A leg-length discrepancy occurs when one leg is shorter than the other leg. The difference can range from a fraction of an inch to several inches.

Some children are born with limb differences that cause legs to grow at different rates. Other limb-length discrepancies may occur due to an injury or other conditions. Injuries and conditions include fractures, bone infections and bone cysts.

Leg limb-length discrepancies are more likely to affect a child’s daily activities than arm-length discrepancies. It may change their posture or walking patterns. Leg limb-length discrepancies may also lead to other problems. These problems include scoliosis and problems with the hip, knee and/or ankle.

There are two types of limb-length discrepancies. Structural discrepancies occur when a bone in one limb is shorter than the same bone in the other limb. Functional discrepancies occur when joint contracture throws off limb symmetry.

Would you like to schedule an appointment with Orthopedics?

Schedule

What are the signs and symptoms of a leg limb-length discrepancy??

The signs of a leg-length discrepancy vary. It depends on the cause and difference in length. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • One leg that is shorter than the other; this is not always noticeable or obvious
  • Walking problems (e.g., limping or toe-walking)
  • Pain in the back, hip, knee or ankle
  • Problems with posture
  • Knee is chronically hyper-extended on the short side and flexed on the long side

What causes a leg limb-length discrepancy?

There are several causes of leg-length discrepancies. Some limb-length discrepancies are congenital (present at birth) and others are illness-related.

CONGENITAL

  • Child’s leg did not develop fully during pregnancy (no known cause)
  • Child is born with a problem that changes the alignment of their hips (e.g., coxa vara or developmental hip dislocation)

ILLNESS-RELATED

  • Complex fracture that does not heal correctly
  • Damage to the growth plate due to injury or bone infection
  • Bone tumors or bone cysts
  • Cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders

How is a leg limb-length discrepancy diagnosed?

  • Physical exam
  • X-rays
  • Additional testing if necessary
    • Genetic testing
    • Testing of other parts of the body if a medical condition is suspected

How is a leg limb-length discrepancy treated?

Treatment for a leg limb-length discrepancy depends on the cause and extent of your child’s condition. There are several non-surgical and surgical treatments options to treat leg limb-length discrepancies:

  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Assistive or adaptive devices
  • Shoe lifts
  • Surgery to slow down or stop growth of the longer limb
  • Gradual lengthening of the shorter limb
  • Shortening of the longer limb

Connecticut Children’s is equipped with state-of-the-art limb lengthening and limb modification technologies. Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right treatment plan for your child’s condition.