Leg Length Discrepancy
January 1st, 2017
Overview
Look For
- Shoulder drop
- Abducted arm swing
- Lateral pelvic tilt
- Leg circumduction
- Excessive knee flexion
True Leg Length Discrepancy
How to Assess
- Measure from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the medial malleolus
Causes of True Leg Length Discrepancy
- Growth arrest - past fracture, bone infection, tumour or osteonecrosis
- Bony dysplasia
- Blount's disease (tibia vara)
Apparent Leg Length Discrepancy
How to Assess
- Measure from the umbilicus to the medial malleolus on both sides and compare
Interpretation
- Apparent shortening - flexion contractures of the hip or knee
- Apparent lengthening - abduction contractures of the hip, equinus deformity of the ankle
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