What is LLD in orthopedics?
Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is an orthopedic problem that usually appears in childhood, in which a child’s two legs are of unequal lengths.
How do you fix functional leg length discrepancy?
Treatment for Functional Leg Length Discrepancy The most common treatment for leg length discrepancy is to put a lift in the shoe of the shorter leg. The lift theoretically evens out the length of the legs, relieving the uneven stress being put on the joints, bones, and soft tissues.
What causes LLD?
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.
Can you fix leg length discrepancy?
Treatment for a discrepancy depends upon the severity. In many cases, a minor difference in leg length can be well tolerated or evened out by wearing a small lift in one shoe. A child with a more significant difference, however, may benefit from surgery to make their legs the same length.
How is LLD diagnosed?
Ultrasound. Ultrasound has been used to measure leg length discrepancy by various authors from Europe [22, 23, 42]. In this technique, the ultrasound transducer is used to identify the bony landmarks at the hip, knee, and ankle joints [42].
How is LLD treated?
The treatment for functional LLD typically involves physical therapy, massage, and specific exercises to correct areas of imbalance and weakness. It is also important to correct poor posture. The exact type and number of interventions that a person needs will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the LLD.
What are the 3 types of leg length discrepancies?
There are three types of LLD: structural, functional and environmental. The structural or anatomic type is due to a difference in the actual length of the tibia or femur. This may be of congenital, post-trauma or post-surgery etiology as LLD commonly occurs following hip or knee replacement.
How common is leg length discrepancy?
Having one leg longer than the other is relatively common. The condition is known as leg length discrepancy. Some research indicates that 40–70% of people have some form of leg length discrepancy (LLD). The differences in leg length can range from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Is LLD hereditary?
Children with limb-length discrepancies are often born with the condition, although it may not be obvious to parents until the child begins to crawl or walk. Some children develop limb differences over time as a result of illness or injury. Leg-length discrepancies that affect a child’s mobility will require treatment.