Original article
Functional leg-length inequality following total hip arthroplasty

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-5403(97)90190-XGet rights and content

Abstract

A consecutive series of 100 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty were assessed for functional leg-length inequality (FLLI). In addition, the medical records of all patients treated for FLLI by the senior author (C.S.R.) in the past 15 years was reviewed. A questionnaire was distributed to the members of The Hip Society specifically to query the prevalence, etiology, and management of FLLI. Fourteen percent of patients were noted to have pelvic obliquity and FLLI 1 month after surgery. All had resolution of the symptoms by 6 months after surgery. Nine patients have been identified over the past 15 years with persistent FLLI. Among the causes suggested by respondents to the questionnaire are tightness of periarticular soft tissues with resultant pelvic obliquity and degenerative conditions of the spine with contracture. Methods of treatment and prevention are discussed.

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Cited by (129)

  • Symptomatic leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty is associated with new onset of lower back pain

    2021, Orthopaedics and Traumatology: Surgery and Research
    Citation Excerpt :

    Leg length discrepancy (LLD) often leads to patient dissatisfaction after total hip arthroplasty (THA) [1–9]. A LLD of more than 10 mm has been described to be experienced subjectively by the patients and occurs in up to 32% after THA [1–10]. Discomfort as a result of changes less than 10 mm often dissipates within months [11], however, one third of patients are disturbed by their LLD of more than 10 mm [4].

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