The difference between internal and external tibial torsion is that internal tibial torsion is the inward twisting of the shinbone also called the tibia, which causes in-toeing and external tibial torsion is the outward twisting, which causes out-toeing and a more outward-rotated foot posture.
The internal torsion is most common and often resolves on it's own by age 5 and external torsion is less common and can manifest with out-toeing symptoms around ages 4 to 7 and can even sometimes result in problems with knee stability and mechanics.
Internal tibial torsion does not cause pain in children.
internal tibial torsion is a common cause of intoeing or pigeon toed appearance and pain may occur in rare and severe cases which persist into adulthood or if the intoeing is also accompanied by a limp, swelling or increase in falls.
But most cases of internal tibial torsion are pain free and resolve on their own as the child grows.
To assess internal tibial torsion a doctor will position the person on their stomach with their knees bent to 90 degrees and then the doctor will measure the thigh-foot angle, between the axis of the thigh and the axis of the foot.
Having a negative thigh-foot angle value or when the foot points inward, indicates that the person has internal tibial torsion.
A doctor can also determine if the torsion is excessive, as it often resolves on it's own with growth.
Internal tibial torsion is where the shinbone also called the tibia is twisted inward, which causes your feet to turn inward which is also called intoeing.
Internal tibial torsion is a common developmental issue in children and is often noticed when a child begins walking.
Most cases of internal tibial torsion resolve on their own as the child grows, but it can sometimes persist and cause problems with gait and may lead to potential injuries in adulthood.
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.