A review of the English literature on Blount disease (osteochondrosis deformans 
tibiae; tibia vara) revealed that two forms of the disease, infantile and 
adolescent, are recognized. The cause of Blount disease is probably 
multifactorial. Most recent evidence on the pathogenesis implicates mechanical 
factors. The diagnosis can be difficult in very young children and must be based 
on history, physical examination, and radiographic findings. A proximal tibial 
metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle of greater than 11 degrees should be observed 
carefully for the development of Blount disease. Both nonoperative and operative 
treatment has been used successfully.