Unequal leg length

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Dr.Prab.jpg

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Unequal leg length
File:Physiotherapy now, next stop - school (6301592477).jpg
Synonyms Leg length discrepancy, limb length inequality
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Back pain, hip pain, knee pain, gait abnormalities
Complications Scoliosis, osteoarthritis
Onset Can be congenital or acquired
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Congenital, trauma, infection, tumor, surgery
Risks Athletic activity, growth spurts
Diagnosis Physical examination, X-ray, CT scan, MRI
Differential diagnosis Scoliosis, hip dysplasia, neuromuscular disorders
Prevention Early detection and management of underlying conditions
Treatment Orthotic devices, physical therapy, surgery
Medication Pain management
Prognosis Varies depending on severity and treatment
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Error creating thumbnail:
Leg length measurement on X-ray
Error creating thumbnail:
Custom shoes for leg length discrepancy
Error creating thumbnail:
Standing on the Vertical Foot Alignment System (VFAS)

Unequal leg length, also known as leg length discrepancy (LLD), is a condition where the paired lower limbs have a noticeable difference in length. This condition can lead to various physical complications and may require medical intervention depending on the severity.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Leg length discrepancy can be classified into two main types: anatomical and functional.

  • Anatomical LLD occurs when there is a true difference in the length of the bones. This can be due to congenital conditions, fractures, or diseases affecting bone growth such as osteomyelitis or bone cancer.
  • Functional LLD is when the leg lengths are equal, but other factors such as muscle weakness, joint contractures, or pelvic obliquity cause an apparent discrepancy.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail:
X-ray showing leg length measurement.

Diagnosis of unequal leg length typically involves a physical examination and imaging techniques.

  • Physical Examination: A healthcare provider may use a tape measure to assess the difference in leg lengths. The patient may be asked to stand or lie down during the measurement.
  • Imaging: X-rays or CT scans can provide a more accurate measurement of the bone lengths. These images help in determining the exact difference and the underlying cause.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for leg length discrepancy depends on the severity and the underlying cause. Options include:

  • Non-surgical: For minor discrepancies, shoe lifts or custom orthotics can be used to balance the leg lengths. Physiotherapy may also be recommended to strengthen muscles and improve posture.
  • Surgical: In cases of significant discrepancy, surgical options such as epiphysiodesis, limb lengthening, or shortening procedures may be considered.
Error creating thumbnail:
Custom shoes designed to address leg length discrepancy.

Complications[edit | edit source]

If left untreated, unequal leg length can lead to complications such as:

  • Gait abnormalities: Uneven leg lengths can cause limping or an abnormal walking pattern.
  • Back pain: The imbalance can lead to scoliosis or chronic back pain due to compensatory mechanisms.
  • Joint problems: Increased stress on the joints can lead to early onset of osteoarthritis.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

While congenital causes of leg length discrepancy cannot be prevented, early detection and treatment of conditions like fractures or infections can minimize the risk of developing LLD.

See also[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail:
Using the Vertical Foot Alignment System to assess leg alignment.
WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD