Final answer:
Genu recurvatum, knee flexion contracture, patella baja, and patella alta occur in the knee joint and are related to the alignment and position of the patella. They can have different causes and treatment options depending on the severity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genu recurvatum, knee flexion contracture, patella baja, and patella alta are all conditions that occur in the knee joint. Specifically, they relate to the alignment and position of the patella (kneecap) in relation to the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).
Genu recurvatum is when there is excessive hyperextension of the knee joint, causing the leg to appear straighter than normal. Knee flexion contracture, on the other hand, is when there is limited knee flexion, resulting in difficulty in bending the knee fully. Patella baja refers to a low-riding patella, where the kneecap is positioned lower than usual. Conversely, patella alta is when the patella sits higher than normal.
All of these conditions can have various causes, including previous injury, muscle imbalances, or structural abnormalities. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition and may include physical therapy, braces or orthotics, or in some cases, surgical intervention.