Intoeing gait in children.

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedics
• Paediatric Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Intoeing gait is a frequent pediatric orthopedic condition.
• It is often a physiological variant, similar to flatfoot or knock-knee.
• Common causes include excessive femoral anteversion, internal tibial torsion, and metatarsus adductus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the causes and treatment strategies for intoeing in children.
• To differentiate between physiological and pathological causes of intoeing.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of current management approaches.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of Medline and non-Medline sources.
• Inclusion of studies providing evidence-based information on pediatric intoeing.
• Independent data extraction and review by both authors.

Main Results:

• Intoeing is a common physiological issue in children, often resolving spontaneously.
• Excessive femoral anteversion, internal tibial torsion, and metatarsus adductus are primary causes.
• Overtreatment with braces or special footwear is common due to misunderstanding.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis of pathological causes, such as cerebral palsy or hip dysplasia, is vital.
• Understanding the natural course of intoeing guides appropriate management.
• Distinguishing physiological intoeing from pathological conditions prevents unnecessary interventions.