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What is Eversion?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,724
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Eversion is a term which means “to turn inside out.” In the medical world, eversion can occur in a number of different contexts, all of which involve an organ or body part which moves out of place. Treatments for it vary, depending on the body part involved, and can include surgery and bracing. It is not uncommon for eversion to be painful for the patient, since it involves a change from normal anatomical position. The problem is also usually very noticeable, since it is rather hard to miss an everted body part.

In orthopedics, eversion is commonly used to refer to eversion of the ankle. In this situation, the ankle turns out, causing the sole of the foot to turn outwards as well. This can impede walking and cause discomfort for the patient. Some causes include congenital malformations, ankle sprains, and improperly healed breaks. In this case, surgery may be necessary to correct the defect, and the patient may need to wear a supportive brace during the healing process to ensure that the ankle heals straight.

This is an especially common problem with sprains of the ankle. Patients can also develop inversion, in which the ankle turns the other way and the sole of the foot faces inwards. Inversion is treated with similar techniques to straighten out and support the joint. Once a patient has experienced a displacement of the joint, it can put the patient at risk of future dislocations and other problems.

Eversion can also occur with the eyelids and lips. In this case, the part of the eyelid or lip which normally faces inward slowly turns until it faces outward. In addition to causing some social anxiety by attracting attention, this can be uncomfortable for the patient, and it may expose him or her to injury. Treatment usually involves surgery to correct the cause of the eversion and to anchor the lip or eyelid back in position with stitches to hold it in place while it heals.

Another serious form of eversion can occur during labor and delivery of a child. In this case, a condition called uterine prolapse occurs, in which the uterus is delivered with the baby. This exposes the mother to infections and significant complications. Treatment involves thoroughly cleaning the uterus before returning it to the proper place, and stitching it to provide support to keep it in place. Uterine prolapse is also seen in veterinary medical practice, especially among cattle and pigs.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Discussion Comments
By Misscoco — On Oct 17, 2011

Eversion of the eyelids and lips is a new one for me. I'm at a loss to figure out what could possibly cause the eyelids or lips to turn inside out. To have them be normally in place to begin with and then to have them turn the wrong way is very strange.

I feel very sorry for those with deformities that affect their appearance as they are a target for stares and unkind treatment.

I hope effective surgery is available that doesn't leave too much scar tissue.

By BabaB — On Oct 16, 2011

I guess just about any body part can undergo eversion under certain conditions.

But the uterine prolapse sounds potentially quite serious. I have never heard anyone talk about having this kind of problem at birth.

I don't know, but does the uterus become detached from where it is usually anchored? Or maybe it is still anchored but stretches and comes out partially with the baby.

There must be a lot of pain and a risk of infections until it is disinfected and put back in place.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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