All issues > Volume 50(1); 2007

Original Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2007;50(1):79-84. Published online January 15, 2007.

Usefulness of tibia counter rotator (TCR) for treatment of tibial internal torsion in children

Dong Ho DH Song¹, Yoon Y Lee¹, Baik-Lin BL Eun¹, Kwang Jae KJ Lee², Sang Kuk SK Kang², Sung Gin SG Vaq³, Sung S You³, Jung Bin JB Shin³, Bong Ok BO Kim⁴

¹Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine
²Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine
³Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital
⁴Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine

Correspondence Dong Ho DH Song ,Email: dh7974@paran.com

Abstract

Purpose
: Tibial internal torsion is prevalent in East Asian countries such as Korea and Japan, where sitting on the floor is common behavior. Tibial internal torsion or excessive lateral tibial torsion may cause esthetical, functional, or psychological problems and also may induce degenerative arthritis in older age. The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Tibial Counter Rotator (TCR) in patients with tibial internal torsion.
Method
: One hundred forty nine children (274 limbs) with tibial internal torsion participated in this study. Transmalleolar angle were measured with gravity goniometer. When tibial internal torsion was detected, TCR was applied at least for 3 hours a day during sleep. The patient's progress was followed monthly and transmalleolar angle was reevaluated by the same examiner.
Results
: Transmalleolar angle was significantly increased in patients with tibial internal torsion during TCR application (P<0.001).
Conclusion
: TCR can be one of the effective methods for correcting tibial internal torsion in children under 12 years old of age.

Keywords :Tibia , Torsion , Tibia counter rotator , Child