How do you correct leg length discrepancy after hip replacement?

How do you correct leg length discrepancy after hip replacement?

If a larger discrepancy occurs, using a shoe lift can help correct the problem. New surgical techniques, such as robotic-assisted surgery, are helping improve surgical outcomes by increasing precision for the position and alignment of implants. Dr.

Is it common to have leg length discrepancy after hip surgery?

Discussion. Discrepancy of leg length is common after arthroplasty of the hip. In the literature, the mean LLD varies from 1 to 15.9 mm. LLD has been perceived in between 6%20 and 32%19 of patients and universally perceived when shortening exceeds 10 mm and lengthening 6 mm.

How is leg length discrepancy treated?

The treatments that can be considered include a shoe insert, a high shoe, or an orthosis, surgically induced slowing of growth by blockade of the epiphyseal plates around the knee joint, or leg lengthening with osteotomy and subsequent distraction of the bone callus with fully implanted or external apparatus.

Can leg length discrepancy be corrected?

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.

When Should leg length discrepancy be corrected?

Most cases of congenital limb length discrepancy can be treated with lengthening and reconstruction. In many cases, we prefer to start the lengthening and reconstruction surgery process before the patient reaches the age of 4 years, often as young as 2 years of age.

How do you compensate for leg length discrepancy?

How do you resolve leg length discrepancy?

Why is leg length important in total hip arthroplasty?

One of the intraoperative challenges in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is correcting limb length inequality without compromising hip stability [1]. Besides relieving pain, restoration of the hip joint biomechanics with appropriate femoral offset, and leg length is an important goal of THA and facilitates normal gait and function [2].

How common is leg length discrepancy after hip replacement surgery?

Discrepancy of leg length (LLD) is common after arthroplasty of the hip, with lengthening being the more noticeableto patients that shortening [1]. Most patients with minor leg-length discrepancy after THA have few symptoms, and the majority of patients with moderate leg-length discrepancy have readily manageable symptoms.

Can lengthening of a short leg lead to nerve impairment?

Lengthening of a short leg can lead to nerve impairment. This can be an issue particularly in patients with either a congenital short leg or in adults with an acquired deformity, which has led to a short leg. It isimportant to document this baseline LLD preoperatively.

What is the prognosis of leg length discrepancy?

Most patients with minor leg-length discrepancy after THA have few symptoms, and the majority of patients with moderate leg-length discrepancy have readily manageable symptoms. However, a minority of patients, mostly those with marked LLD, may have substantial disability as a result of pain or functional impairment [4].

  • October 22, 2022