Functional Leg Length Discrepancy Research Articles

An innovative staged prosthetic lengthening reconstruction strategy for osteosarcoma-related leg discrepancy

Correction of leg length discrepancy (LLD) in skeletally mature patients with osteosarcoma was rarely reported and quite challenging. This study aimed to propose a treatment strategy of staged lengthening and reconstruction with a standard static prosthesis to address LLD and restore limb function. It also evaluated the effectiveness of the strategy in terms of leg lengthening, functional outcomes, and complications. The strategy for lengthening included three stages. In stage 1, the previous prosthesis was removed and an external fixator with a temporary rod-cement spacer was placed. In this stage, the external fixator was used to lengthen the limb to the appropriate length. In stage 2, the external fixator was removed and the old rod-cement spacer was replaced with a new one. In stage 3, the rod-cement spacer was removed and the standard static prosthesis was planted. Nine skeletally mature distal femoral osteosarcoma patients with unacceptable LLD were treated in our institution from 2019 to 2021. We performed a chart review on nine patients for the clinical and radiographic assessment of functional outcomes, LLD, and complications. The mean (range) leg lengthening was 7.3 cm (3.6–15.6). The mean (range) LLD of the lower limbs decreased from 7.6 cm (4.1–14.2) before the lengthening to 0.3 cm (− 0.3 to 2.1) at the final follow-up with statistical significance (P = 0.000). The mean (range) Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score improved from 30.3% (16.7%–53.3%) before the lengthening to 96.3% (86.7%–100%) at the final follow-up with statistical significance (P = 0.000). Three patients (33.3%) had a minor complication; none needed additional surgical intervention. In the short term, the current staged lengthening and reconstruction with standard static prosthesis provided satisfactory functional outcomes and LLD correction with few complications. The long-term effects of this method need further exploration.

The Immediate Effects of Muscle Energy Technique in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients with Functional Leg Length Discrepancy: A Randomized and Placebo-Controlled Trial.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of muscle energy technique (MET) on pelvic alignment, leg length, pain, and fatigue in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients with leg length discrepancy (LLD). Forty-two CLBP patients with LLD volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to the MET group (n = 21) and placebo group (n = 21). The intervention group performed three METs with 5 s of isometric contraction and 30 s of rest once, and the placebo group performed three times the placebo-MET, maintaining the same posture as the MET group without muscle isometric contraction. X-ray equipment, tape measure, and visual analog scale were used to evaluate pelvic alignment, leg length, pain, and fatigue before and after each intervention. In comparison pre- and postintervention, only the MET group showed significant changes in pelvic alignment, leg length, pain, and fatigue (p < 0.05). In comparison between groups, there were significant differences in all variables (pelvic alignment, leg length, pain, fatigue) (p < 0.05). The results of this study confirmed the therapeutic effect of MET for improving pelvic alignment, functional LLD, pain, and fatigue in CLBP patients with functional LLD. Future research is needed to evaluate the long-term effect on more chronic low back pain patients.

Subtrochanteric Shortening Osteotomy Provides Superior Function to Trochanter Slide Osteotomy in THA for Patients With Unilateral Crowe Type IV Dysplasia at a Minimum of 3 Years.

