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What is Femoral Torsion?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Femoral torsion is a twist in the position of the femur, causing the kneecaps to turn toward each other and leading to an in-toed gait instead of a neutral position for the feet and lower legs. This condition is usually apparent by around age three and can resolve on its own by age 10. In some cases, patients need treatment to straighten the femur and address the problem. An orthopedic doctor can review a child's case to determine what, if any, treatments may be beneficial.

When people are born, the femur is naturally turned inward, a position known as femoral anteversion. As children grow and engage in physical activities, the femur begins to turn outward and the angle where the femur meets the hip bone becomes more natural. In some people, this fails to occur, and the patient can develop femoral torsion. Another issue can be weakness in the quadriceps muscles of the upper leg, where weaker muscles fail to support the leg and it slides out of position.

The twisting in the position of the femur bone is called a femoral torsion.
The twisting in the position of the femur bone is called a femoral torsion.

Sitting in stress positions can exacerbate femoral torsion or make it more difficult for a patient to recover. Children who sit with their legs in a W shape, for example, are putting stress on the femurs and forcing them to turn inward. Sitting more naturally will allow the femur to straighten out over time. Physical therapy and gait training can sometimes help manage femoral torsion effectively, to strengthen the muscles and teach children to sit and walk comfortably.

Braces are available to help patients manage femoral torsion.
Braces are available to help patients manage femoral torsion.

Braces and other orthopedic devices are available to manage femoral torsion, but their efficacy is a topic of debate. Studies seem to suggest comparable outcomes between patients who use braces and those who do not. Braces can also be uncomfortable and may attract negative attention from peers, an important consideration when they do not appear to provide benefits. If femoral torsion does not seem to be resolving on its own, a doctor can evaluate the patient to discuss more invasive treatment options.

Physical therapy may help to manage femoral torsion.
Physical therapy may help to manage femoral torsion.

Inturned gaits can cause problems for people in the long term. Wear on shoes will be unequal, and the patient's body can develop muscle pain and stress as a result of being under constant stress. This may eventually lead to problems like back pain and poor posture. It is important for people with gait abnormalities to receive a thorough evaluation to determine the cause, as treatments vary, depending on why a patient has an unusual gait. While femoral torsion may resolve itself, other disorders require intervention.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • The twisting in the position of the femur bone is called a femoral torsion.
      By: maya2008
      The twisting in the position of the femur bone is called a femoral torsion.
    • Braces are available to help patients manage femoral torsion.
      By: amawasri
      Braces are available to help patients manage femoral torsion.
    • Physical therapy may help to manage femoral torsion.
      By: praisaeng
      Physical therapy may help to manage femoral torsion.
    • Untreated effects of femoral torsion may lead to mobility issues and an increased fall risk as the patient ages.
      By: Monkey Business
      Untreated effects of femoral torsion may lead to mobility issues and an increased fall risk as the patient ages.
    • Weakness in the upper leg to the extent that it can't support the body can be an issue associated with femoral torsion.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Weakness in the upper leg to the extent that it can't support the body can be an issue associated with femoral torsion.
    • It is important for individuals who have gait abnormalities to receive a thorough evaluation to determine the cause.
      By: Tyler Olson
      It is important for individuals who have gait abnormalities to receive a thorough evaluation to determine the cause.