Femoral Anteversion
Femoral anteversion is a condition where the thigh bone rotates inward. This causes the knee and foot to turn inward instead of forward.
What Is Femoral Anteversion?
Femoral anteversion is a condition where the thigh bone (femur) rotates inward. This causes the knee and foot to turn inward instead of forward. This condition is also called in-toeing or pigeon-toed.
Parents may first notice in-toeing when their child begins to walk. It is commonly noticed around 4 to 6 years of age. It can be in one leg or both legs and usually fixes itself by 8 to 10 years of age. Some children and families are concerned that their walking and looks are different from their friends.
How Is Femoral Anteversion Diagnosed?
- Femoral anteversion is diagnosed by an exam of the legs. This includes watching your child walk.
- Children with femoral anteversion often like to ‘W’ sit. If your child likes to sit like this, ask them to sit with their legs in front of them or cross-legged.
Signs and Symptoms
- Legs feeling tired
- Knee and/or hip pain
- In-toeing (If it doesn't correct itself, this can lead to tripping)
How Is Femoral Anteversion Treated?
Femoral Derotational Osteotomy
When the rotation of the femur does not improve, it may lead to problems with walking and leg pain. A surgery called a femoral derotational osteotomy may be done to correct femoral anteversion.
The surgery involves separating the femur bone and rotating it to the correct position. The pieces are then held in place by a rod that is inserted inside the bone. Your child will stay in the hospital overnight after surgery to help control their pain, watch their vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, and breathing), and start physical therapy.
Your child will be allowed to put weight on their leg(s) or walk right away. They will walk using crutches or a walker until they are comfortable without, usually for about 6 weeks. The Physical Therapy Department will give you the crutches or walker and teach your child how to use them. They will also give your child exercises to do at home. They will not need a brace or cast.
Follow-up
After your child goes home, they will have many follow-up visits at the Orthopedic Clinic as they recover from surgery. They will also be seen by PT during these visits.
It takes about 3 to 4 months for the bone to fully heal. After the bone heals, your child can return to all their normal activities.
At this time, the rod can be removed if desired but is not required. Talk with your child’s health care provider about the right choice for your child. The removal is outpatient surgery, so there is no overnight hospital stay.
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