Limb Shortness

Limbs of Limbs

The difference in length between the right and left sides of the leg or arms is called the limb shortness (UK). Generally, there is a difference in length of less than 5 cm between the two arms. For this reason, it will be mentioned below about the difference in the size of the legs.

Reason

Previous accidents: If a broken bone is not restored to its normal shape, a leg will remain shorter. In severe fractures, in which bone is usually divided into many parts, such problems can occur. In childhood, bony shortening and / or curvature may occur due to prolonged bone, fractures in the growth cartilage (epiphysiolysis), this tissue will be affected, or some problems in the treatment.

Bone inflammations: Bone inflammation, especially in childhood, may cause shortness and / or curvature of the bone despite all kinds of treatment. Inflammatory or rheumatic diseases of the joints in childhood can also cause leg shortening.
Congenital bone diseases: Congenital diseases such as Ollier’s disease, multiple exocytosis, neurofibromatosis can cause a difference in height between the limbs.

Other: Inflammatory, rheumatic diseases and neurological problems can create a height difference between the limbs in childhood. Another condition is that one leg is normal and the other is over-developed and long (partial giant).

Diagnosis

For this purpose, the patient should be measured with a tape measure between the various fixed points, while the patient is lying and standing. When standing, put wooden blocks 1 cm below the short side to ensure that the hips become parallel to the ground and shorten according to the block amount. In addition, millimeter measurements and calculations must be made with special size x-rays.

Treatment

Non Surgical: Legs, 2 cm. In the height differences underneath, it is the most appropriate treatment to eliminate the height difference with the reinforcements to be made into the shoe of the shorter side or to the bottom.

Surgery: In children, either the short side is extended to equalize the length of the two side limbs, or the elongation of the elongated side is slowed. The physician should decide on the appropriate technique by evaluating factors such as the underlying disease, the time remaining for elongation.