Torsional Deformity Masquerading as Knee Instability - Summary - MDSpire

Torsional Deformity Masquerading as Knee Instability

  • 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.

Approach:
    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.

    Sources:

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