Prevalence and functional impact of patient-perceived leg length discrepancy after hip replacement

Abstract

The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence of patient-perceived leg length discrepancy (LLD) after primary total hip replacement (THR) and its impact on functional outcome. All consecutive patients who had a primary, unilateral THR at one orthopaedic centre between April 1993–1996 were sent a questionnaire which included the Oxford hip score (OHS) and questions about LLD. A total of 1,114 patients returned completed questionnaires. Three hundred and twenty nine patients (30%) reported a LLD. Of these patients, 161 patients (49%) were bothered by the difference, 101 patients (31%) used a shoe raise and 13 patients (4%) thought that the surgery had not been worthwhile. Patients with a LLD had a significantly poorer OHS (p<0.001) and limped more frequently. This study found that a third of patients perceived a LLD at 5-8 years after THR and LLD had a significant negative impact on functional outcome.