A Novel Approach for Correcting Limb Length Discrepancy in Total Hip Arthroplasty

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the suture technique, along with the utilization of a spirit-level device which is an instrument designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal or vertical, in comparison to the conventional supraacetabular pin method and caliper measurement for correcting leg length discrepancy (LLD) during total hip arthroplasty (THA). Materials and methods: Consecutive patients who underwent unilateral primary THA between January 2021 and March 2023 were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were severe flexion and adduction contracture that could affect the accuracy of measurements, a history of lower extremity surgery, the presence of lower extremity deformity, and the absence of postoperative full-length radiographs. Patients were allocated into two groups based on the technique employed for correcting LLD during THA. Group 1 (n=62) consisted of patients evaluated using the suture technique with a spirit-level device, while group 2 (n=75) comprised patients who underwent the supraacetabular pin method with caliper measurement. The distance between the inter-teardrop line and the tip of the lesser trochanter was measured for both hips to assess LLD.

The mean preoperative LLD was similar between groups, which was 11.6 ± 9.1 mm in group 1 and 9.5 ± 9.8 mm in group 2 (p=0.191). Postoperatively, group 1 had a significantly lower LLD compared to group 2 (p<0.001).

According to the results obtained from this study, the use of a suture technique in conjunction with a spirit-level device to achieve a consistent leg position is an effective method for correcting LLD during THA.