A case report of the usefulness of lumbar pelvic motionin the sagittal plane for perceptual leg length differenceafter total hip arthroplasty: a case discussion and hypothesis generation

• Published in: Annual Report of The Miyagi Physical Therrapy Association(rigaku ryoho no ayumi) Vol. 36; no. 1; pp. 58 - 61
• Main Authors: Shiraishi, Ayaka, Ito, Kosuke, Suzuki, Yusuke, Tsunematsu, Hiroshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Miyagi Chapter of Japanese Physical Therapy Association 2025; 公益社団法人 日本理学療法士協会宮城県理学療法士会
• Subjects: Lumbar pelvic motion in the sagittal plane; Perceptual Leg Length Discrepancy; Total Hip Arthroplasty; 人工股関節全置換術; 矢状面上腰椎骨盤運動; 自覚的脚長差
• ISSN: 0917-2688; 1882-1464
• DOI: 10.11342/mpta.36.58

[Objective] To investigate the usefulness of lumbar pelvic motion in the sagittal plane for perceptual leg length difference (PLLD) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) based on a case study. [Case presentation] A female patient in her 60s with end-stage left hip osteoarthritis who presented with pain and decreased gait function underwent left THA. Prominent PLLD, pain, and limited hip internal rotation range of motion were observed postoperatively on day 3. Thus, in addition to the usual physical therapy, intervention focused on trunk lateral flexion exercises was performed. Her pain and hip adduction range of motion improved postoperatively on day 8; however, her pelvic lateral tilt to the side of the surgery, lumbar kyphosis and posterior pelvic tilt range of motion in the sitting position were limited, and PLLD persisted. [Progress] The intervention method was changed to trunk flexion and extension exercises in the sagittal plane in addition to the usual physical therapy, on postoperative day 9. The patient’s pelvic lateral tilt and PLLD improved, and the mobility of herlumbar kyphosis and pelvic tilt in the sitting position increased postoperatively on day 14. [Conclusion] Lumbar pelvic motion in the sagittal plane may be useful in dealing with patients with PLLD post-THA.