What is the method for measuring leg length?
Tape measure. A tape measure is typically used to measure the length of each lower extremity by measuring the distance between the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the medial malleolus and is referred to as the “direct” clinical method for measuring LLD (Fig. 2).
Which test can be used to measure leg length?
A leg length X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to make images of the bones in a child’s legs, to measure and compare their length.
How is true leg length discrepancy measured?
True leg length discrepancy is measured – using a tape measure – from the anterior superior iliac spine to the tip of the medial malleolus. A difference in leg length of up to 1–2 cm is considered normal by some clinicians.
Why do we measure leg length?
Leg Length Measurement Leg lengths should be measured to determine if there is a difference from side to side. It is important to distinguish a true versus apparent leg length deficiency. With apparent or functional leg length discrepancy, the deficiency may be due to a pelvic obliquity, contractures, or scoliosis.
How do you correct leg length difference?
Leg length discrepancy between 2 and 5 cm can be equalized. This can be achieved by shoe lift and/or insoles. Alternatively, an intramedullary lengthening nail can be used for leg length equalization. In skeletally immature patients, it is possible to treat differences in leg length by growth arrest.
What is a normal leg length discrepancy?
Small differences in limb length are common. In fact, as many as a third of the population may have a 1 cm or less (less than ½ inch) discrepancy between their right and left legs. These slight differences are generally not noticeable and don’t require treatment.
When Should leg length discrepancy be corrected?
Conservative treatment There is good consensus that leg length discrepancy should be corrected to 1 cm and 2 cm residual inequality in growing children and after skeletal maturity, respectively (2, 22).
What is the difference between true and apparent leg length?
A: True leg length is a measure from a point on the pelvis (ASIS) to the ankle and apparent leg length is a measure from the umbilicus to the ankle. The latter is affected by hip abduction or adduction as well as knee and hip flexion.
What causes leg length discrepancy?
Limb length discrepancy (LLD) can be congenital or acquired. Some causes of congenital LLD include fibular hemimelia, tibial hemimelia, congenital femoral deficiency, hemihypertrophy or other limb hypoplasias. Acquired LLD is usually due to an insult to the growth plate by trauma, infection, radiation, or tumor.
What causes functional leg length discrepancy?
Functional Leg Length Discrepancy Functional short legs are usually the result of pelvic misalignments or muscle imbalances between legs. A functional short leg is usually the result of long term daily activity that is unbalanced.
How do you measure leg length?
The best way to determine if a structural leg length discrepancy is present is with an anterior-posterior x-ray of the pelvis. A clinical alternative is using a tape measure to measure the length of the leg from the hip to the ankle.
How to measure leg’s length?
Find a friend to help you measure your legs. Measuring your own true leg length is very difficult and will not yield accurate results.
How to assess a leg length difference?
A: Measurement Through Tape: A number of clinical methods are applied for measuring the difference accurately.
What is the average leg length?
Average total length = 185.3cm (6″1′) Average leg length = 85.4cm. Relative leg length = 46.1% (85.4/185.3) If you have really short legs you are close to 40%, really long legs are around (or even above) 50%.