Lower Limb and Bone Age Assessment with the EOS System
Abstract
I. 1 The Importance of Assessment of the Lower Limb Biomechanical Parameters.
The lower limb plays a vital role in locomotion and balance. A combination of factors
influence its function, and the actions needed for upright motion and balance require an
interplay between the dynamic elements of the neuromuscular system and the fixed
biomechanical parameters ie. the bony skeleton. The lower limb of the developing child
and adolescent is constantly changing and if the bony biomechanical parameters exceed
the range of normal it can be indicative of a developing disorder or pre-disease state5,12,52
Severe alterations in biomechanical parameters can cause significant hardship via pain,
gait deviation and even joint luxation. Disorders such as limb length discrepancy and
torsional deformities and others have been associated with later osteoarthritis.
Futhermore, femoral anteversion, leg length discrepancy and numerous other
biomechanical parameters have been positively associated with increased risk of injury
during sport and physical activity.