Performing THA in patients with high-riding developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is associated with serious complications and technical challenges. Various methods of shortening osteotomy are available to facilitate femoral head reduction during THA in patients with high-riding hips; subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and trochanteric slide osteotomy plus proximal shortening are the most common techniques. However, which approach is superior remains a topic of controversy. (1) Is there any difference in clinical outcomes (defined as the Harris Hip Score [HHS] and residual limb length discrepancy) at a minimum of 3 years between subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and trochanteric slide osteotomy in patients with Crowe Type IV DDH who underwent THA? (2) Is there any difference in the risk or type of complications between the two approaches? We performed a retrospective, comparative study of two groups (subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy versus trochanteric slide osteotomy) matched for sex and preoperative HHS at a minimum of 3 years of follow-up. Between 2010 and 2018, we performed 67 THAs in patients with unilateral Crowe Type IV DDH. During that time, we generally used a trochanteric slide osteotomy for THA in all patients with Crowe Type IV hips and performed subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy when a conical stem was not available. A total of 42% (28) had THA with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy, and 58% (39) had THA with trochanteric slide osteotomy. Of those, 89% (25) and 74% (29), respectively, were accounted for with complete datasets for possible matching at a minimum of 3 years of follow-up. Patients were matched for gender and preoperative HSS (within 10 points), leaving 22 patients in each group (79% of the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy group and 56% of the trochanteric slide osteotomy group) for evaluation and analysis. Age (42 versus 46 years), gender (female: 73% versus 73%), preoperative HSS (40 versus 40), and preoperative leg length discrepancy (5.9 versus 5.3 cm) were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). The trochanteric slide osteotomy group exclusively received Cone Wagner (Zimmer) implants (100%), while Corail (DePuy Synthes) implants (77%) were the most commonly used in the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy group. HHS at a minimum of 3 years as well as the presence or absence of a limp and Trendelenburg sign, functional leg length discrepancy, nonunion, nerve palsy, and other surgical complications were recorded and compared between the groups based on data drawn from a longitudinally maintained institutional database. At a mean follow-up of 73 months, improvement in HHS was greater in the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy group than in the trochanteric slide osteotomy group (48 ± 4 points versus 36 ± 11 points, mean difference 12 points [95% CI 7 to 17 points]; p < 0.001). Although the preoperative leg length discrepancy was similar between the groups, there was a greater postoperative improvement in the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy group (44 ± 8 mm and 38 ± 8 mm in the subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and trochanteric slide osteotomy groups, respectively; p = 0.02). The risk of nonunion was higher with a trochanteric slide osteotomy than with a subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (23% [5 of 22] versus 0% [0 of 22]; p = 0.048). Other complications, including intraoperative periprosthetic fractures, nerve palsy, heterotopic ossification, revision surgery, and dislocation, did not differ between the groups. In patients with Crowe Type IV hips undergoing THA, surgeons might consider subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy rather than trochanteric slide osteotomy to minimize the risk of nonunion and achieve superior hip function. Better correction of leg length discrepancy may also be possible with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy. The long-term survivorship of hips after these two techniques, as well as the influence of the specific anatomy of the proximal femur on the choice of technique, remain to be explored in future studies. Level III, therapeutic study.

Leg Length Discrepancy After Hip Fracture Repair is Associated With Reduced Gait Speed.

A negative correlation exists between functional outcomes and leg length discrepancy (LLD) following hip fracture repair. We have assessed the effects of LLD following hip fracture repair in elderly patients on 3-meter walking time, standing time, activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). One hundred sixty-nine patients enrolled in the STRIDE trial were identified with femoral neck, intertrochanteric, and subtrochanteric fractures that were treated with partial hip replacement, total hip replacement, cannulated screws, or intramedullary nail. Baseline patient characteristics recorded included age, sex, body mass index Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score. ADL, IADL, grip strength, sit-to-stand time, 3-meter walking time and return to ambulation status were measured at 1 year after surgery. LLD was measured on final follow-up radiographs by either the sliding screw telescoping distance or the difference from a trans-ischial line to the lesser trochanters, and was analyzed as a continuous variable using regression analysis. Eighty eight patients (52%) had LLD <5mm, 55 (33%) between 5-10mm and 26 subjects (15%) >10mm. Age, sex, BMI, Charlson score, and ambulation status had no significant impact on LLD occurrence. Type of procedure and fracture type did not correlate with severity of LLD. Having a larger LLD was not found to have a significant impact on post-operative ADL (P = .60), IADL (P = .08), sit-to-stand time (P = .90), grip strength (P = .14) and return to former ambulation status (P = .60), but did have a statistically significant impact on 3-meter walking time (P = .006). LLD after hip fracture was associated with reduced gait speed but did not affect many parameters associated with recovery. Continued efforts to restore leg length after hip fracture repair are likely to be beneficial.

스쿼트 운동 시 기능적 다리 길이 차이가 넙다리 근육 활성도에 미치는 영향

Leg-length discrepancy can cause not just issues in daily life, but functional problems such as abnormal walking, decreased balance, and musculoskeletal concerns. Squat exercises are highly stable and can exert a large for strength because the same strength is applied to both lower extremities. However, for a subject with leg-length discrepancy, balanced strength is not applied to the lower extremities; this can cause structural malalignment and unbalanced muscle activation. It is necessary to determine the influence of functional leg-length discrepancy on thigh muscle activation during squat exercises. Subjects with no leg-length discrepancy performed squats under two conditions—no leg-length discrepancy and simulated leg-length discrepancy with the left foot on a 3-cm-thick plate. We measured muscle activation of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and medial and lateral hamstring by electromyography. The activations of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis were significantly greater without leg-length discrepancy than with it (p<.05). Medial and lateral hamstring activation exhibited no significant difference. No muscles showed significant difference between the right and left legs in terms of activation under any condition. Therefore, leg-length discrepancy led to inefficiency in squat exercises and this factor should be removed prior to exercise.

