What can be done for leg length discrepancy?

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.

Can leg length discrepancy be corrected as an adult?

Most of these cases occur in adults, and most can be corrected with only one lengthening, and associated deformity can be treated at the same time. Many of these situations can be treated by the implantable lengthening nail method, though for many cases, the external fixator method is preferred.

Is leg 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 doctor deals with leg length discrepancy?

The first step in diagnosing a limb-length discrepancy is a complete medical history and physical examination by an orthopedic surgeon. During the exam, the doctor will measure your child’s limbs to calculate how different they are in length.

How much leg length discrepancy is significant?

Although a discrepancy that may not cause symptoms for one person may lead to severe problems in another, researchers have reported that an LLD surpassing 2 cm (roughly 3/4 inch) leads to significant gait asymmetry.

Can leg length discrepancy be fixed?

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.

Which hip will hurt if one leg is shorter than the other?

If one leg is shorter than the other, the hip joints will be stressed as the leg-length discrepancy will cause an abnormal gait or walking motion. This is evidenced by the waddling gait of someone with a hip problem. This waddling gait helps remove pressure on the painful hip.

What type of doctor should I see for leg length discrepancy?

What can be done when one leg is shorter than the other?

What are the treatments for leg length discrepancy? Small leg length difference can be observed or treated with a shoe lift. Larger leg length differences may require surgery. Options for this include slowing down or stopping the growth of the longer leg or lengthening the shorter leg.