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THE IMPORTANCE OF LEG LENGTH DISCREPANCY AFTER TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT



Abstract

In 90 patients undergoing primary THA, leg length discrepancy (LLD) and hip function were assessed pre-operatively and 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Hip function was measured by the Oxford hip score (OHS).

Postoperatively the mean OHS improved by 26 points out of a possible 48 at 3 months and by 30 points at 12 months. Postoperatively 62% of patients’ limbs were lengthened by a mean of 9 mm. The LLD was perceived by 43% of the affected patients at 3 months and by 33% at 12 months. The OHS in patients who perceived true lengthening was 27% worse than in the other patients at 3 months and 18% worse at 12 months. In 98%, lengthening occurred in the femoral component.

The problem of LLD after THA is lengthening. Appropriate placement of the femoral component could reduce patients’ perception of this.

Secretary: Dr H.J.S. Colyn, Editor: Professor M.B.E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to SAOA, Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg, 2121, South Africa.