SUSSEX LIMB RECONSTRUCTION
LIMB-LENGTH DISCREPANCY
WHAT IS A LIMB-LENGTH DISCREPANCY?
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Limb length discrepancy is typically where an arm or leg is shorter than the other, but both arms or legs may be affected. The lower limbs are more commonly affected than the lower limbs.
WHAT CAUSES LIMB-LENGTH DISCRPANCIES?
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Congenital (from birth)
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Post traumatic
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Growth plate injury in childhood - trauma or infection
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Non-union
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Malunion
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Bone tumours
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Short stature
HOW CAN LIMB-LENGTH DISCREPANCY BE MANAGED?
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Up to 2cm - this can be accommodated with a insert in a patients shoe
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More than 2cm - surgical management
WHAT ARE THE SURGICAL OPTIONS F0R LIMB-LENGTH DISCREPANCY?
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External fixation - an external fixator is attached to the outside of the leg with pins and wires. The external frame can adjusted to correct the leg length discrepancy. The frame remains onto the outside of the leg until the bone which has been made longer has fully healed.
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Internal lengthening nails - an motorised nail is inserted inside the middle of the bone. The motor gradually lengthens the bone until the desired length is achieved. After the lengthened bone has fully healed the motorised nail must be removed.