What Is Tibial Torsion?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Internal tibial torsion is

an inward twisting of the tibia

, which leads to in-toeing of the foot. Although it may not be noticeable until your child starts to walk, this condition is often present since birth. Internal tibial torsion usually affects both legs and could be related to the child’s position in the uterus.

Is tibial torsion a disability?

Disability from lateral tibial torsion is usually

caused by patellofemoral instability and pain

. 9 Therefore, lateral tibial torsion is a more common indication for osteotomy than internal torsion.

Does tibial torsion hurt?

Tibial torsion is

a recognized cause of patellofemoral pain and instability

in the paediatric population; however, it is commonly overlooked in the adult population.

Who is at risk for tibial torsion?

Internal tibial torsion is often caused by

a baby’s position in their mother’s uterus

. As they grow and space becomes tighter, one or both of their shinbones may twist inward. The condition tends to run in families. External tibial torsion also runs in families.

Is tibial torsion a birth defect?

(Twisting of the Tibia; Torsion of the Tibia)

The shinbone (tibia)

may be twisted at birth

. Doctors can detect this birth defect by doing a physical examination and taking various measurements of the legs. In most children, the shinbone returns to a normal position without treatment around 5 to 6 years of age.

Can tibial torsion be corrected?

The surgery to correct internal tibial torsion is called

tibial derotational osteotomy

. During this procedure, the tibia is cut, rotated and fixed in a straighter position. Following surgery, casting will be required to allow for healing of the bone.

Can you fix external tibial torsion?

If the condition causes problems with gait, pain in the knee or is of significant cosmetic concern, surgery can be performed at the lower leg (above the ankle growth plate) to take some of the rotation out of the lower leg bone (tibia). Surgery should not be performed until the child is 10 or older.

Is external tibial torsion rare?

External Tibial Torsion is a

rare developmental condition in young children

caused by abnormal external rotation of the tibia leading to an out-toeing gait.

What is normal tibial torsion?

Normal tibial torsion was found to be

21.6 ± 7.6 (range 4.8 to 39.5)

with none of the values in internal rotation.

Is tibial torsion hereditary?


Tibial torsion tends to be hereditary

and can be passed down from parents to children. The position of a fetus in the uterus can also make a child more likely to have tibial torsion.

How is tibial torsion measured?

  1. Mild is –5 to –10°
  2. Moderate is –10 to –15°
  3. Severe is more than –15°

When is Intoeing a problem?

In children under 1 year of age, most intoeing is caused by deformities within the foot itself. Metatarsus adductus remains the most common cause. When patients are

between 1 and 2 years of age

, tibial torsion is the most common reason for intoeing. Treatment is best delayed until after 1 year of age.

What is foot progression angle?

The FPA is defined as

the angle made by the long axis of the foot from the heel to 2

nd

metatarsal and the line of progression of gait

. … FPA is often gauged by the amount and the degree of in-toeing or out-toeing that is identified during gait assessment.

What is internal tibial rotation?

It is a

rotation of the lower leg bone (tibia) excessively inwards relative to the upper leg bone (femur)

. It may also be due to an internal twist of the lower portion of the lower leg bone (tibia) relative to the upper portion of the lower leg bone (tibia). Usually noticed between the ages of 2 and 4.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.