[Analysis of leg geometry]

Abstract

Analysis of bony geometry of the lower limb comprises frontal, sagittal and longitudinal alignment, as well as length and torsion, including at first the whole leg and finally the femur and tibia separately. Clinical examination assesses the bony geometry, functional aspects, ligamentous and soft tissue conditions, etc. Frontal and sagittal radiographs indicate axial alignment and angles of the hip, knee and upper ankle joint. Apex and size of deformities are defined simultaneously. CT and ultrasound techniques allow the measurement of length and torsion of the whole leg, as well as of the femur and tibia separately, provided those techniques are standardized with proven reproducibility.