Tibiofibular Torsion from the Fetal Period Until Birth

Abstract

The anatomic findings of Le Damany and Dupuis are still valuable as a reference. However, their measurement of tibial torsion does not correspond to clinical conditions. In fact, the torsion of the tibiofibular functional unit corresponds to the angle between the transverse axis of the proximal tibial epiphyseal plate and the axis through the middle of both malleoli. A comparative morphologic, radiologic, computerized axial tomographic and anatomic study performed on 50 fetuses with this definition has shown different results. Tibiofibular torsion was in the clear lateral position from the beginning of the fetal period, with a positive gradient at birth.