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"LLD" - Leg Length Discrepancy

Posted , 9 users are following.

Skidget
Skidget

Well, there's a phrase that I never expected to google. Health professionals not to resort to the internet...yet no one is giving any solid details on this. I'm 11 days after THR and noticed four days ago that my unoperated leg appears to be almost an inch shorter than my operated leg (that is, when standing with feet together and knees are straight, the heel of my unoperated leg is 11/12 of an inch off the floor). Am trying not to panic (ugh).  I'm thinking torque, tight muscles, etc., but...an inch?  Anyone?

3 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Lallydye1
    Lallydye1 Skidget

    Posted

    Hi

    I wouldnt worry unduly at this stage.  It may be that you are not standing completely square with even weight distribution yet even if you think you are. Also it will take a while for the prosthetic to bed in properly.   From what I hear most PPT and podiatrists would not even think of correcting a potential LLD until several months after THR.  This is what I was told anyway.  I have the same concern abd it is a question I will ask my consultant at my 6 week check tomorrow.

    Its still very early days.

    Alison xx

  • ACU_ONE
    ACU_ONE Skidget

    Posted

    My surgeon added an 4 cm to my left leg and stated that over time it had shrunk due to the OA.  He planned to add 1.75 cm to my right, when it is accomplished, to balance things out. If it becomes uncomfortable, they prescribe "lifts" in the shorter leg as an interim solution to balance things out. Soory, cannot offer more.
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK Skidget

    Posted

    I believe it is quite normal to have that impression.

    I had the same feelings in the early days, but it proved to be not the case. Caused by uneven buttock muscle strength I believe, forcing us to tilt the pelvis.

    That's not to say it doesn't happen though.

    Graham - 🚀💃

  • Skidget
    Skidget

    Posted

    I thank you all so much for your experiences and insights. When I googled, I found that most people with LLD were in the less than 1/2 inch range, which my logical brain said, "yeah, sure, that could easily work its way out."   An inch (2.5 cm, I believe) seemed like a large discrepancy, but...I'm new : ) And I can certainly notice it in my gait. I don't know what surgeons are like the UK, but here they are enigmatic...nary a phone call returned so one is left to fret until one's scheduled appointment. And they wonder why we take to the internet.  !!  Thank you, again. Is it PC to add xo's?

     

  • cindy48619
    cindy48619 Skidget

    Posted

    Funny.. I saw my doctor for my pre-op appointment today. He told me I already measure uneven!!
  • teresa17066
    teresa17066 Skidget

    Posted

    I broke my femur about 39 years ago and I had heard (fom whom I don't remember) that that leg would always be shorter.  According to my medical records from surgery my surgeon evened up the length of my legs.  Three years post op and still in alarge amount of pain more so in hip/leg with implant but also severe lower back.  Could the "evening out of legs" thrown everything off?
    • Skidget
      Skidget teresa17066

      Posted

      I couldn't hazzard a guess, but I would be bee-lining it to an osteopath; there could be some simple adjustments and/or exercises that could assist. I'm seeing mine six weeks post-op, but it's the "in the meantime" that's got me edgy...
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