Pediatric femoral anteversion

What is pediatric femoral anteversion?

Femoral anteversion happens when the femur (thigh bone) rotates inward, causing the knees and feet to turn inward. A child with femoral anteversion may be referred to as “bow legged” or “pigeon toed.” It is the most common cause of children walking with toes pointed inward.

The first sign of femoral anteversion is usually seen when a child learns to walk. The inward rotation of the femur causes the child to walk with toes pointed inward. They may also easily lose balance, especially if they attempt to walk with toes outward. Inward rotation of the femur usually increases around age 3 and is most noticeable at age 5 or 6.

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric femoral anteversion?

Signs a child may have femoral anteversion include:

• Inability to walk with feet close together or legs straight
• Losing balance often while walking
• Running with legs swinging outward
• Sitting in a “W” position
• Walking with toes pointed inward