To identify side differences in axial rotation alignment of the femur, tibia, and the whole lower limb in healthy subjects and generate reliable reference values for assessing axial-plane deformities, which are variations in alignment that can affect function.
Key Findings:
Significant side-to-side differences in intra-individual axial rotation alignment of the femur and tibia were observed, which may have implications for surgical planning and rehabilitation.
The study provides reference values for femoral and tibial rotation in healthy subjects, aiding in the assessment of potential deformities.
Rotational differences of up to 15° are considered acceptable post-fracture reduction, highlighting the need for careful evaluation in clinical settings.
Interpretation:
The findings highlight the importance of considering individual anatomical variations in assessing lower limb rotational alignment, which may improve clinical outcomes in post-traumatic cases by providing a more tailored approach to treatment.
Limitations:
The study is limited to a specific population and may not generalize to all demographics, potentially affecting the applicability of the reference values.
Retrospective design may introduce selection bias, which could influence the results and their interpretation.
Conclusion:
Establishing reference values for lower limb rotation can enhance the objective assessment of axial-plane deformities, aiding in clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes.
