The impact of symptomatic femoral neck anteversion and tibial torsion on gait, function and participation in children and adolescents

Abstract Background Torsional deformities of the lower limbs in children and adolescents are a common cause of in-toeing gait and cause gait deviations. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of children and adolescents with suspected Idiopathic Torsional Deformities(ITD) and pain, gait function, activity and participation. Methods A retrospective review of all children and adolescents who attended our Centre over a 5-year period for evaluation of the effect of ITD. All children completed three-dimensional gait analysis(3DGA), standardized physical examination, medical imaging and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument(PODCI). Statistical analysis was completed using two sample t-tests, Pearson’s Correlation and linear regression. Results Fifty children and adolescents, 40 females and 10 males with a mean age of 13.3 years were included. Children reported a high prevalence of pain(86%), had increased internal hip rotation(p = 0.002) and decreased external hip rotation(p  Significance These children and adolescents have altered gait and experience pain leading to impaired function and diminished participation. Therefore, ITD is not purely a cosmetic issue.