Impact of femoral anteversion and tibial torsion on balance in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the relation between femoral anteversion angle, tibial torsion and balance abilities in children with spastic diaplegic cerebral palsy. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational research design study utilizing a sample of 50 spastic diplegic children (22 girls and 28 boys), with gross motor functional classification system levels I, II were recruited and their ages ranged from 7 to 13 years. Femoral anteversion and tibial torsion angles were measured by computed tomography scan, while balance abilities were assessed by Biodex balance system. Results: Data analysis revealed that there was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between right femoral anteversion angle and the overall stability index and the antero posterior stability index, while a weak positive non-significant correlation with the medio-lateral stability index was found. There was a weak negative non-significant correlation between left femoral anteversion angle and stability indices. There was a weak non-significant correlation between tibial torsion angle and stability indices. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the relation between femoral anteversion angle, tibial torsion angle and balance in spastic diplegic children can provide quantitative and objective information that could be used in the clinical assessment and rehabilitation strategies.