Measurement of leg length difference

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Immediately after my second THR it felt different than the first one which was great. I believe I have a 1 - 1.5cm extra length in my latest replacement.

I am now 4 weeks post op and it hasnt settled down as people suggested it might. My concern is that this may eventually cause referred problems in my knees and back if not dealt with.

  My 6 week consultant appointment is soon and I would like to be able to ask the consultant to arrange to have the legs properly measured.

 Does anyone know what methods are available for measuring LLD please.

I dont want to miss my opportunity to get the consultant to refer me to he correct people. I am in the UK and have had my surgery done by referral from the NHS to Nuffield Health.

Thank you

Paul

2

Hi Paul, really sorry about your extra leg length. Hope you can get some advice, I'm sure this has been discussed before. I wish you all the best, Judith

3

dear Paul, 

Again, 1-1,5 cm difference is not a lot - 

4 weeks is still early in recovery -

In most cases, with exercise, stretching, and healing over 6 to 12 months, the perception of a leg length difference will disappear on its own. During this time, to avoid a limp and facilitate walking, sometimes a shoe-lift built into the shoe can help.

THR surgery affects more parts than just the hip and femure and it is possible the discrepancy is from pelvic tilt, tight muscles, and your body adapting to the hardware.

when I asled my surgeon he told me that there is

special X-ray that  can help determine if the perceived difference in leg lengths is really in the bone or arising from some other source-

These X-rays, called scanograms, involve imaging the entire length of both legs with a measuring ruler that leaves no doubt about the actual length of each leg, from the top of the pelvis to the ankle.

I am not sure if this will be covered by Insurance -

are you in pain ?

are you wearing new shoes? wearing pre-op shoes should be avoided ...

I hope your surgeon will be able to give you the answers - Please come back and let us know, okay?

big warm hug

renee

 

4

Hi Renee

Thanks for an informative reply. I do realise I am appearing to worry to early in my recovery and the eventual outcome will be different from how it feels now. My concern is that the consultant in the UK tends to see the patient at 6 weeks and then not for another year. It may even be that I get referred back to the NHS from Nuffield Health. I am therefore trying to sieze the opportunity before I lose it.

  My shoes have always worn evenly - I havent heard advice to buy new shoes before, is this because the old shoes may be unevenly worn?

Paul

5

It is the same here in Holland, Paul - Follow up at 6 weeks - I did ask for a 12 weeks post-op appointment and got that approved by insurance -

I had  osteoarthiritis and shoes were unevenly worn - 

It was a forum member who mentioned this - it made a difference and seems so logical -

angle blessing from a stormy day in Holland

6

angel, of course

7

Hi Paul, I had​ a 7 week xray and consultant appointment, and then another one 6 months later, hope that's the same for you. Not that I saw my consultant either time! (But you could ask to see yours perhaps.) All the best, Judith

8

Thanks Judith - Hopefully if i am concerned he will schedule a 6 month appointment. I have always seen my own consultant with my first THR so hopefully this will be the same for my second. He is a decent bloke and I am sure he will be as upset as me if LLD is a problem.

9

Paul do not wait to have the leg measurement done. I had thr in 2014 Dr kept saying exercise it more when I complained the muscle was painful. Turns out because I waited I now have scoliosis of my back also have to have my left shoe lifted by one inch.

I was told it would be one and 5/8 inch difference in legs.'

Having shoes lifted that much costs from 89.00 to 150.00 according to the type of shoe.

Good luck!

10

Thanks Martha - back problems are what I am trying to avoid. Are you in the UK ? I am wondering what the correct process for getting a measurement done is ?

Is it the physio or consultant who should initiate this ?

Paul

11

Hey Paul, I recently passed my first anniversary with new hip. After surgery my leg was somewhat longer than my left or other non-surgery leg. The difference in lenght was affecting my balance as well as causing back strain. To compensate, I obtained a quarter-inch heel lift for my left shoe. The result was, my balance was restored and my back ache is gone. Sometimes it's the simple least expensive option, that solves the problem. Best wishes on your journey to full health.

12

Hi Paul im 8 months after LTHR and my operated hip is 1.3 to 1.5 cm

LONGER. When I have 6 weeks and appointment with surgeon in was told my right hip need to be done as well. Hopefully soon I have operation.

I put insole in my shoes to have a balance and not to have sore back.

I'm working in nursing home and I'm on my feet 6 to 7 hours a day

without insole I would not be able to do my job. It help and I got use to.

Hopefully when they do my next hip they will corrected. When you have your an appointment ask them to mesure your leg and be firm.

You are early stage and your leg still can adjust with time. Excersice do some strching .

Good luck and hug Madlla 💗

PS insole help.

13

Hi Renee Im still waiting for day for my next hip. Getting worse

How are you anyway.? I hope you are doing fine.

Hug Madla💗💗