In adolescents, femoral anteversion is typically higher than in adults because it tends to what as age advances?

• A. Increase with age
• B. Decrease with age
• C. Remain constant
• D. Fluctuate

Answer: (B)

Adolescent femoral anteversion is higher than in adults because the femur undergoes torsional remodeling as we grow, reducing the twist toward normal adult alignment. At birth the femoral neck is markedly anteverted, which can cause in-toeing. With growth, the proximal and distal parts of the femur remodel under weight-bearing and muscle forces, gradually reducing the amount of anteversion. As a result, the anteversion decreases with age, moving from higher infant values (often 30–40 degrees) toward the typical adult range (about 12–15 degrees). This natural remodeling explains why excess anteversion in adolescence tends to lessen over time.