Limb-length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty

摘要

Limb-length discrepancy, to one degree or another, is a problem that must be reckoned with after total hip arthroplasty (THA). It must be addressed as both a clinical issue for patients and, unfortunately, a potential medicolegal problem. Although a small limb-length discrepancy may cause no symptoms or may not be perceived, a large limb-length discrepancy may cause nerve palsy, low back pain, altered gait, hip instability, and patient dissatisfaction.1"4 Importantly, limb-length discrepancy is believed to be the leading cause of, malpractice claims after THA.5"7 Despite deliberate attempts to equalize leg lengths using meticulous preoperative planning and intraoperative guides, landmarks, and navigation, limb-length discrepancy of 1 cm or more is common. Most often there is only minimal influence on function, but larger discrepancies are associated with inferior functional outcomes and lower patient satisfaction rates.