Measurement of tibial torsion by computer tomography

Abstract

A CT procedure for objective measurements of tibial torsion independent of axial rotation in the nearby joints is described. Transverse sections in defined planes of the tibia permit easy calculation of normal and abnormal congenital or posttraumatic angles of torsion. In 69 limbs normal tibial torsion was 40 degrees +/- 9 degrees. In a series of 42 limbs with complicated healing of a fracture of both bones of the leg it is shown that tibial maltorsion is a deformity which in most cases leads to arthrosis of the ankle joint.