Regression of femoral anteversion. A prospective study of intoeing children

Abstract

To study the spontaneous regression of femoral anteversion, 30 children referred to the outpatient clinic for intoeing were followed until at least 15 years of age. The mean observation time was 9 (7-12) years, and all the children were examined three times during the growth period. The mean radiographic angle at the first examination was 42 degrees, at the second examination 36 degrees, and at the last examination 28 degrees. The mean decrease of the AV angle per year was 1.5 degrees, with a considerable range (0.2-3.1 degrees). The mean internal rotation of the hip decreased from 74 degrees to 53 degrees during the observation period, and the external rotation increased from 19 degrees to 37 degrees. While all 30 children had an intoeing gait at the first examination, this disappeared in all but 5 children.