Leg length discrepancy, Orthopedics FAQ

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Slow Recovery After Limb Lengthening Surgery: Common Concerns and Rehab Tips

Slow recovery after bone lengthening surgery? Hello, Doctor. I underwent a left femur lengthening surgery on April 2034, achieving an extension of 4 cm. In October 2023, the external fixator was removed and replaced with an internal fixation plate (not intramedullary nails), spec...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
Hello, if there is a discrepancy in leg length, it often accompanies issues with spinal scoliosis. When the lower limb is lengthened, the spinal curvature may not improve immediately, which can lead to other problems, making it feel as though the legs are still unequal in length....

[Read More] Slow Recovery After Limb Lengthening Surgery: Common Concerns and Rehab Tips


Misdiagnosis in Orthopedics: From Hip Avascular Necrosis to Unnecessary Spinal Fusion

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head, yet underwent total lumbar fusion? In October 2022, I experienced sudden pain in my left lower limb and groin, along with a sensation of leg length discrepancy and limping. I went to the neurosurgery department at Tainan Medical Center, whe...


Dr. Shen Boquan Reply:
There are many possible causes of discomfort and pain in the lower limbs, including muscle pain, joint inflammation, and lumbar nerve compression commonly known as sciatica. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is also a possibility. Sometimes, these conditions can occur simult...

[Read More] Misdiagnosis in Orthopedics: From Hip Avascular Necrosis to Unnecessary Spinal Fusion


Can Self-Directed Exercises Help Alleviate Scoliosis Symptoms?

Can scoliosis be alleviated through self-corrective exercises? Hello Doctor: Recently, I visited the hospital due to concerns about having leg length discrepancy. After an X-ray examination, it was found that I have a spinal curvature of approximately 11 degrees. The doctor advis...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Corrective exercises can alleviate discomfort caused by scoliosis and may slightly reduce the angle of spinal curvature (as some scoliosis is postural rather than structural). Structural scoliosis cannot be altered by means other than surgery.

[Read More] Can Self-Directed Exercises Help Alleviate Scoliosis Symptoms?


Can Leg Length Discrepancy Cause Numbness and Weakness?

Can having one leg shorter than the other cause numbness in the feet? Doctor, I have a noticeable leg length discrepancy (left leg longer than the right). It is most apparent when I lie down. I also feel a tingling sensation on the outer side of my right thigh, and there is not m...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, sometimes the feeling of having one leg shorter than the other may not necessarily be an issue with the lower limbs. If there are also symptoms of lower limb weakness, numbness, or spinal conditions, further evaluation is needed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. ...

[Read More] Can Leg Length Discrepancy Cause Numbness and Weakness?


Addressing Leg Length Discrepancy After Fracture Surgery: Solutions and Recovery

Recovering from a fracture surgery following a car accident on August 20, 2023? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. I underwent surgery for a right femur fracture and right knee stabilization due to a car accident on August 20th last year. Fortunately, there was...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
It is essential to assess whether there is a difference in length after the fracture has healed. If there is no difference, it may be related to muscle atrophy. Muscle training can be beneficial, and using orthotic insoles is also an option.

[Read More] Addressing Leg Length Discrepancy After Fracture Surgery: Solutions and Recovery


Understanding Tibial Fractures and Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Children

Tibial fracture/Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) Hello, Doctor: My child, who is 8 years old, suffered an injury in a car accident resulting in a spiral fracture of the left tibial shaft. The doctor used a telescopic intramedullary nail with two fixation screws. I would like to ask t...


Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: 1. The effectiveness of rehabilitation therapy varies from person to person, especially in children where the differences can be significant. Please be patient and cooperate with the rehabilitation therapy for six months. 2. Normal removal of internal fixation devices requ...

[Read More] Understanding Tibial Fractures and Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Children


Managing High Arches: Effective Treatments for Foot Pain Relief

Joint pain At the age of 25, I had an ankle sprain, and prior to that, I had no discomfort from my high arches. I was able to engage in various intense sports such as basketball, badminton, and rock climbing without any issues. However, after spraining my right ankle, I developed...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
If there were no issues previously, then once the sprained ankle heals along with rehabilitation treatment, it typically improves. Resorting to non-standard medical methods is usually inappropriate.

