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[Leg length discrepancy following total hip arthroplasty : How often and when is it problematic?]
Conradin Schweizer1, Wenzel Waldstein1,2, Joachim Herre1
1Orthopädische Klinik Paulinenhilfe, Diakonie-Klinikum Stuttgart, Rosenbergstr. 38, 70176, Stuttgart, Deutschland.
Orthopadie (Heidelberg, Germany)
|July 8, 2025
Summary
Leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty (THA) can cause dissatisfaction. Careful preoperative planning and intraoperative assessments are crucial for minimizing postoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD).
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Context:
- Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a common complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA).
- It frequently leads to patient dissatisfaction and legal disputes.
- Accurate preoperative planning and intraoperative assessments are vital for prevention.
Purpose:
- To review the current evidence on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and management of LLD following THA.
- To guide clinicians in minimizing LLD and improving patient outcomes.
Summary:
- Distinguishing between structural and functional LLD is key for treatment decisions.
- Functional LLDs often resolve with conservative care, while neurological deficits or dislocations may require revision surgery.
- Management of persistent LLD without a clear threshold relies on individualized clinical judgment.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of LLD in THA patients.
- Aims to reduce the incidence of LLD and associated complications.
- Supports evidence-based decision-making for optimizing THA outcomes.
