The impact of leg length discrepancy on patient satisfaction and functional outcome following total hip arthroplasty

J Arthroplasty. 2013 Sep;28(8):1408-14. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2012.12.009. Epub 2013 Mar 16.

Abstract

A series of 191 patients undergoing THA with a standardised stem were studied. The effect of leg length discrepancy (LLD) on patient function (Oxford Hip Score), health measures (Short Form 12) and satisfaction (Self-Administered Patient Satisfaction Scale) at a mean 3.8 years of follow up (range 3.3 to 4.9) is reported. 8.9% of cases had shortening, 0.5% no LLD and 90.6% had lengthening. In 21.5% the LLD was more than 10mm, in 37.1% 5-10mm, and in 40.9% 0-5mm. There was no significant difference in patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) according to LLD. Correlation of recorded measurements between multiple observers was excellent (0.93). LLD following total hip arthroplasty remains common but in this series, was not correlated with PROMs.

Keywords: leg length inequality; total hip arthroplasty; treatment outcome.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip*
  • Ceramics
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hip Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Hip Joint / physiology*
  • Hip Joint / surgery*
  • Hip Prosthesis
  • Humans
  • Leg Length Inequality*
  • Male
  • Metals
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / surgery*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Radiography
  • Self Report
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Metals