Cementless total hip replacement for hip dysplasia: anatomical hip center is associated with better patient-reported functional outcome

Background Total hip arthroplasty in patients with dysplastic hips is a challenging procedure. The main goal of surgery is to achieve anatomical center of rotation to improve the abductor function, patient satisfaction, and implant survival. The aim of this study was to report the mid-term functional results using the Oxford hip score (OHS) after cementless total hip replacement (THR). Patients and methods This was a retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected data of patients who had a THR done at our institution with hip dysplasia. Between September 2011 and December 2019, a total of 23 consecutive patients (26 hips) with Crowe II–IV developmental dysplasia were treated with primary cementless THR. The mean age for patients included were 34.1 ± 15.2 years. Females were more than males. The left side was operated more than the right side, and there were three bilateral cases. The mean preoperative OHS was 21 ± 6.6 points. Results All patients were followed up for a mean of 3.4 ± 2.6 years (range, 1–11 years). None of the cases were lost to follow-up. The mean OHS improved significantly from 21.2 ± 6.6 points (range, 8–38) preoperatively to 40.9 ± 4.8 points (range, 28–48) in the final OHS (Z=4.45, P<0.001). Regarding the final OHS, both Crowe types II and III were better than Crowe type IV, and the difference was statistically significant. The functional leg length discrepancy improved from a median of 3 (0–7) cm preoperatively to 0 (0–3) cm postoperatively (Z=4.3, P<0.0001). All cases that required shortening were Crowe IV dysplasia (five cases). A total of 22 (88%) hips were reconstructed within 2 cm of the other hip. Conclusion Restoration of anatomic center of rotation as close as possible was associated with better functional outcome. Cementless fixation was possible in all cases.

Correlation among Functional Leg Length Discrepancy, Muscle Activity, Muscle Contraction Onset Time and Vertical Ground Reaction Force during Simple Lifting Task

Correlation among Functional Leg Length Discrepancy, Muscle Activity, Muscle Contraction Onset Time and Vertical Ground Reaction Force during Simple Lifting Task

The effect of a shoe lift on tensor fasciae latae length during standing with an artificial functional leg length discrepancy: An ultrasonic shear wave elastography study.

Shortening of tensor fasciae latae is one factor that causes a functional leg length discrepancy. A shoe lift has been used to correct the compensatory posture resulting from the discrepancy. Despite the potential therapeutic benefit of a shoe lift, the mechanism by which it exerts its effect is unclear. To investigate the effect of a shoe lift on tensor fasciae latae length during standing with an artificial functional leg length discrepancy using ultrasonic shear wave elastography. Twenty-two healthy individuals performed static standing under three conditions: drop of the pelvis and flexion of the leg resulting from fixing in the hip abduction position using a hip orthosis (functional leg length discrepancy condition); drop of the pelvis by the orthosis, but no flexion of the leg due to a shoe lift (shoe lift condition); and normal bilateral standing condition. The shear elastic modulus of tensor fasciae latae was calculated using ultrasonic shear wave elastography. The shear elastic modulus was significantly lower in the functional leg length discrepancy condition than in the shoe lift and normal conditions (p= 0.038). Using a shoe lift for the functional leg length discrepancy can result in a functional hip position that elongates tensor fasciae latae.

Analysis of the quadratus lumborum muscle activity on leg length discrepancy: A randomized controlled trial.

