A technical tip for assessing leg length discrepancy in radiographs with windswept hips

J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2024 Jul 16:54:102494. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2024.102494. eCollection 2024 Jul.

Abstract

Restoration of equal leg lengths is essential when performing total hip arthroplasty. Pre-operatively, surgeons should assess leg length discrepancy (LLD) on plain radiographs to help adequately plan their operation. Often the hips are in a minor windswept position on radiographs and this can make assessing LLD unreliable. We have devised a simple method for assessing LLD on plain radiographs in patients with windswept hips.

Keywords: Leg length discrepancy; Total hip arthroplasty; Windswept hips.