What You Need to Know
Leg Length Discrepancy After Hip Surgery
A common concern that patients have after total hip replacement surgery is a feeling that their legs are different lengths. This is called limb length discrepancy (LLD). The following information will explain the different types of LLD, possible explanations for its occurrence, and treatment options for patients who are uncomfortable with an LLD.
Leg Length Discrepancy After Hip Surgery
Injections
The Different Types of LLD
Apparent LLD: Some people have an “apparent” LLD which may make the affected leg seem longer than the other leg. There are several factors that can contribute to this feeling. Most commonly, contractures or shortening of the muscles surrounding the hip joint and pelvis make the involved leg feel longer even when they are really the same length. Also, contractures of the muscles around the lower back from spinal disorders (i.e., arthritis, spinal stenosis), curvatures of the spine from scoliosis, and deformities of the knee or ankle joint can make one leg seem longer or shorter. In the general public, some people have an “apparent LLD” as long as one half inch but usually don’t notice it because the LLD occurs over time.
True LLD: A “true” LLD is where one leg is actually longer than the other. Patients can have unequal leg lengths of ¼” to ½” and never feel it too!
Combined LLD: You can also have combinations of “True” and “Apparent” LLD’s.
True LLD: A “true” LLD is where one leg is actually longer than the other. Patients can have unequal leg lengths of ¼” to ½” and never feel it too!
Combined LLD: You can also have combinations of “True” and “Apparent” LLD’s.
Adjusting Leg Lengths in Surgery
During total hip replacement surgery, the surgeon may “lengthen” the involved leg by stretching the muscles and ligaments that were contracted, as well as by restoring the joint space that had become narrowed from the arthritis. This is usually a necessary part of the surgery because it also provides stability to the new hip joint. Your surgeon takes measurements of your leg lengths on x-ray prior to surgery. Your surgeon always aims for equal leg lengths if at all possible and measures the length of your legs before and during surgery in order to achieve this goal.
Occasionally, surgeons may need to lengthen the operable leg to help improve stability and prevent dislocations as well improve the muscle function around the hip.
Right after your surgery it may feel like the leg that has been operated on is longer. One reason is that as opposed to the months to years that it took for your leg to shorten and muscles to become contracted, your surgeon has “lengthened” them in a very short period of time. It may take time, but your muscles usually readjust to their new position. Usually, it takes between 8 to 12 weeks for you to feel re-balanced.
Occasionally, surgeons may need to lengthen the operable leg to help improve stability and prevent dislocations as well improve the muscle function around the hip.
Right after your surgery it may feel like the leg that has been operated on is longer. One reason is that as opposed to the months to years that it took for your leg to shorten and muscles to become contracted, your surgeon has “lengthened” them in a very short period of time. It may take time, but your muscles usually readjust to their new position. Usually, it takes between 8 to 12 weeks for you to feel re-balanced.
Possibility for Dislocation
You must also understand that leg lengths and the potential for dislocations after surgery go hand in hand. Ideally, surgeons always aim for equal leg lengths and a very stable hip. However, at times, because of findings during your surgery, the surgeon may elect to make the operative leg a bit longer in order to tighten up the joint and prevent a possible dislocation. Small differences in LLD are usually well tolerated by patients given time. However, it is most important to understand that it’s better from your perspective to have a slightly longer leg if necessary to prevent dislocations rather than a hip that is at risk for dislocating.
Treatment Options for Feeling “Off-Balance” after Hip Surgery
Most of the time, patients never feel this difference and therefore no treatment is needed. As previously stated, it may take a few months for your muscles to readjust. In the early months after surgery, interventions like stretching and strengthening exercises may actually speed the natural course of re-balancing. Factors that will influence whether you continue to feel the difference include arthritis of the opposite hip, spinal muscle contractures, scoliosis, and deformities or stiffness of the ankle and knee joints.
When patients continue to notice symptoms of LLD, treatment usually consists of inserting a “lift” into the shoe of the shorter leg. In some patients, one or two of the simple over the counter Dr. Scholl’s type heel inserts can be enough. Occasionally, patients may need a thicker insert. The goal of treatment and size of the insert is always based on how you feel, and we recommend that you use the standing blocks as the best way to measure what makes you feel you feel balanced, rather than tape measures or x-rays.
When patients continue to notice symptoms of LLD, treatment usually consists of inserting a “lift” into the shoe of the shorter leg. In some patients, one or two of the simple over the counter Dr. Scholl’s type heel inserts can be enough. Occasionally, patients may need a thicker insert. The goal of treatment and size of the insert is always based on how you feel, and we recommend that you use the standing blocks as the best way to measure what makes you feel you feel balanced, rather than tape measures or x-rays.
