Biomechanical implications of mild leg length inequality

S T McCaw, B T Bates, S T McCaw, B T Bates

Abstract

The effect of mild leg length inequality (lower extremity length difference less than 3 cm) on posture and gait has been the source of much controversy. Many opinions have been expressed both for and against the need for intervention to reduce the magnitude of the discrepancy. This paper emphasizes the need for accurate and reliable assessment of leg length differences using a clinically functional radiographic technique, and reviews the biomechanical implications of leg length inequality as related to the development of stress fractures, low back pain and osteoarthritis.

References

    1. Diagn Imaging Clin Med. 1985;54(2):78-81
    1. Am J Sports Med. 1983 May-Jun;11(3):121-4
    1. Acta Morphol Neerl Scand. 1987;25(4):261-71
    1. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1985 Dec;66(12):822-4
    1. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 1985 Dec;75(12):639-43
    1. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 1985 Apr;75(4):200-6
    1. Clin Symp. 1980;32(4):1-36
    1. Lancet. 1984 Aug 4;2(8397):256-8
    1. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1983 Sep;8(6):643-51
    1. J Biomech. 1980;13(6):477-80
    1. J Am Podiatry Assoc. 1981 May;71(5):243-53
    1. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1981 Sep-Oct;6(5):510-21
    1. Br J Sports Med. 1983 Dec;17(4):129-34
    1. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1983 Jun;6(2):61-6
    1. J Rheumatol. 1985 Aug;12(4):747-50
    1. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 1982 Dec;22(4):485-8
    1. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1982 Mar-Apr;7(2):159-62
    1. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1981 Oct;(160):52-6
    1. J Am Podiatry Assoc. 1980 Oct;70(10):505-7
    1. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1980 Nov-Dec;(153):156-7
    1. S Afr Med J. 1980 Oct 25;58(17):670
    1. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 1977 Jun;76(10):745-51
    1. J Am Podiatry Assoc. 1976 Sep;66(9):720-3
    1. Lancet. 1972 Mar 4;1(7749):519-22
    1. Rheumatol Phys Med. 1972 Nov;11(8):385-90
    1. J Am Podiatry Assoc. 1976 Jan;66(1):38-40
    1. Can Med Assoc J. 1971 May 8;104(9):791-9
    1. Can Med Assoc J. 1971 Jun 5;104(11):1007-11
    1. Acta Anat (Basel). 1970;77(1):131-8

Source: PubMed

3
Sottoscrivi