Quadratus lumborum (QL) discrete region extensions might change depending on whether leg length discrepancy (LLD) individually has any extra erector spinae action in the lumbar spine, which can result in serious injury to the lower extremities and lumbar vertebrae. This study aims to investigate the effect of QL muscle activity on LLD by using electromyography (EMG) signals. The study employed a randomized controlled design. A total of 100 right-handed volunteers were included in this study. All participants were assessed manually by tape measurement for LLD. EMG signals were recorded during the resting and maximal isometric contraction positions to determine QL muscle activity. The power spectral density (PSD) methods were applied to compute EMG signals. In maximal isometric contraction position, comparing the short right LLD (Right side = 0.00064 ± 0.00001, Left side = 0.00033 ± 0.0006) and short left LLD (Right side = 0.00001 ± 0.00008, Left side = 0.00017 ± 0.0001), it was found that the short right LLD group had significantly increased PSD of EMG values. In resting position, the short right LLD (Right side = 0.0002 ± 0.0073, Left side = 0.00016 ± 0.0065) had significantly increased PSD of EMG compared to the short left LLD (Right side = 0.00004 ± 0.0003, Left side = 0.0001 ± 0.0008) values of the QL muscle activity. The results of both groups were also statistically significant (p< 0.05). The present study showed that it is possible to determine effective experimental interventions for functional LLD using EMG signal analysis of QL muscle activity on an asymptomatic normal population.

Functional Leg Length Discrepancy among Pediatric Scoliosis: A Reversible Neuromuscular Compensation from Craniocervical Junction Misalignment

Leg length discrepancy (LLD) and pelvic obliquity have often been associated with scoliosis in the literature, and neuromuscular contributions have been mentioned as being possibly involved. It is herein hypothesized that a craniocervical junction (CCJ) misalignment (CCJM) may induce a neuromuscular imbalance leading to functional leg length discrepancy, and that re-establishing a proper alignment can result in some LLD disappearance.

Immediate Effects of Myofascial Release on the Thoracolumbar Fascia and Osteopathic Treatment for Acute Low Back Pain on Spine Shape Parameters: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background: Spine shape parameters, such as leg length and kyphotic or lordotic angle, are influenced by low back pain. There is also evidence that the thoracolumbar fascia plays a role in such pathologies. This study examined the immediate effects of a myofascial release (MFR) technique on the thoracolumbar fascia and of an osteopathic treatment (OMT) on postural parameters in patients with acute low back pain (aLBP). Methods: This study was a single-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Seventy-one subjects (43.8 ± 10.5 years) suffering from aLBP were randomly and blindedly assigned to three groups to be treated with MFR, OMT, or a placebo intervention. Spinal shape parameters (functional leg length discrepancy (fLLD), kyphotic angle, and lordotic angle) were measured before and after the intervention using video raster stereography. Results: Within the MFR group, fLLD reduced by 5.2 mm, p < 0.001 and kyphotic angle by 8.2 degrees, p < 0.001. Within the OMT group, fLLD reduced by 4.5 mm, p < 0.001, and kyphotic angle by 8.4°, p = 0.007. Conclusion: MFR and OMT have an influence on fLLD and the kyphotic angle in aLBP patients. The interventions could have a regulating effect on the impaired neuromotor control of the lumbar muscles.

Effects of a Prosthetic Foot With Increased Coronal Adaptability on Cross-Slope Walking.

Walking on cross-slopes is a common but challenging task for persons with lower limb amputation. The uneven ground and the resulting functional leg length discrepancy in this situation requires adaptability of both user and prosthesis. This study investigated the effects of a novel prosthetic foot that offers adaptability on cross-slope surfaces, using instrumented gait analysis and patient-reported outcomes. Moreover, the results were compared with two common prosthetic feet. Twelve individuals with unilateral transtibial amputation and ten able-bodied control subjects participated in this randomized cross-over study. Participants walked on level ground and ±10° inclined cross-slopes at a self-selected walking speed. There were three prosthetic foot interventions: Triton Side Flex (TSF), Triton LP and Pro-Flex LP. The accommodation time for each foot was at least 4 weeks. The main outcome measures were as follows: frontal plane adaptation of shoe and prosthetic foot keel, mediolateral course of the center of pressure, ground reaction force in vertical and mediolateral direction, external knee adduction moment, gait speed, stance phase duration, step length and step width. Patient-reported outcomes assessed were the Activities specific Balanced Confidence (ABC) Scale, Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS M) and Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (ADL-Q). The TSF prosthetic foot adapted both faster and to a greater extent to the cross-slope conditions compared to the Triton LP and Pro-Flex LP. The graphs for the mediolateral center of pressure course and mediolateral ground reaction force showed a distinct grouping for level ground and ±10° cross-slopes, similar to control subjects. In the ADL-Q, participants reported a higher level of perceived safety and comfort when using the TSF on cross-slopes. Eight out of twelve participants preferred the TSF over the reference. The frontal plane adaptation characteristics of the TSF prosthetic foot appear to be beneficial to the user and thus may enhance locomotion on uneven ground - specifically on cross-slopes.

