Does tibial rotation correlate with femoral anteversion? Implications for hip arthroplasty.

The aim of the study was to assess the magnitude and variability of rotation of ipsilateral femur and tibia and to identify the existence of rotational correlations. Femoral rotation (FR) and tibial rotation (TR) were measured with computed tomography in 151 consecutive patients when total hip arthroplasty was planned. Median FR was 14 degrees (range, -23 degrees to 91 degrees ) and median TR was 38 degrees (range, 15 degrees -76 degrees ). Femoral rotation was significantly higher in females, in left femora, in the presence of secondary osteoarthritis, and in hip dysplasia. Tibial rotation was significantly higher in females. Femoral rotation and TR positively correlated (r = 0.2963, P = .0001). The magnitude of TR and FR was found to be dependent on each other. Disregarding the variability and magnitude of TR may result in asymmetrical foot positioning after correction of FR during total hip arthroplasty.