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LLD - Leg Length Discrepancy

Posted , 7 users are following.

paul170864
paul170864

Hi

I had my second hip replaced one week ago and it was a complex operation due to deformities left behin by Perthes disease. The operation took 3.5hrs and bone grafts were required.

  I am recovering well but I am now certain that my latest operation has resulted in a leg length 10-12mm longer than the other.

   I havent seen the post op physio yet and would appreciate any advice from anyone who has had a similar experience. Do I go back to the surgeon ? or is it the physio who will put things in place ?. I am guessing heel lifts will be the solution but dont know really

Thank you for reading this

Paul

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • maree32074
    maree32074 paul170864

    Posted

    Whoever you see first can measure your legs.  Your surgeon would/should have known after the operation.

    Bootmaker can add height to your heels of shoes if needed as inserts might not be a long term help.

  • denise79180
    denise79180 paul170864

    Posted

    Hi Paul. Me again. My leg was longer to start with but settled over the first 6 weeks. I am now straight. Never have been before.

    If you do end up with leg length difference, which is common, you can have the short legs shoe raised. Here in NZ the specialist sorts this out with a script for a shoe place.

    Don't worry till 6 weeks then it can be sorted.

    • paul170864
      paul170864 denise79180

      Posted

      Hi Denise

      Thats really reassuring thank you.  I dont suppose hopping on the spot would help it settle ?

      Paul

    • denise79180
      denise79180 paul170864

      Posted

      Hehe. I know it's tempting but I don't think that's a good idea. Probably just cause pain.

  • renee01952
    renee01952 paul170864

    Posted

    dear paul, 

    oh dear ... 10-12 mm (millimeter, right) is almost equal and certainly right after this complex operation .... 

    give it some time, okay ... your whole body has been effected by this surgery and  before surgery when he had to compensate so much to keep you moving ..

    please allow your body time to heal  and get used to the new you ... 

    don't run before you can walk properly, okay ...

    when is your follow up appointment with your surgeon?

    Physical therapist will also be able to assess the issue - 

    happy to know that your recovery is going well ... 

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • paul170864
      paul170864 renee01952

      Posted

      Hello again Renee

      Its great to know you are still keeping an eye on us all - thank you.

        I do get what you are saying and it is early days so I am not panicking. I just like to get prepared in advance of things or you can miss the boat with the NHS.  My recovery is actually going pretty well - much the same as the one I had done in Feb. I do keep getting cramp in my hamstring when I attempt my physio though - Ouch !!

    • renee01952
      renee01952 paul170864

      Posted

      redface can't keep away from the forum, Paul !!!!

      try drinking tonic for the cramps - that has helped me ...

      try not to worry about things that might go wrong, okay ... 

      allow your body to heal and listen to him ... 

       

  • marie10553
    marie10553 paul170864

    Posted

    Hi Paul170864,

    I can relate. My THR of 20 days ago has resulted in my leg being 38.1 mm longer than my other leg. I can't put lifts in my shoe because there won't be any room for my foot!! I don't know who to talk to to get this corrected. I will follow this thread for any advice given. Take care.

    Marie

    • marie10553
      marie10553 paul170864

      Posted

      Hi Paul,

      I'm in New Hampshire, USA and have Medicare so I am using a local hospital and orthopedic surgeon.

    • paul170864
      paul170864 marie10553

      Posted

      Hi Marie

      I only asked as I am in the UK so only have a liitle knowledge of how it works here. Good luck with everything !

  • madla39168
    madla39168 paul170864

    Posted

    Hi Paul, give 6 to 8 weeks to setle .one week is to early think about LLD.

    I was not alowed put any i insole in my shoes till I had done hydro therapy. I have LLD after left hip replecement but my right hip need to be done

    as well and hopefully soon. Your Leg stil can setle down and bother legs could be same. Don't worry now about LLD concentrate on your heeling

    I'm sure you will be fine.

    Hug Madla💗

  • kimberley38758
    kimberley38758 paul170864

    Posted

    Hi Paul,

    Glad to hear that you are doing well.  As far as the leg discrepancy, don't worry because it's too soon to tell.  There will be quite a bit of swelling to go down over the next few weeks.  My doctor didn't measure mine until week 12, and then again at 7 months.  10-12mm is not that much at this early stage.  I think you'll be just finesmile

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