Femoral anteversion

At Children’s Hospital Boston, we know that the first step to treating your child’s hip impingement is to form a timely, complete and accurate diagnosis.

To diagnose your child’s femoral anteversion, the doctor will conduct a physical exam. During the exam, the doctor will take your child’s complete prenatal, birth and family medical history.

The physical exam includes measurements to determine the degree of your child’s in-toeing. These measurements can be obtained easily just by placing ink or chalk on the bottom of your child's feet and having her walk on paper to leave an impression.

The doctor may use diagnostic tests to get detailed images of your child’s thigh bone and hip joint, including:

• CT scan (CAT, computed tomography): uses x-ray equipment and powerful computers to create detailed, cross-sectional images of your child's body; CT scan is the chief imaging test for confirming a diagnosis of femoral anteversion (faster than MRI, more detailed than x-rays)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): uses magnets, radio frequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within your child’s body
• x-rays: uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs