Leg Length Question?

[HopAlong]

My OS told me from viewing my x-rays, there is a 1/4 leg length difference, and he would correct it during the THR. But I am almost positive the difference is 3/4" or 1".........not 1/4"
When I laid on the x-ray table I was slightly twisted because it hurts to lay straight, could that be why he sees less of a difference?

I just measured my height, using a mark on the wall, and when I stand on just my right foot I get about a full inch taller. I am 6 days pre-op, should I mention this to him before the surgery? What is the average height increase after a THR?

 

[Josephine]

Well, there really can't be an 'average' as it differs so from person to person; there are so many reasons why a person might have LLD in the first place. Often more than one reason.

I think you should have a chat with him even if only to put your mind at rest. It is possible to see when a film has been taken in a bad position but since you feel concerned you should let the surgeon know you are worried about the possible concequences of his not realising it.

 

[UTdave]

HopAlong,

Certainly talk to him about it. I wouldn't read too much into your home measurement as posture, pain, etc all play into something like that. The minute you stand on one leg, your pelvis will tilt to a greater or lesser degree, confounding your measurement. It seems weird that the x-rays are done supine on the table. A standing x-ray (assuming you can stand without too much pain) without footwear would give you a "physiologic" and, therefore, practical sense of leg length. Your greater trochanters should line up if legs are equal. However, if you have bad knee, ankle or other leg disease, I suppose this could mislead you.

 

[1jt@atime]

I was thinking the same thing as Dave. My leg length difference has been measured standing and everytime I have a joint replaced, it seems to change a little. I would think even with standing, there could be a tiny change depending on how straight you stand.

My spine doctor takes an Xray of the hips/spine and measures the difference from the ball of the hip. I've gone from 31mm to 28mm dfference with this type of measurement. That's not much of a difference but at least it's in the right direction. (Two joints down and two to go) Karen

 

[HopAlong]

Karen,
You have 2 done and 2 more to go? I thought you only had one hip replaced.
I can't imagine having new hips and knees.....that would make your range of motion like the bionic woman! You could be resillient to aches as you age.

 

[TBONE]

Hop. I was curious about this also. One doctor I saw had me stand and put pads of various lengths under the shorter leg. It turns out I'm about 3/8" shorter on my right and didn't even know it. But I did think that it was an accurate way to measure the difference. Both the doctor and agreed at what thickness an added lift under my right foot made me balanced.
Tom

 

[HopAlong]

That sounds like a good doctor, aiming for perfection TBone.

Even before my left hip colapsed, I knew my legs were not the same length. I remember realizing it at a rollar skating rink in the 80's. My stride was off even though I was a great skater.
I hope to be able to experience equal legs for the first time, that would help ensure no more limping.

 

[Judles]

Hop,,,,Before you have your surgery you should ask about the leg discepancies, Some surgeons will lengthen the first replaced hip, in anticipation of future replacement on the other hip, resulting in even length then, We've all been nervous, but you must be comfortable with your OS,,,,and think positive!

 

[1jt@atime]

Karen,
You have 2 done and 2 more to go? I thought you only had one hip replaced.
I can't imagine having new hips and knees.....that would make your range of motion like the bionic woman! You could be resillient to aches as you age.

Hop, You may be confusing me with another person named Karen on here. I have had both knees replaced and will have a hip replaced within the next few months. I also need an ankle replaced.....all at the grand ole age of 47 thanks to a drunk driver 21 years ago. Karen

 

[Judles]

Zhe most important thing Karen,,,,,ois that YOU're alive! Keep up the great work,,,,you're an inspration!!

 

[HopAlong]

Hop, You may be confusing me with another person named Karen on here. I have had both knees replaced and will have a hip replaced within the next few months. I also need an ankle replaced.....all at the grand ole age of 47 thanks to a drunk driver 21 years ago. Karen

Karen!!! I am so sorry to hear that happened to you! One careless person ruined the quality of your life! I hope you sued them badly so they learned a lesson. They really need stiffer penalties for drunk driving.

I know someone else who lost her 21 year old sister in a car accident because of a drunk driver. The saddest thing is she was with a guy she just met, and at her wake, the guy's girlfriend went to view her in her casket, claiming she wanted to see who her boyfriend was cheating on her with! Is that sick? People are just so damn self centered!!! I can't stand it!!

I hope one day you can fully recover and put this behind you. It was so unfair!

 

[1jt@atime]

Thanks Hop and Judles. My life was definitely changed as a result of this car accident in 1988 but I have been able to walk and carry on almost normally throughout the years. I even had one more child aftwerwards! Everything has run full circle after 20 years and I'm on a role with replacing all my joints. I've had 5 more surgeries (13 total) in the past 2 years and know that I have at least 2 more in the very near future. I try not to think about another 20 years and the possibility of replacing everything all over again. I am just happy to be alive.

Hop, that is crazy!!! What was wrong with that girl to go to the funeral and make comments like that? Karen