[Read More] Managing High Arches: Effective Treatments for Foot Pain Relief


Understanding Orthofix Femoral Lengthening Surgery: Indications and Concerns

Indications for Orthofix Femoral Lengthening Surgery Hello Dr. Chen, I have congenital developmental dysplasia of the left femur (the neck of the left femur is shorter), which has resulted in a structural leg length discrepancy, with my left leg being 4.2 cm shorter than my right...


Dr. Chen Yongxue Reply:
1. The doctor said that my muscles are too strong, which caused the femur to become misaligned during the lengthening process. Is this a possibility? Yes, it is possible. 2. After the reduction surgery, the doctor added two more screws in the middle, but I have experienced signi...

[Read More] Understanding Orthofix Femoral Lengthening Surgery: Indications and Concerns


Can You Still Grow Taller After 30? Expert Insights and Options

Methods to Promote Height Growth Hello, doctor: I would like to inquire about whether there are any opportunities or methods to increase my height now that I am over 30 years old. Additionally, should I make an appointment with an orthopedic department at the hospital for this in...


Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: I'm sorry, but there is no method to increase your height further aside from surgical extension. For a normal adult without significant leg length discrepancy or deformities, surgical treatment is not recommended. If you are considering surgical treatment, you can sch...

[Read More] Can You Still Grow Taller After 30? Expert Insights and Options


Can Correcting Leg Length Discrepancy Fix Pelvic Tilt Issues?

Can correcting leg length discrepancy also improve pelvic tilt? When I was in fifth grade, I fell off my bicycle and later discovered that I had a pelvic fracture, which healed on its own (the follow-up doctor said it healed fine). However, in recent years, I have noticed that I ...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of experiencing a severe pelvic displacement from simply falling off a bicycle is low. It is also important to consider whether factors such as scoliosis are involved. Generally, the actual skeletal length of both lower limbs can be assessed through full-len...

[Read More] Can Correcting Leg Length Discrepancy Fix Pelvic Tilt Issues?


Addressing Leg Length Discrepancy After Hip Replacement Surgery

Leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty? My husband underwent traditional surgery to replace his right hip joint with a prosthesis several years ago, and he had a revision surgery for his left hip joint at the end of October this year. However, after the surgery at th...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. There is a slight possibility that the condition may worsen, increasing the risk of infection. 2. It cannot be determined. 3. You can discuss this with your physician.

[Read More] Addressing Leg Length Discrepancy After Hip Replacement Surgery


Post-Operative Hip Replacement: Addressing Nerve Pain and Recovery Concerns

Post-hip replacement surgery After the mother underwent left total hip arthroplasty, she experienced numbness and pain on the outer side of her lower leg, and she is unable to dorsiflex her foot, although she can plantarflex and move her toes. The attending physician indicated th...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It is possible that the sciatic nerve is being compressed, which can lead to an inability to dorsiflex the ankle joint. If the compression is not severe, recovery is possible. Currently, one option is to use a splint to maintain the ankle joint at a 90-degree angle. 2. After...

[Read More] Post-Operative Hip Replacement: Addressing Nerve Pain and Recovery Concerns


Understanding Hip Joint Limitations After Femoral Fracture Recovery

Complications after femoral fracture? Hello, doctor. Five years ago, I had a car accident that resulted in a mid-shaft fracture of my left femur. It has since healed, and the intramedullary nail has been removed. However, I have undergone multiple surgeries and rehabilitation due...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
1. It could be joint contracture or a muscle issue. 2. It may also be due to pain causing reluctance to move. 3. Engage in rehabilitation. 4. It is possible. 5. Surgical treatment is only necessary if there is a leg length discrepancy of more than four centimeters; if the...

[Read More] Understanding Hip Joint Limitations After Femoral Fracture Recovery


Post-Operative Follow-Up for Spinal Fusion: Common Concerns and Solutions

Follow-up appointment after spinal arch repair surgery? 1. Is it normal for the steel hook to appear misaligned or not parallel during a follow-up visit? 2. If it is not normal, how should it be addressed? 3. Can PRP injections be used to restore hydration in degenerated inte...


