Torsional Deformity Masquerading as Knee Instability - Summary - MDSpire

Torsional Deformity Masquerading as Knee Instability

Persistent knee pain and gait disturbance exposed an overlooked lower extremity diagnosis.

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • February 13, 2026

  • 3 min

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Objective:

To investigate the underlying cause of chronic anterior knee pain and gait dysfunction in a 15-year-old patient with normal knee imaging.

Key Findings:
  • Lower extremity torsional abnormalities (LETA) were identified as the likely cause of symptoms.
  • Three-dimensional gait analysis revealed varus and hyperextension during stance.
  • Surgical correction led to normalization of hip rotation and gait mechanics.
Interpretation:

LETA are an underrecognized cause of anterior knee pain and atypical gait patterns in adolescents, necessitating awareness among clinicians.

Limitations:
  • The assessment could not establish a definitive causal relationship between torsional deformities and symptoms.
Conclusion:

This case highlights the importance of considering rotational malalignment in patients with anterior knee pain and emphasizes the role of advanced imaging and gait analysis in diagnosis.

Original Source(s)

Torsional Deformity Masquerading as Knee Instability

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • February 13, 2026

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