur may be bigger than usual. The long, straight section of the femur is then closer to the center of the body than usual. The neck of the femur may also be tilted too far forward. The leg can then also be turned forwards so that the ends of the feet point inwards.

A valgus deformity can develop when bones are diseased or damaged. A valgus deformity can be painful. You may not be able to move the affected part of your body properly. Someone with a valgus deformity in the hip joint may limp or regularly stumble.