Study of Leg length inequality following total hip replacement
Ankit Singh
, Ashish Somani , Kailash Ghorpade , Nitin Ghule , Saurabh Dahiphale
Total hip replacement; Leg length inequality; Functional outcome
Abstract:
Background: Leg length inequality (LLI) is a well-recognized complication following total hip replacement (THR) and is a common cause of patient dissatisfaction, gait disturbance, and functional impairment. Despite advances in surgical techniques and implant design, achieving accurate limb length restoration remains challenging.
Objectives: To evaluate the incidence and magnitude of postoperative leg length inequality following total hip replacement and to analyze its association with demographic factors, surgical variables, and functional outcomes.
Methods: This prospective observational study included 90 patients undergoing unilateral primary total hip replacement at a tertiary care center. Preoperative and postoperative leg length discrepancies were assessed clinically and radiologically. Surgical variables such as approach, implant type, surgeon experience, and duration of surgery were recorded. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and WOMAC score. Statistical analysis was performed to determine associations between postoperative LLI and relevant variables.
Results: Postoperatively, 55.6% of patients had no significant LLI (<5 mm), while 20% exhibited discrepancies greater than 10 mm. A statistically significant association was observed between postoperative LLI and surgical approach (p = 0.03), surgeon experience (p = 0.02), operative duration, and preoperative limb length discrepancy. Functional outcomes showed marked improvement, with mean HHS increasing from 42.6 preoperatively to 88.5 at 12 months, and mean WOMAC score decreasing from 68.4 to 18.2.
Conclusion: Leg length inequality after THR is influenced by multiple surgical and patient-related factors. Meticulous preoperative planning, appropriate surgical approach, and surgical expertise are essential to minimize postoperative LLI and optimize functional outcomes.
"Study of Leg length inequality following total hip replacement", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.11, Issue 1, page no.b199-b204, January-2026, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2601124.pdf
Volume 11
Issue 1,
January-2026
Pages : b199-b204
Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_307015
Published Paper Id: IJSDR2601124
Downloads: 000200
Research Area: Humanities All
Country: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator
Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave
