Which condition can be an anatomical cause for abduction deviation?

Abduction deviation can occur when there is an anatomical structure that causes the limb to move away from the midline of the body. An abduction contracture specifically refers to a situation where the muscles or soft tissues around a joint become shortened or tight in a way that promotes abduction. This contracture leads to an altered posture, often resulting in the affected limb being held or moved away from its normal position toward the side (abducted position).

In this case, an abduction contracture would directly create an imbalance in the forces acting on the joint, leading to a tendency for the limb to deviate abnormally during movement or when maintaining a static position. For instance, if a child has a hip abduction contracture, the hip may not only present challenges in mobility but also affect walking patterns and the alignment of the lower extremities, leading to observable abduction deviation.

Other choices, while they may influence joint movement or stability, do not directly contribute to the anatomical cause of abduction deviation in the same way as an abduction contracture. A hip flexion contracture or knee instability might affect gait and lower limb alignment but would not create the same consistent pattern of deviation away from the midline as an abduction contracture.