Reconstruction of acetabular defects greater than Paprosky type 3B: the importance of functional imaging

Background3D Surgical planning has become a key tool in complex hip revision surgery. The restoration of centre of rotation (CoR) of the hips and leg length (LL) are key factors in achieving good clinical outcome. Pelvic imaging is the gold standard for planning and assessment of LL. We aimed to better understand if 3D planning is effective at equalising LL when large acetabular defects are present.Materials and methodsThis was a prospective case study of 25 patients. We report the analysis of pre-operative LL status and planned LL restoration measured on CT, in relation to the achieved LL measured post-operatively in functional, weight bearing position. Our primary objective was the assessment of restoration of CoR as well as the anatomical and functional LL using biplanar full-length standing low-dose radiographs; our secondary objective was to evaluate the clinical outcome.ResultsPre-operative intra-pelvic discrepancy between right and left leg was a mean of 28 mm (SD 17.99, min = 3, max = 60 mm). Post-operatively, the difference between right and left vertical femoral offset (VFO), or CoR discrepancy, was of 7.4 mm on average, significantly different from the functional LL discrepancy (median = 15 mm), p = 0.0024. Anatomical LLD was a median of 15 mm. In one case there was transient foot drop, one dislocation occurred 6 months post-operatively and was treated by closed reduction, none of the patients had had revision surgery at the time of writing. Mean oxford hip score at latest follow up was 32.1/48.DiscussionThis is the first study to investigate limb length discrepancy in functional position after reconstruction of large acetabular defects. We observed that VFO is not an optimal surrogate for LL when there is significant bone loss leading to length inequality, fixed flexion of the knee and abduction deformity.ConclusionsAlthough challenging, LLD and gait abnormalities can be greatly improved with the aid of an accurate surgical planning. Surgeons and engineers should consider the integration of EOS imaging in surgical planning of reconstruction of large acetabular defects.

Accuracy of imageless navigation for functional cup positioning and restoration of leg length in total hip arthroplasty: a matched comparative analysis

Background: Computer-assisted navigation has the potential to improve the accuracy of cup positioning during total hip arthroplasty (THA) and prevent leg-length discrepancy (LLD). The purpose of this study was to compare acetabular cup position and postoperative LLD after primary THA using posterolateral approach. Methods: Between August 2016 to December 2017, 57 THAs using imageless navigation were matched with 57 THA without navigation, based on age, gender, and BMI. Postoperative weight-bearing radiographs were assessed for anteversion, inclination, and LLD. Functional LLD was measured in comparison to the contralateral side. The proportion of cups within Lewinnek’s safe zone and LLD greater than 5 mm were assessed. Results: The mean age was 54.9±9.6 yr and 57.6±12.5 yr in control and navigated groups, respectively. Mean cup orientation in the navigated group was 20.6±3.3 degrees (17 to 25) of anteversion and 41.9±4.8 degrees (30 to 51) of inclination, versus 25±11.1 degrees (10 to 31) and 45.7±8.7 degrees (29 to 55) in the control group; these were statistically significant (P=0.005 and P&lt;0.001, respectively). In the navigated group, significantly more acetabular cups were placed within Lewinnek’s safe zone (anteversion: 77% vs. 47%, P=0.005; inclination: 91% vs. 67%, P&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference in mean LLD in the navigation and control groups (3.2±1.5 mm vs. 4.6±3.4 mm, P=0.36), although fewer LLDs of greater than 5 mm were reported in the navigated group (7.1%) than in the control group (31.6%, P=0.007). Conclusions: The use of imageless computer-assisted navigation improved the accuracy of acetabular cup components and LLD. Level of Evidence: Level III.

Hip subluxation and osteophye morphology are related to coronal contracture of the hip.

Coronal hip contracture induces pelvic obliquity in the presence of hip osteoarthritis (HOA), followed by the functional leg-length discrepancy. To promote accurate diagnosis of contracture and proper management of soft tissue release in total hip arthroplasty (THA), this study aimed to clarify the morphological features on plain radiographs that are related to contracture in patients with HOA. Two hundred forty-three hips of 231 patients with HOA who underwent primary THA were included in this study. Preoperative pelvic radiographs of the bilateral hips in maximum adduction and abduction were used to quantify contracture. Patients were grouped according to their contracture as having abduction contracture, adduction contracture, or minimal contracture. We investigated HOA, subluxation, anatomical factors, spinal factors, and the morphology of osteophytes at the inferomedial femoral head and compared parameters among groups to clarify the predictors of contracture. Eighteen hips (7.6%) were classified as having adduction contracture and 23 (9.4%) as having abduction contracture. Crowe classification, leg-length discrepancy, and osteophyte morphology showed significant correlations with adduction contracture. Factors significantly correlated with abduction contracture were offset difference, pelvic obliquity, functional femoral anteversion, and osteophyte morphology. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the factor most strongly related to adduction contracture was Crowe III classification, whereas the strongest predictor of abduction contracture was osteophyte morphology. In conclusion, hip subluxation was related to the adduction contracture of the hip, whereas osteophyte morphology was related to abduction contracture.

Effectiveness of circular hexapod external fixation with soft tissue reconstruction in treating severe knee dislocation due to burn scarring: a case report

BackgroundSevere varus deformity and soft tissue injury caused by a burn around a complex knee dislocation is a rare injury. Soft tissue reconstruction and deformity correction with circular hexapod external fixation of the knee and hinged total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are challenging and can lead to major complications if not performed appropriately. We present a case in which a combination of soft tissue reconstruction, circular hexapod external fixation, and TKA was used treat severe knee dislocation due to burn scarring.Case presentationWe report the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented for knee surgery with soft tissue reconstruction, deformity correction with circular hexapod external fixation, and hinged TKA for a severe complex deformity and soft tissue injury caused by a burn injury at 6 months of age. The left leg was shorter by 35 mm in terms of functional leg length discrepancy. She walked with a limp, with a marked varus deformity of the left knee during the stance phase of walking. After a 3-stage repair, the patient was able to walk without assistance, confirming improvement of mobility.ConclusionThe treatment method was an effective use of a combination of soft tissue reconstruction, circular hexapod external fixation, and rehearsal surgery using a 3D printed bone model of the modular rotating hinge component of TKA, which was successfully used to treat a severe knee dislocation due to burn scarring. This staged surgery maintained the leg length and ultimately achieved a satisfactory alignment.

Crowe Type IV Hip Dysplasia Treated by THA Comebined with Osteotomy to Balance Functional Leg Length Discrepancy: A Prospective Observational Study.

ObjectiveTo measure the factors that affect functional leg length of Crowe type IV Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) patients and to review our own methods to balance leg length discrepancy (LLD) in Crowe type IV DDH patients.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study which started in June 2017 and ended in August 2019. Inclusion criteria included: (i) Crowe type I or Crowe type IV hip dysplasia patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the Department of Orthopaedics at our institution between July 2017 and June 2018; (ii) the patients were treated with our specific leg length balance strategy; and (iii) the related outcomes of patients were completely recorded. Finally, 18 consecutive Crowe type I patients (20 hips) and 14 consecutive Crowe type IV patients (18 hips) were selected and divided into two groups according to Crowe types. All patients received THA, and patients with a longer affected side and inferior anatomical acetabular positions in Crowe type IV group also received subtrochanteric osteotomy. During operation and after hip reduction, leg lengths were compared while two legs were in an extended position and the operative leg was on top of the non‐operative one. Additional leg length adjustment was applied when leg length was considered to be unequal. Prior to surgery, subluxation height of the femoral head on the affected side, functional LLD, bony length of lower limbs, and distance from teardrops to the lowest point line of the sacroiliac joint were recorded. After surgery, cup sizes, functional LLD, and height of hip rotational centers were measured. Clinical evaluations, such as Harris Hip Score (HHS) and SF‐12 scale, were also obtained before and after surgery for all patients.ResultsAt the last follow‐up, functional LLD and clinical measurements of both Crowe type IV group and Crowe type I group were significantly improved. Compared with Crowe type I patients, Crowe type IV patients had a significantly lower MCS, a significantly longer leg lengthening length and a significantly lower hip center height after surgery. Significant differences of tibia length, leg length, and teardrop position were found between affected side and healthy side of Crowe type IV patients. Only three of 14 Crowe type IV patients remained under 1 cm functional LLD. Five patients in the Crowe type IV group developed lower limb numbness immediately following surgery, and they all recovered within 6 months. The average follow‐up period for either group was 14 months, and all patients were followed‐up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months then yearly after surgery until the final follow‐up.ConclusionAfter detailed leg length balance process, THA combined with transverse sub‐trochanter osteotomy could be an effective method to achieve equal function leg length with most Crowe type IV patients.

