Salamatou and Mariama before surgery. 6 year old Mariama and 8 year old Salamatou, both girls developed a condition called windswept legs. See SWNS story SWSISTERS; Six-year-old Mariama and eight-year-old Salamatou's parents wanted a good life for their daughters, but when both girls developed a condition called windswept legs, they did not have any money to take them to the hospital. The girls struggled to keep up in life, Their mother, Mymoona, and father, Debo, worried every day about their health, education, and futures. During the younger years when the bones are developing is when conditions like Mariama and Salamatou's begin. This is often from malnutrition and children not getting the nutrients they need in order to grow strong bones. The sister's both received free surgery onboard the Africa Mercy in Douala, Cameroon. During months of rehab, they practiced walking on their straightened legs, competing with one another to encourage growth.
Salamatou, eight, and Mariama, six, from Mount Manengouba, Cameroon, developed ‘windswept’ limbs due to a condition known as valgus, also known as knock knees, which can occur as a result of malnutrition.
A lack of nutrients during bone development caused their knees to knock together while they walked, which resulted in them rarely attending school due to them being unable to manage the journey. After hearing about a hospital ship, run by a charity, docking many miles away, the girls and their parents made the grueling journey over rocky terrain from their mountain village to the harbour.
The girls, who were walking just one day after their surgeries, were so amazed by the results Mariama did not believe the legs she was seeing could possibly be her own. Speaking of his daughters’ future, their father Debo said: ‘Now, they will be able to commit to school and use their education.
‘Before, my heart was anxious for my family, but now I am content.’ Just one day after Salamatou’s surgery, the youngster was able to walk, with her sister’s competitive spirit meaning she was not far behind.
WHAT ARE VALGUS KNEES?
Valgus knees cause people to have a large gap pf up to 8cm between their feet when standing with their knees together.
Also known as knock knees, it affects many children and usually becomes obvious at around four years old.
Most children’s legs straighten by six or seven without treatment.
Knock knees can occasionally be a sign of an underlying condition that may not improve without therapy.
Causes can include rickets, an injury or infection affecting the knees, a genetic condition or excessive pressure on the knees due to obesity or loose ligaments.
Sufferers may experience pain or difficult walking, as well as increased pressure potentially leading to arthritis.
If treatment is required, it may involve resolving any underlying condition, leg braces, shoe insoles, or surgery that inserts metal plates in the knees or a thin wedge of bone being removed to realign the limbs.
