This is a messed-up set of legs attached to a 3 year-old. The clinical term is Tibia Vara - the lower legs were severely bent, and they were getting worse. The doctors suspected rickets but couldn't be sure. There was no follow-up care: The parents never came back.
These knees are attached to a 58 year-old woman who is fat and otherwise unhealthy. She was advised to get both knees replaced two years prior, but she also did not seek follow-up care. Now she is in health too poor to allow the surgery. She's screwed.
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People, if your doctor says "you finally dragged yourself in here and it turns out to have been a good thing you did, be sure to set up an appointment when you pay the receptionist" . . . go back. Some stuff can actually be fixed before you (or your child) end up with a dysfunctional body. After, sometimes it can't. Follow-up care: it's not just recommended because they will make money off of you.
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In related news, Dr Arun Pal Singh writes some interesting articles at Bone and Spine and I just blew a good hour clicking through the links. If you're into that sort of thing . . .
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