National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the effect of excessive hip anteversion on lower limb position?

1. Leads to out-toeing posture

2. May cause weight bearing on lateral foot

3. Results in in-toeing posture

4. Contributes to increased knee extension

The correct answer is: Results in in-toeing posture

Excessive hip anteversion is characterized by an increased angle between the femoral neck and the shaft of the femur, leading to a more forward position of the femoral head within the acetabulum. This anatomical alignment causes the femur to internally rotate, which in turn affects the alignment of the lower limb. As a result, individuals with excessive hip anteversion typically adopt an in-toeing posture, where the toes point inward during ambulation. This posture is a compensatory mechanism to manage the altered orientation of the hips and knees, and it can affect gait patterns, balance, and stability. Additionally, in-toeing can lead to associated complications, such as altered biomechanics at the knee and foot, potentially influencing other structures in the lower limb. Understanding this relationship is crucial for physical therapists when assessing patients with hip anteversion, as it can guide interventions aimed at improving functional mobility and alignment. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the consequence of excessive hip anteversion. An out-toeing posture usually occurs with retroversion or external rotation of the hip. Weight bearing predominantly on the lateral foot is more associated with other structural deformities or postural compensations rather than solely with anteversion. Lastly, excessive hip anteversion