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

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

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