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. 2005 Jul 20:13:12.
doi: 10.1186/1746-1340-13-12.

Anatomic and functional leg-length inequality: a review and recommendation for clinical decision-making. Part II. The functional or unloaded leg-length asymmetry

Gary A Knutson  1
Affiliations

Anatomic and functional leg-length inequality: a review and recommendation for clinical decision-making. Part II. The functional or unloaded leg-length asymmetry

Gary A Knutson. Chiropr Osteopat. .

Abstract

Background: Part II of this review examines the functional "short leg" or unloaded leg length alignment asymmetry, including the relationship between an anatomic and functional leg-length inequality. Based on the reviewed evidence, an outline for clinical decision making regarding functional and anatomic leg-length inequality will be provided.

Methods: Online databases: Medline, CINAHL and Mantis. Plus library searches for the time frame of 1970-2005 were done using the term "leg-length inequality".

Results and discussion: The evidence suggests that an unloaded leg-length asymmetry is a different phenomenon than an anatomic leg-length inequality, and may be due to suprapelvic muscle hypertonicity. Anatomic leg-length inequality and unloaded functional or leg-length alignment asymmetry may interact in a loaded (standing) posture, but not in an unloaded (prone/supine) posture.

Conclusion: The unloaded, functional leg-length alignment asymmetry is a likely phenomenon, although more research regarding reliability of the measurement procedure and validity relative to spinal dysfunction is needed. Functional leg-length alignment asymmetry should be eliminated before any necessary treatment of anatomic LLI.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Effects of a lift in level and unlevel compensated pelvis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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