In-toeing in children with type I osteogenesis imperfecta: an observational descriptive study.
BACKGROUND
Osteogenesis imperfecta is an autosomal-dominant disorder of the connective tissue. Also known as brittle bone disease, it renders those affected susceptible to fractures after minimal trauma. Therefore, it is important to minimize the risk of falls and subsequent fractures in patients with this disease. In-toeing is a common condition in children that can result from various pathologic entities, including anteversion, internal tibial torsion, and metatarsus adductus. These conditions can result in frequent tripping and other functional problems.


METHODS
A descriptive study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of in-toeing gait attributable to tibial or femoral torsion or metatarsus adductus in children with type I osteogenesis imperfecta. The study involved orthopedic and biomechanical examination of 15 children (9 girls and 6 boys) aged 4 to 9 years with confirmed type I osteogenesis imperfecta. Patients who used assistive ambulatory devices, such as canes, crutches, and wheelchairs, were excluded from the study.


RESULTS
Of the 15 children studied, 12 (80%) demonstrated previously undiagnosed in-toeing gait attributable to torsional deformity or metatarsus adductus in all but one child.


CONCLUSIONS
Many children with confirmed type I osteogenesis imperfecta have in-toeing gait caused by torsional deformity or metatarsus adductus. Detection and control of in-toeing gait in children with osteogenesis imperfecta is important to prevent fractures resulting from trauma directly related to these conditions.
Losa Iglesias
Marta Elena
ME
Department of Health Sciences II-Facultad de CC de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain. marta.losa@urjc.es
Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo
Ricardo
R
Salvadores Fuentes
Paloma
P
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D053587:Arthrometry, Articular; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008684:Metatarsus / Q000503:physiopathology; D010013:Osteogenesis Imperfecta / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012399:Rotation; D013977:Tibia / Q000503:physiopathology