Femoral Anteversion

Femoral anteversion, also called hip arteversion, is a condition where the femoral neck, the part of the femur (thigh bone) that connects the ball of the hip joint to the shaft of the bone, is tilted forward, leading to a “pigeon-toed” appearance where a child’s knees and feet turn inward. This condition is commonly noticed in children between the ages of 4 and 6, when they start walking. Children are born with about 40 degrees of femoral anteversion, naturally it decreases to about 10 to 15 degrees during adolescence. Although the condition is usually harmless and tends to improve naturally as children grow, some children may experience discomfort, difficulty walking, or an altered gait.

 In most cases, femoral anteversion does not require treatment, but in more severe instances, physical therapy or even surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment and improve mobility.

Femoral anteversion can be caused by stiff hip muscles from the baby’s position in the uterus or hereditary. The symptoms include inward-facing toes and bowed legs. The bowed stance aids in balance, but children may struggle with balance and trip if they stand or walk with their feet too close together or turned in. These symptoms can be similar to other health issues, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

The treatment for femoral anteversion varies depending on your child’s symptoms, age, overall health, and the severity of the condition. In most cases children start walking normally by ages 8 to 10. While the doctor may suggest braces or special shoes, studies have shown that these treatments usually don’t provide significant benefit. If the condition is severe or persists into later childhood, surgery may be required to straighten the thighbone and correct the alignment.

When femoral anteversion is in excess, it causes an abnormal alignment of the femur, which overloads the anterior structures of the hip joint, such as the labrum and joint capsule. This misalignment places increased stress on the hip and knee joints. In particular, when the foot is positioned forward, the femoral head may sublux, or partially dislocate, from the acetabulum (the hip socket). This abnormal torsion can lead to chronic pain, joint instability, and accelerated wear in both the hip and knee joints, which may require treatment to prevent further damage.

In cases, where femoral anteversion doesn’t improve naturally and leads to difficulties with walking or pain in the legs, a femoral derotational osteotomy may be necessary to correct the rotation. This procedure helps improve leg alignment, reduce discomfort, and enhance walking ability.

Candidates for femoral anteversion surgery are usually children whose condition causes significant problems, such as persistent intoeing, difficulty walking, or pain. If the condition doesn’t improve naturally by age 8 to 10, surgery may be recommended. It’s more likely for severe cases or if the child experiences discomfort or mobility issues.

Femoral derotational osteotomy is a surgical procedure that corrects femoral anteversion by separating the femur bone and rotating it into its proper alignment. The bone pieces are secured with a rod that is inserted into the bone to hold them in place while they heal.

Femoral derotational surgery is performed under general anaesthesia with or without an epidural and takes around 2 to 3 hours per side. Following the surgery, your child will typically stay overnight in the hospital to monitor vital signs, manage pain, and begin physical therapy.

• Pain is well managed with medications prescribed by the surgeon, and it generally decreases significantly after the first few weeks post-surgery.
• The fixation rod or screws used during surgery can remain permanently unless they cause discomfort or interfere with growth. If removal is required, it is typically an outpatient procedure.
• High-impact activities and sports are restricted during recovery to protect the healing bone, but children are usually encouraged to resume daily activities as soon as it is safe.

• After surgery, your child will have regular follow-ups and physical therapy during the allocated length of stay
• Although your child will start walking on their own sooner, it usually takes about 3 to 4 months for the bone to fully heal, as confirmed by an X-ray.
• Once healing is complete, your child may choose to have the rod removed, but this is not required. If removal is desired, it is done through an outpatient procedure.

Turkey is not only a leader in medical expertise across a wide range of disciplines but also offers a rich historical heritage and warm, welcoming hospitality, making it a unique destination for medical treatments. Opting for femoral anteversion surgery in Turkey comes with numerous benefits that may even surpass those of undergoing the same procedure in one’s home country. Some key advantages include:

• High level of medical expertise and a strong foundation in medical research and scholarship.
• Top-tier private hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise procedures.
• Personalized after-care, enriched by the distinctive touch of Turkish hospitality.
• Competitive pricing based on a value-for-money approach.
• An ideal environment for recovery, where orthopedic treatment can be paired with physiotherapy sessions to accelerate healing.

When choosing the right clinic for surgery, several important factors must be considered. With the overwhelming presence of commercial advertisements and social media sales pitches, finding a clinic that truly meets your needs can be a challenge. So, how should you narrow down your options?

Here are the key criteria to guide your decision:

• Look for a clinic that provides transparent and truthful medical guidance, free from any commercially-driven motives.
• The clinic should make a sincere effort to build a connection with the patient, empathizing with their concerns and managing expectations with genuine care.
• The clinic should place the patient’s safety and well-being above all else, ensuring that the entire process is handled with the utmost care.

To ensure a fair price estimate for the treatment, it’s crucial to evaluate the following factors carefully:

• A reputable clinic with a strong track record of success in orthopedic surgeries can ensure a higher level of care.
• The more complex the surgery, the more resources, expertise, and care required, which can influence pricing.
• Highly qualified surgeons and exceptional after-care services are essential for a successful outcome and long-term recovery.
• Ensure that the clinic provides clear, impartial information regarding clinical liabilities and patient rights, in accordance with local regulations.

While price is an important consideration for many patients traveling abroad for surgery, it’s crucial not to prioritize cost over quality. Choosing a clinic based on the most affordable option without considering whether it meets the core criteria mentioned above could lead to complications and additional expenses in the long run. As Prospero Medical, we take pride in our transparent pricing policy, where each service component is clearly outlined to help patients make an informed decision. Our goal is to offer a pricing structure that aligns with the level of medical expertise, the credentials of our surgeons, and the quality of after-care we provide, ensuring that every patient receives top-tier care at a fair and realistic price.