LIMB-LENGTH DISCREPANCY

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 discrepancies?

• Congenital (from birth)

• Post traumatic

• Growth plate injury in childhood -  trauma or infection

• Non-union

• Malunion

• Bone tumours

• Short stature

 

How can leg length discrepancy be managed?

• Up to 2cm - this can be accommodated with a insert in a patients shoe

• More than 2cm - surgical management

 

What are the surgical options for leg length discrepancy?

• 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.

• 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.