[Intraoperative leg length measurement in total hip endoprosthesis]

Preservation or restoration of the equal length of both legs after total hip arthroplasty is best achieved by direct intraoperative measurement. The measuring instruments designed for this purpose are presented and their application described for the posterior approach to the hip. The instruments are easy and quick to use. They can also be used for other approaches to the hip and in addition they are a valuable aid when estimating the angles of anteversion and inclination of the acetabular component. The high degree of accuracy and the significant improvement in results when this instrument was used intraoperatively was confirmed by comparison of radiographic measurements of two operation series.