Limb Length Discrepancy

Limb length discrepancy (LLD) is a condition of unequal lengths of the femur, or tibia, or both.

Information you need

Causes and symptoms of LLD

Limb length discrepancies can be present at birth or they can develop after a fracture or a traumatic injury. Children may suffer an injury that damages their growth plate and as the child continues to grow, their limb length discrepancy can slowly increase.

Limb length discrepancies can also be caused from infections, tumors, and the result of chronic fractures, congenital abnormalities, malunions, or nonunions. Limb length discrepancies affect adults as well as children.1

Non-Surgical Treatments

If LLD is established as a diagnosis, your physician may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

  • Observation
  • Shoe lift

Surgical Procedures

If symptoms do not improve with other methods, your physician may suggest surgery. Surgical solutions for LLD may include:

  • Epiphysiodesis
  • Limb shortening
  • External limb lengthening
  • Internal limb lengthening

What is Reach Your Height?

Reach Your Height is a resource dedicated to providing information to patients with limb length discrepancy.

Take me to Reach Your Height

“Now that I’ve had the surgery it’s just so much better.”

- Lauryn Kapiloff

1. www.orthoinfo.aaos.org, see Limb Length Discrepancy

The materials on this website are for your general educational information only. Information you read on this website cannot replace the relationship that you have with your healthcare professional. We do not practice medicine or provide medical services or advice as a part of this website. You should always talk to your healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.