[Limb shortening in the management of leg length discrepancy]

Limb shortening is an option to manage leg length discrepancy. Before skeletal maturity, small length discrepancy between 2 and 5 cm can be corrected by open or closed epiphyseodesis or stapling. All these procedures require exact timing of surgery. In skeletally matured patients is shortening of the femur considered safer than tibial shortening. Length discrepancy more than 10 cm should be corrected either by prolongation or one timed procedures concerning shortening osteotomy of longer limb followed with excised bone segment and its implantation in the contralateral limb. Presented review summarizes advantages and disadvantages of both operational concepts (shortening and lengthening) in leg length discrepancy management.