Assessing leg lengths intraoperatively in total hip arthroplasty: comparison of two methods

Leg length discrepancy post total hip arthroplasty surgery is common. Unequal leg lengths after total hip arthroplasty is the single most common reason for litigation against orthopaedic surgeons. Different methods for leg length assessment are used intraoperatively by surgeons, but no one method is 100% reliable and reproducible. The aim of this study was to compare 2 methods of intraoperative leg length assessment. Leg length discrepancy of 5 mm or less was achieved in 72.5% (37/51) of patients using method 1 and in 67% (34/51) of patients using method 2. Both methods assessed produced a discrepancy of greater than 5 mm in about a quarter of the patients. The difference was not found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Assessment of leg lengths intraoperatively is challenging even for experienced surgeons. The leg lengths may be better restored if more than one method of assessment is used during surgery.