Can leg length discrepancy be corrected?

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.

How is leg length discrepancy treated?

Treatment for a discrepancy depends upon the severity. In many cases, a minor difference in leg length can be well tolerated or evened out by wearing a small lift in one shoe. A child with a more significant difference, however, may benefit from surgery to make their legs the same length.

Can uneven leg length cause back pain?

Those who suffer from functional leg length discrepancy are those who tend to suffer from lower back pain. The Academy of Clinical Massage shares that tight back muscles on the “short side” are often the cause of the leg length difference.

Can a leg length discrepancy cause hip pain?

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 common is limb length discrepancy?

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.

Is limb length discrepancy a disability?

The disability from LLI is generally associated with the long leg, but may be associated with the short leg depending on individual circumstances. The disability from LLI may be associated with resultant compensation mechanisms for LLI , such as pelvic tilt and scoliosis.

What causes limb length discrepancy?

There are many different reasons to have a leg length discrepancy, but there are two main causes: 1) your child was born with a condition that caused one leg to grow slower than the other or 2) something happened during your child’s lifetime that affected the length of the bone (i.e. a fracture) or affected the growth …

Is limb length discrepancy normal?

Leg length discrepancies are very common. In fact, many of us have a small difference in our leg lengths. However, most people don’t notice the difference or require any treatment. When the difference measures more than 1.5 to 2.0 cm (5/8 of an inch), most physicians recommend having the discrepancy evaluated.

What is a significant limb length discrepancy?

A limb-length discrepancy is when one leg or arm is shorter than the other leg or arm. The difference in length can range from a fraction of an inch to several inches. Some children are born with congenital limb differences that cause their legs or arms to grow at different rates.

How to evaluate for leg 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 a true leg length?

True limb length is usually defined as the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus. True leg length inequality is defined as lengthening or shortening of the above measurement as compared with the contralateral limb.

Why are my legs uneven?

The cause of an uneven leg can be functional such as hip tightness, misalignments, and curves in the spine. Over time this type of causes can lead to an discrepancy in one leg. Another cause of an uneven leg can be anatomical such as bone fractures, surgeries, polio, and uneven bone length.

Do leg length differences cause pain?

Leg length differences can cause hip, knee and back pain. Experts agree that once the difference between the two legs is 1-2 cm, that’s where the real problems start, including bothersome pain and limited movements. Even 5 mm can create long term problems in the joints of your lower body.

Can leg length discrepancy be corrected? 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. How is leg length discrepancy treated? Treatment for a discrepancy…