Tibial Torsion
Disease Information
Overview
Tibial torsion is an inward twisting of the shin bones (the bones that are located between the knee and the ankle). Tibial torsion causes your child's feet to turn inward, or have what is also known as a "pigeon-toed" appearance. It is typically seen among toddlers.
When your child is first learning how to walk, tibial torsion can create an intoeing appearance. As the feet toe in, the legs look like they are bowed. The bowed leg stance actually helps children achieve greater balance as they stand. Their balance is not as steady when they try to stand and walk with their feet close together or with their feet turned out. This may cause them to trip and fall.
How Boston Children's Hospital approaches tibial torsion
Doctors at Children's try to make sure that your child's legs can straighten themselves naturally. If this doesn't work, doctors may require your child to wear corrective leg braces. Only the most severe cases would require surgery.
