What is valgus varus mnemonic?

The valgus varus mnemonic is a memory aid used in orthopedics to describe the alignment of the limbs in certain conditions.

Valgus refers to a position where the joint is angled outward, away from the midline of the body. This is commonly seen in conditions such as knock-knees (genu valgum) and ankle sprains where the ankle is turned outward. The term is derived from the Latin word for "bent outward".

Varus, on the other hand, refers to a position where the joint is angled inward towards the midline of the body. This is commonly seen in conditions such as bow-leggedness (genu varum) and ankle fractures where the ankle is turned inward. The term is derived from the Latin word for "bent inward".

The mnemonic often used to remember these terms is "valgus is vulgar" which means that an outward angle is generally considered unattractive or "vulgar". In contrast, "varus is virtuous" meaning that an inward angle is generally considered virtuous or desirable.

The valgus varus mnemonic is important as it helps healthcare professionals to describe and communicate different limb alignments and helps to convey important clinical information about a patient's condition.