A Validated, Automated, 3-Dimensional Method to Reliably Measure Tibial Torsion

Background: Tibial torsion is a twist in the tibia measured as an angle between proximal axis line and distal line. Abnormal has been associated with variety of painful clinical syndromes lower limb. Measurements normal tibial reported by different authors vary 100% (ranging from 20° to 42°), making it impossible determine pathological levels. Purpose: To address problem unreliable measurements, this study was conducted define automated, validated computer method calculate torsion. Reliability compared current methods. The difference measurements generated computed tomography (CT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans same bone, males females, assessed. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Previous methods analyzing were reviewed, limitations identified. An automated measurement these defined. A total 56 cadaveric patient tibiae (mean ± SD age, 37 15 years; range, 17-71 28 female) underwent CT scanning, 3 blinded assessors made applying 2 defined present article. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values calculated. Further, 12 scanned MRI, stripped tissue, using structured light (SL) scanner. Differences obtained CT, SL, MRI scans, t tests. SPSS used for all statistical analysis. Results: When used, had mean external 29°± 11° (range, 9°-65). Automated assessment excellent reliability (ICC, 1), whereas good 0.78-0.81). No significant found calculated SL ( P = .802), .708), or .826). Conclusion: use software automatically perform ensures consistency, time efficiency, validity, accuracy not possible manual which are dependent on assessor experience. Clinical Relevance: We recommend that be adopted practice establish databases reference ultimately guide management related conditions.