Anteversion and retroversion describe the relative rotation of an anatomical part.
Anteversion and retroversion describe the relative rotation of an anatomical part.
Anteversion means facing forward (towards the front of the body)
For example, the normal uterus is usually slightly anteverted but in some cases it can be retroverted.
Hip anteversion
The neck of the femur is normally anteverted to the rest of the femur.
Normal femoral anteversion in adults is 15 and 20 degrees to the frontal plane of the body.
Anteverted femur is the most common cause in children (over 3 years old) who walk with their toes turned in.
Increases the mechanical advantage of the gluteus maximus, making it more effective as an external rotator.
Reduces the mechanical advantage of the gluteus medius and vastus medialis, resulting in loss of control of movement in the frontal and transverse plane.
Excessive anteversion (beyond 15° to the anterior side):
The head of the femur is uncovered and a person must adopt an internally rotated posture or gait to hold the femoral head in the joint (the foot will be turned inward).
Increase in angle Q
Patella problems
long leg
hyperpronation at the subtalar joint
Increased lumbar curvature.
People with excessive femoral anteversion compensate by rotating the hip medially so that the knees are turned medially into position. There is also usually an adaptation of the tibia which develops an external tibial twist to reorient the right foot forward.
Hip retroversion
If the anteversion angle is reversed so that it moves backward, it is called retroversion.
Decreases the mechanical advantage of the gluteus maximus, making it more effective as an external rotator.
Increases the mechanical advantage of the gluteus medius and vastus medialis, resulting in loss of control of movement in the frontal and transverse plane.
Excessive retroversion:
The head of the femur is uncovered backwards and the person must adopt an external rotation posture or gait to keep the femoral head in the joint (the foot will be turned inwards).
