Rotational Profile of the Lower Limbs of Nigerian Children in Lagos, Nigeria

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/bbra/1088

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When children with rotational problems of the lower limbs present in our clinics, they need objective ways of clinical assessment to differentiate the large percentage of them who fall within the wide range of normal physiological variation from the very minute or occasional ones that will need further investigation and treatment. Various researchers in different regions of the world have measured some parameters in normal children to provide normal values for routine clinical reference in their environments. They have noted some local differences in the value o f these parameters which has been attributed to racial, genetic and environmental factors. This study aims to determine and provide normal values of the thigh-foot and hip rotation angles in Nigerian/African children for routine clinical reference and use in our sub-region. Six hundred Nigerian children (1200 limbs) aged 3 – 8 years selected from 12 nursery/primary schools in Lagos had their thigh-foot angles, lateral and medial hip rotation angles measured using clinical methods. Values were recorded in a proforma for later collation and analysis. The mean thigh-foot angle increased from 4.4o at 3 years of age to 9.4o at age 8. Lateral hip rotation was 43.5o at age 3 and decreased to 38.5o at 8 years of age while, medial hip rotation increase from a mean of 35.7o to 44.3o at 3 years and 8 years of age respectively. Total hip excursion increased marginally form 78o at 3 to 82.2o at 8. While the general pattern of rotational parameters in Nigerian children in this study were similar to those from other studies in other regions, some basic differences especially in terms of range of normal value do exist. This should be borne in mind by doctors treating children in this environment. Routine reference to locally generated data as in this study is thus highly advised.

In-toeing; Out-toeing; Thigh-foot angle; Medial hip rotation; Lateral hip rotation