Abstract
The management of leg-length inequality following total hip replacement remains controversial. Many leg length discrepancies are well tolerated and need no treatment. Some patients require only a heel raise, but some patients remain dissatisfied after their hip replacement surgery.
A recent report has suggested that leg-lengthening following total hip replacement does not correlate with patient satisfaction nor joint-specific or generic health scores[1]. This is not our experience. While many patients find leg lengthening an inconvenience, others have major disability following this complication. We report 4 patients who experienced unremitting pain and functional limitation following leg-lengthening as a result of primary hip arthroplasty.
All 4 patients underwent revision surgery which equalised leg length and resulted in immediate and complete resolution of their symptoms. We discuss the clinical findings, x-ray appearances and surgical technique employed to correct this problem. We have never had to revise a hip because of a shortened leg on the operated side.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Peter Kay, Editorial Secretary. Correspondence should be addressed to British Hip Society, The Hip Centre, Wrightington Hospital, Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9EP.
[1.] White TO, Dougall TW. Arthroplasty of the hip. Leg length is not important. J Bone Joint Surg [Br]2002;84-B;335–8. Google Scholar