Dr. Chen Bochen Reply:
Hello, 1. An X-ray is more effective for assessment; sometimes what you perceive as misalignment may actually be in the correct position according to the physician. 2. Please consult the surgeon who performed your operation. 3. Engage in more physical activity, such as brisk walk...

[Read More] Post-Operative Follow-Up for Spinal Fusion: Common Concerns and Solutions


Correcting Knee Deformities After Tibial Plateau Surgery: Solutions

Tibial plateau fracture treated surgically resulted in a varus deformity (bow-legged)? In 2021, I underwent surgery on my left knee, where five screws and a plate were used for fixation. Now, three months later, I have noticed that my thigh is turned inward, the left side of my p...


Dr. Shi Guozheng Reply:
To determine if a fracture has healed, if it has healed, active rehabilitation should be undertaken. In the future, if there are joint issues following the fracture, further treatment should be considered.

[Read More] Correcting Knee Deformities After Tibial Plateau Surgery: Solutions


Understanding Patellar Malalignment and Hallux Valgus Pain in Athletes

Patellar valgus and hallux valgus pain? Hello, doctor. I have been running and playing tennis for a long time, but I stopped due to knee pain. I visited an orthopedic clinic in Hsinchu, where an X-ray showed mild patellar malalignment and some hallux valgus. The doctor only perfo...


Dr. Li Wenhong Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit a larger hospital's orthopedic sports medicine subspecialty for further evaluation. If there is no immediate need for surgical correction, you can then proceed to the rehabilitation department for rehabilitation therapy. Orthopedics, L...

[Read More] Understanding Patellar Malalignment and Hallux Valgus Pain in Athletes


Understanding Leg Length Discrepancy: Measurement Errors and Solutions

Measurement errors in leg length discrepancy and inability to stand for prolonged periods? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, during my first visit to Hospital 804 for an X-ray, the measurement of my right leg was 2.15 cm longer than my left leg, but during my second visit to Vet...


Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello, scanometry of the lower extremities is primarily used to assess leg length and deformities. There may be some variations in measurements due to different hospitals, software, and physicians. If your leg length discrepancy is between 1-2 centimeters, you can initially use s...

[Read More] Understanding Leg Length Discrepancy: Measurement Errors and Solutions


Does Pelvic Rotation Cause Uneven Walking? Understanding the Impact

Does pelvic rotation cause a feeling of walking with a tilt? Dear Doctor: I have always had a habit of exercising, but due to the pandemic, I was unable to exercise for over two months starting from May 16. With long hours of sitting at work, I have been experiencing tightness in...


Dr. Wang Shouji Reply:
Hello, if there is asymmetry in the length of the lower limbs, it can lead to unequal exertion on both sides. However, the underlying cause needs to be further investigated. If this issue did not exist before but has now developed, it may require a period of rest and rehabilitati...

[Read More] Does Pelvic Rotation Cause Uneven Walking? Understanding the Impact


Can Leg Length Discrepancy Improve After Femur Fracture Surgery?

Femoral fracture Hello, Doctor You. I suffered a thigh fracture and a hip fracture from a car accident, and I have already undergone surgery. They used intramedullary nails for fixation. It has been two and a half months since the surgery on October 30. Shortly after the surgery,...


Dr. You Dianqi Reply:
Hello: The removal of bone screws generally does not cause the "lengthening" of bones as you mentioned. However, it is important to discuss with your attending physician whether there is indeed a condition of leg length discrepancy. If there is, we need to determine the...

[Read More] Can Leg Length Discrepancy Improve After Femur Fracture Surgery?


Leg Length Discrepancy After Femur Fracture Surgery: Causes and Concerns

After the removal of the metal pins from a femoral fracture, the leg has become longer? Hello Doctor, I fractured my left thigh in a car accident and underwent surgery to remove the metal pins on January 20th of this year. My condition has been good, but after being discharged, I...


Dr. Zhan Xian Reply:
Hello Ms. Chi, a femoral fracture may potentially lead to complications such as changes in bone length, either elongation or shortening. However, there is no need to worry excessively. If there was no noticeable leg length discrepancy prior to the removal, the length of the bone ...

[Read More] Leg Length Discrepancy After Femur Fracture Surgery: Causes and Concerns


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