Limb length discrepancy and related problems following total hip joint replacement

Limb lengthening is not uncommon after total hip replacement and may cause subjective problems for patients. We have studied 150 total hip replacements to investigate the operative change in limb length. A radiologic evaluation is used and is shown to be accurate. One hundred forty-four limbs were l...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inClinical orthopaedics and related research no. 134; p. 135
Main Authors Williamson, J A, Reckling, F W
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.01.1978
Subjects
Aged
Arthritis, Rheumatoid - surgery
Female
Hip Joint - surgery
Humans
Joint Prosthesis
Leg Length Inequality - etiology
Male
Middle Aged
Osteonecrosis - surgery
Postoperative Complications
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Summary:Limb lengthening is not uncommon after total hip replacement and may cause subjective problems for patients. We have studied 150 total hip replacements to investigate the operative change in limb length. A radiologic evaluation is used and is shown to be accurate. One hundred forty-four limbs were lengthened an average of 15.9 mm. Slightly less lengthening was observed if the greater trochanter was removed as part of the operative procedure. For subjective complaints 40 (27%) patients required heel lifts on the unoperated side to gain a satisfactory gait pattern. Partial sciatic nerve palsies also occurred in this series (3.3%) subsequent to total hip replacements. These palsies did not correlate with sex, lengthening of the extremity, or operative procedure, but did correlate with repeat surgeries and in all instances the condition resolved or improved.
ISSN:0009-921X
DOI:10.1097/00003086-197807000-00016