A baby's position in the mothers uterus is what causes internal tibial torsion and tight ligaments and tendons in the upper leg leads to external torsion and causes the lower leg to twist as the child grows.
As the baby grows in the mothers uterus and space becomes tighter one or both of the baby's shinbones can twist inward which leads to tibial torsion.
Tibial torsion tends to run in families and external tibial torsion also runs in families.
It also that adult tibial torsion is not just a hangover from developmental abnormality and is likely influenced by local biomechanical factors, genetics and a range of pathologies
Tibial torsion can occur due to the position of the baby in the uterus. It also has a tendency to run in families.
Typically, a child's walking style looks like that of his or her parents.
When the child is first learning how to walk, tibial torsion can create an intoeing appearance.
Tibial torsion is the twisting of a child's shinbone, also known as the tibia.
In most cases, tibial torsion causes a toddler's legs and feet to turn inward (internal tibial torsion), giving them a pigeon-toed appearance.
Less often, the legs turn outward (external tibial torsion).
Bracing, casting and physical therapy are not usually needed for tibial torsion.
A child's growth is closely monitored to ensure the internal tibial torsion resolves on its own.
If the tibia is still significantly twisted by age 9 or 10, then a surgery may be recommended to correct it.
Many cases of tibial torsion correct themselves as the child grows.
On rare occasions the tibial torsion can be severe enough to require surgery to straighten the shin bones.
It is important to know that tibial torsion does not lead to arthritis or any other future health problems.