INTRODUCTION: In stage 1 of all currently accepted classifications for infantile 
tibia vara, the diagnosis is difficult between physiological bowing and true 
Blount's disease. There is no evidence of prognosis criteria for surgical 
treatment at this stage.
PATIENT AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied a series of 26 patients born in 
the Indian Ocean area, presenting at stage 1 of the disease, in order to 
determine whether any of them were likely to heal without treatment.
RESULTS: It was found that children seen at stage 1 of infantile tibia vara have 
a one-in-three chance of healing spontaneously.
DISCUSSION: An alternative classification in three stages could then provide 
more suitable therapeutic indications: stage 0: possible Blount's disease 
(patient older than 2.5 years); stage 1: certain Blount's disease, active physis 
(+) (progressive varus, age >3 years, typical image with no epiphysiodesis 
bridging); stage 2: certain Blount's disease, inactive physis (-) (superomedial 
tibial bony bridge).
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Retrospective study.