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. 2010 Jun 30;6(3):393-8.
doi: 10.5114/aoms.2010.14262.

Functional scoliosis caused by leg length discrepancy

Jan W Raczkowski  1 , Barbara Daniszewska, Krystian Zolynski
Affiliations

Functional scoliosis caused by leg length discrepancy

Jan W Raczkowski et al. Arch Med Sci. .

Abstract

Introduction: Leg length discrepancy (LLD) causes pelvic obliquity in the frontal plane and lumbar scoliosis with convexity towards the shorter extremity. Leg length discrepancy is observed in 3-15% of the population. Unequalized lower limb length discrepancy leads to posture deformation, gait asymmetry, low back pain and discopathy.

Material and methods: In the years 1998-2006, 369 children, aged 5 to 17 years (209 girls, 160 boys) with LLD-related functional scoliosis were treated. An external or internal shoe lift was applied.

Results: Among 369 children the discrepancy of 0.5 cm was observed in 27, 1 cm in 329, 1.5 cm in 9 and 2 cm in 4 children. During the first follow-up examination, within 2 weeks, the adjustment of the spine to new static conditions was noted and correction of the curve in 316 examined children (83.7%). In 53 children (14.7%) the correction was observed later and was accompanied by slight low back pain. The time needed for real equalization of limbs was 3 to 24 months. The time needed for real equalization of the discrepancy was 11.3 months.

Conclusions: Leg length discrepancy equalization results in elimination of scoliosis. Leg length discrepancy < 2 cm is a static disorder; that is why measurements should be performed in a standing position using blocks of adequate thickness and the position of the posterior superior iliac spine should be estimated.

Keywords: functional scoliosis; leg length discrepancy; low back pain.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
An 11-year old girl with lumbar scoliosis caused by LLD
Figure 2
Figure 2
Equalization of curvature with a shoe lift
Figure 3
Figure 3
Electronic balance specially constructed for this research
Figure 4
Figure 4
Percentage of children with equalized LLD depending on the time of shoe lift application
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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