Can leg length discrepancy be corrected in adults?

Can leg length discrepancy be corrected in adults?

Most of these cases occur in adults, and most can be corrected with only one lengthening, and associated deformity can be treated at the same time. Many of these situations can be treated by the implantable lengthening nail method, though for many cases, the external fixator method is preferred.

What causes leg length discrepancy?

Limb length discrepancy (LLD) can be congenital or acquired. Some causes of congenital LLD include fibular hemimelia, tibial hemimelia, congenital femoral deficiency, hemihypertrophy or other limb hypoplasias. Acquired LLD is usually due to an insult to the growth plate by trauma, infection, radiation, or tumor.

How is leg length discrepancy treated in adults?

Treatment

1. Small differences (a half inch or less) do not need treatment.
2. Differences of a half to one inch may require a lift inside the shoe.
3. Differences of an inch-and-a-half to two inches may require epiphysiodesis (adjusting the growth of the longer side) or acute shortening of the other side.

What are the 3 types of leg length discrepancies?

There are three types of LLD: structural, functional and environmental. The structural or anatomic type is due to a difference in the actual length of the tibia or femur. This may be of congenital, post-trauma or post-surgery etiology as LLD commonly occurs following hip or knee replacement.

What to do if one leg is slightly longer than the other?

Having one leg longer than the other is relatively common. The condition is known as leg length discrepancy. Some research indicates that 40–70\% of people have some form of leg length discrepancy (LLD)….Surgery

1. shorten the longer leg.
2. lengthen the shorter leg.
3. inhibit the growth of the longer leg.

How can I improve my leg length discrepancy?

Leg length discrepancy between 2 and 5 cm can be equalized. This can be achieved by shoe lift and/or insoles. Alternatively, an intramedullary lengthening nail can be used for leg length equalization. In skeletally immature patients, it is possible to treat differences in leg length by growth arrest.

How common are leg length discrepancies?

Small differences in limb length are common. In fact, as many as a third of the population may have a 1 cm or less (less than ½ inch) discrepancy between their right and left legs. These slight differences are generally not noticeable and don’t require treatment.

Which leg hurts with leg length discrepancy?

With leg-length discrepancy, either hip joint can cause pain, and usually both hip joints hurt to some degree. To propel the leg forward, the hip joint must be raised which strains the gluteus medius muscle and connective tendons and the posterior hip ligaments.

How do you fix leg discrepancy?

If a child has stopped growing, orthopedists can sometimes correct a leg length discrepancy by shortening the longer leg. This is done by removing a piece of bone from the longer leg. Limb lengthening surgery also can be done.

What are the symptoms of one leg shorter than the other?

What are the symptoms of a limb-length discrepancy?

• problems with posture, such as a tilting shoulder.
• walking problems, such as limping or toe-walking.
• a knee that’s chronically hyperextended on the short side and flexed on the long side.
• pain in the back, hip, knee, or ankle.

How do you fix leg length discrepancy without surgery?

Non-surgical treatments for leg-length discrepancy

1. A shoe lift inside the shoe of your child’s shorter leg can level out the difference in leg lengths.
2. Physical therapy includes special stretches and exercises that can help reduce pain and increase overall function.

Is one leg shorter than the other?

As one leg is shorter than other, the person may have to work harder to make up for the unequal leg lengths. This can cause the muscles on one side to get pulled and the one side of the body experiences more pressure than the other. Body asymmetry is one of the common problems caused by one leg shorter than the other.

What is a significant leg length discrepancy?

Leg length discrepancies can disturb the way a person walks, how his or her spine lines up and strain hip joints. Patients with significant lower limb length discrepancies may walk with a limp, have the appearance of a curved spine (non-structural scoliosis), and experience back pain or fatigue.

How to measure limb length discrepancy?

Examination and outcome measures. The most accurate method to identify leg (limb) length inequality (discrepancy) is through radiography. It’s also the best way to differentiate an anatomical from a functional limb length inequality.

What is functional leg length?

Functional Leg Length Inequality. Simply put, it is when one leg is longer than the other due to any number of reasons. The one reason that isn’t included in this category is an Anatomical Leg Length Inequality. Anatomical Leg Length Inequality is when one leg is actually longer than the other due to structural problems.