The Role of Myofascial Trigger Points in the Treatment of Reversible Functional Scoliosis

Background: The pathophysiology of reversible functional scoliosis caused by pelvic obliquity is still widely overlooked. The focus of this retrospective study is to observe the occurrence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in patients with reversible pelvic obliquity causing functional scoliosis and leg length discrepancy (LLD). Method: A retrospective study of 100 consecutive first-visit patients in a physiatric practice was undertaken. The total number of patients included in the study, 111, was determined so that that the number of participants having a reversible pelvic obliquity, amounted up to 100. A Palpation Meter ® was used to determine the height difference in the iliac crests and scapular angles before and after the aligning manoeuvres instructed to be performed by the patient. The method of establishing pelvic symmetry using patients own muscle strength (Muscle Energy Technique) has been described in authors two previous articles and is here reiterated. The incidence of three known types of functional scoliosis associated with pelvic obliquity was registered: innominate upslip, innominate anterior rotation and torsion of the sacrum. Each of them causes a distinct pattern of functional scoliosis. MTrPs were identified by local muscle palpation, indicated by their referred pain patterns. The MTrPs were treated with dry needling. Only the MTrPs where needling caused a local twitch response or symptomatic pain radiation was registered. Besides, the M. iliopsoas mobility was assessed lying prone Findings: Eighty-four of them had identifiable MTrPs localized in 36 different muscles. The muscle most frequently harbouring TrPs was the gluteus medius. Moreover, 84 of the 100 had a unilateral shortening of the iliopsoas muscle. This study does not include a follow up. The re-establishment of symmetry during the visit was verified. The fact that the study was implemented by one physician leaves it open to bias. The results have a tentative character calling for further research. Conclusion: The studies covering reversible pelvic obliquity are still lacking though the condition appears to be quite common among patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain. MTrPs may be considered a major source in producing pain in patients having functional scoliosis. There seems to be a strong correlation between functional scoliosis and occurrence of MTrPs. Functional scoliosis imposes persistent muscle strain that perpetuates TrPs in the paraspinal and associated musculature. Correcting the pelvic obliquity causing LLD and functional scoliosis can contribute to treatment of myofascial pain. Dry needling is widely considered a manageable option in the treatment of MTrPs.

Functional leg length discrepancy between theories and reliable instrumental assessment: a study about newly invented NPoS system

Functional leg length discrepancy between theories and reliable instrumental assessment: a study about newly invented NPoS system

Effect of total hip arthroplasty in patients with stiff hip and severe length discrepancy

Objective: To observe the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty in patients with stiff hip and moderate or severe leg length discrepancy and to explore the strategy for balance recovery. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the clinical data of 30 patients who had stiff hip and moderate or severe leg length discrepancy treated with unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty at Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2014 to January 2017.There were 18 male and 12 female patients aging of (43.5±9.7)years (range, 30-68 years). All patients had different degrees of pelvic tilt and scoliosis. In operation, contractured soft tissues were released, periarticular osteophytes were removed thoroughly and the center of ratation was restablished without femoral shortening osteotomy.Patient satisfaction, Harris hip score, perceived leg length discrepancy (LLD), true LLD and functional LLD were collected.Data were analyzed by paired-samples t-test. Results: The mean follow-up duration was (17.6±7.6)months (range, 12-30 months). The Harris hip score was improved from 37.6±5.7 preoperatively to 84.3±5.2 at last follow-up (t=-57.54, P=0.000). The preoperative and last follow-up data of true LLD((3.19±0.82)cm vs.(0.70±0.71)cm), functional LLD((4.36±1.72)cm vs.(0.46±0.53)cm) and perceived LLD((7.74±2.01)cm vs.(0.98±0.79)cm) was significantly difference(t=26.47, t=15.05, t=26.9, P<0.01). Twenty-seven patients were restored to normal level (LLD≤10 mm ) and there was no sciatic nerve injury observed after surgery. 90.0% (27/30) patients were satisfied by the outcome. Conclusions: Total hip arthroplasty have satisfactory effect in correcting leg-length discrepancy of stiff hip patients. Preoperative assessment, individualized surgical methods and soft tissue releasing are important for balance recovery of affected limbs.