Unequal Leg Length: An Accurate Method of Detection and Some Clinical Results

Measurement of limb length inequality Comparison of clinical methods with orthoradiography in 190 children

“…Radiographic methods for measuring limb length inequality (LLI) are most accurate but, in daily practice, measurements with wooden boards or a tape measure are commonly used. Wooden boards are considered to be more precise than a tape measure, but a direct comparison of both methods is poorly documented (Clarke 1972, Eichler 1972, Friberg et al 1988. The purpose of a tape measure seems primarily to be the asscssment of the localization of the main LLI, i.e., above or below the knee.…”

Effect of simulating leg length inequality on pelvic torsion and trunk mobility

“…Some of these changes include lateral tilting of the pelvis in the frontal plane, pelvic torsion in the sagittal plane, and lumbar scoliosis [1][2][3][4]. A higher incidence of low back pain has been found in individuals with leg length inequality than in the general population [5,6], attributed by some to postural imbalance associated with the inequality [7,8]. Several studies have shown improvement in mobility [9], posture [10], and reduction of pain [1,11] when a unilateral heel or full sole lift was used to correct this imbalance.…”

Leg-length discrepancy measured by ultrasonography

“…Clinical measurements are notoriously inaccurate (Nichols 1960, Clarke 1972, Fisk and Baigent 1975. Thus, radiographic techniques are required for reliable measurements.…”

“…Thus, radiographic techniques are required for reliable measurements. Scanography in the supine position has been employed by some authors (Amstutz andSakai 1978, Siffert 1987), whereas others prefer erect radiographic techniques (Rush and Steiner 1946, Clarke 1972, Giles and Taylor 1981.…”