Leg Length Discrepancy in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Not All Discrepancies Are Created Equal.

J Am Acad Orthop Surg · Feb 15 2025 · Review

Burnett RA, Wang JC, Gililland JM, Anderson LA

From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT

Adult Reconstruction

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis update reviews leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty, highlighting newer technologies to improve limb length control and how to distinguish true from perceived discrepancies in complex cases.
Abstract, as published

The original review article, published in 2006, describing leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty commented that "equal leg length should not be guaranteed." There has been considerable advancement in surgical technique and technology over the past decade, allowing surgeons to "hit the target" much more consistently. In this interval paper, we review leg length discrepancy and introduce some technologies designed to mitigate this complication. In addition, we present challenging clinical scenarios in which perceived leg length may differ from true leg length and how these can be addressed with proper workup and surgical execution.

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