It is relatively common for one leg to be longer or shorter than the other. Some studies indicate that leg length inequality may be a condition that affects approximately -40-70% of people. Leg length inequality may occur in the form of 1 cm leg shortness, or it may occur in the form of 2 cm leg shortness or greater differences. It is recommended to be conscious because the increase in the difference between the lengths of the legs is associated with conditions such as gait and posture disorder or the development of pain. defines a visible size difference. This condition, which is anisomeme in Latin, can tolerate it until the middle age, especially if it is below 1.5-2 cm.
What are the Causes of Short Legs?
Leg length inequality, congenital ( It can be grouped as congenital) bone length differences or acquired short leg shortening that occurs for various reasons over time. The terms "anatomical" and "functional" are generally used to name these groups.
Anatomical leg length inequality is caused by the fact that the femur, which is the thigh bone, or the tibia, which is the thigh bone, are shorter than the bones in the other extremities. This situation, which is generally present from birth, can also occur due to various disorders that occur during the growth period. Bone traumas, especially fractures, are among the conditions that negatively affect bone growth.
This slowing effect may occur especially in multi-part fractures and in cases where the surrounding muscle tissue is also affected. In some fractures, signals that will trigger excessive growth may occur in the broken bone. Overgrowth of bone tissue due to the effect of these signals is a condition especially seen in young children whose thigh bone is broken.
The epiphysis, located at the end of the long bones, contains the growth plates and is responsible for the elongation of the bones during the developmental period. This part, which is located on the side close to the cartilage, can sometimes be damaged due to various traumas, and therefore, a change in the growth rate on this side may occur. In addition to trauma Bone diseases such as osteomyelitis are also among the conditions that can damage the growth plate. Care should be taken as this damage can result in leg length inequality over time.
Bone tumors are another condition that can cause the development of single leg shortness by affecting the leg length. Both the developing tissue growths and the methods used for the treatment of these conditions can cause leg length inequality in individuals. Childhood rheumatological diseases called juvenile arthritis may also have a growth retarding effect by causing inflammation in the joint area close to the growth cartilage.
Short Legs in Babies
Leg length inequality in young children and infants occurs mainly due to the congenital involvement of the bones in this region. Congenital causes of short leg length in infants can be given as examples of a calf bone abnormality called fibular hemimelia, a thigh bone problem called focal femoral insufficiency, or a greater growth of one side than the other, called hemihypertrophy.
Short Leg in Adults
Short leg in children is a condition that can be detected quite early, thanks to conscious parents. However, leg length inequality does not occur only because of congenital problems. Various traumas and disorders that occur in life can cause the development of short legs in adults. Bone infections and bone traumas are among the most common causes of this condition. Diseases such as neurofibromatosis, multiple hereditary exocytosis and Ollier's disease are also among the causes of leg length inequality.
What are the Symptoms of Short Leg Length?
Symptoms resulting from short leg length vary according to the degree of inequality. varies. While no symptoms may occur with small differences, it is seen that various complaints accompany leg length inequality, especially in differences over 2 cm.
Symptoms such as gait problems such as limping, hip, back, knee and ankle pain or extreme fatigue are among the complaints that may occur as a result of short leg length. The person's overall quality of life This condition, which also causes a decrease in the length of the leg, may have a more severe course, especially in individuals who develop shortness (average 4 cm) in the size of 3-4% of the leg length. The excessive fatigue that occurs is also caused by the difficulty experienced by the person while walking due to this leg length difference.
How to Understand Short Leg Length?
Short leg lengths that occur in childhood can be detected in the early period without escaping the attention of careful parents. Height disparity can sometimes be noticed during childhood screening studies.
After the applications to health institutions with the complaint of short leg length, the first stage of diagnosis is physical examination practices. During the physical examination, the physician evaluates the patient's medical history and examines the patient's differences in sitting, standing and walking. It can be noticed that the patient tries to balance the height inequality by flexing the knee of one leg or walking on tiptoe while walking.
In order to determine the degree of leg length inequality, firstly, the measurements made while standing are applied. To understand the extent of the inequality, it is tried to provide balance from the hip level with blocks of various sizes under the short extremity. The length of the block where the equality is established also reveals the difference between the legs.
X-rays are radiological examinations that allow visualization of dense structures such as bones. Leg films can provide a full view of the degree of existing leg length inequality. In addition to X-rays, computed tomography (CT) examination is another radiological examination that gives the opportunity to evaluate leg length inequality in detail. At the same time, evaluation of soft tissue is another important feature of CT examination. Generally, one of these two techniques is preferred for diagnosis and follow-up, and the changes are evaluated on the same examination.
How to Treat Short Legs?
Treatment for short legs varies depending on the underlying condition. In the treatment of functional inequalities, physical therapy applications, massage or some specific exercises can be used to restore balance and relieve weakness. r. These treatment methods are also beneficial in correcting the posture. The treatment of anatomical leg length inequality is planned according to the degree of this difference. Shoe sole supports can be used for small size differences. These devices also have a corrective effect on the person's gait and complaints such as back pain.
Surgical interventions come to the fore especially in people who have a significant difference in leg lengths. Shortening the long leg, not shortening the long leg, or performing applications to prevent growth in the long leg are among the surgical methods that can be performed. Following the operations, people are usually followed up with regular examinations. Physical therapy and rehabilitation practices in the post-surgical period are also very important and should not be neglected.
Leg length inequality is a very common situation in society. The difference between dimensions may vary depending on whether the underlying cause of the condition is due to functional or anatomical factors. The small difference in length may not cause any complaints in individuals. However, moderate and severe differences may present with complaints such as gait and posture (body posture) disorders or back and low back pain. If you encounter symptoms of this problem both in yourself and in your loved ones, it is recommended to apply to health institutions and get support from specialist physicians.
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