Korean J Pediatr.  2007 Jan;50(1):79-84. 10.3345/kjp.2007.50.1.79.

Usefulness of tibia counter rotator (TCR) for treatment of tibial internal torsion in children

• Song DH
• Lee Y
• Eun BL
• Lee KJ
• Kang SK
• Vaq SG
• You S
• Shin JB
• Kim BO

• KMID: 2278751
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2007.50.1.79

Abstract

PURPOSE: Tibial internal torsion is prevalent in East Asian countries such as Korea and Japan, where sitting on the floor is common behavior. Tibial internal torsion or excessive lateral tibial torsion may cause esthetical, functional, or psychological problems and also may induce degenerative arthritis in older age. The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Tibial Counter Rotator (TCR) in patients with tibial internal torsion. Method:One hundred forty nine children (274 limbs) with tibial internal torsion participated in this study. Transmalleolar angle were measured with gravity goniometer. When tibial internal torsion was detected, TCR was applied at least for 3 hours a day during sleep. The patient's progress was followed monthly and transmalleolar angle was reevaluated by the same examiner.
RESULTS
Transmalleolar angle was significantly increased in patients with tibial internal torsion during TCR application (P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
TCR can be one of the effective methods for correcting tibial internal torsion in children under 12 years old of age.

Keyword

Tibia; Torsion; Tibia counter rotator; Child

MeSH Terms

Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Child*
Gravitation
Humans
Japan
Korea
Osteoarthritis
Tibia*