Leg Length Test: Difference between revisions
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== Purpose == | == Purpose == | ||
The purpose of this test is to assess leg length difference of [[Leg Length Discrepancy|leg length discrepancy]]. | |||
== Technique == | == Technique == | ||
Direct Method | |||
* Involves measuring limb length with a tape measure between 2 defined points, in the stand. Two common points are the anterior iliac spine and the medial malleolus or the anterior inferior iliac spine and lateral malleolus<ref>Brady RJ, Dean JB, Skinner TM, Gross MT. [[/www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.2003.33.5.221|Limb length inequality: clinical implications for assessment and intervention]]. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2003 May;33(5):221-34. Accessed 24 June 2019.</ref><ref>Gross MT, Burns CB, Chapman SW, Hudson CJ, Curtis HS, Lehmann JR, Renner JB. [[/www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.1998.27.4.285|Reliability and validity of rigid lift and pelvic leveling device method in assessing functional leg length inequality]]. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1998 Apr;27(4):285-94. Accessed 24 June 2019.</ref> | |||
* Be careful, however, because there is a great deal of criticism and debate surroundings the accuracy of tape measure methods. If you choose this method, keep the following topics and possible errors in mind: | |||
** Always use the mean of at least 2 or 3 measures | |||
** If possible, compare measures between 2 or more clinicians | |||
** Iliac asymmetries may mask or accentuate a limb length inequality | |||
** Unilateral deviations in the long axis of the lower limb (eg. Genu varum,…) may mask or accentuate a limb length inequality | |||
** Asymmetrical position of the umbilicus | |||
** Joint contractures | |||
Indirect Method | |||
* Palpation of bony landmarks, most commonly the iliac crests or anterior iliac spines, in standing. These methods consist of detecting if bony landmarks are at (the horizontal) level or if limb length inequality is present. | |||
* Palpation and visual estimation of the iliac crest (or ASIS) in combination with the use of blocks or book pages of known thickness under the shorter limb to adjust the level of the iliac crests (or ASIS) appears to be the best (most accurate and precise) clinical method to asses limb inequality. | |||
* You should keep in mind that asymmetric pelvic rotations in planes other than the frontal plane may be associated with limb length inequality. A review of the literature suggests, therefore, that the greater trochanter major and as many pelvic landmarks should be palpated and compared (left trochanter with right trochanter) when the block correction method is used. | |||
== Evidence == | == Evidence == | ||
Revision as of 09:22, 30 June 2022
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Purpose[edit | edit source]
The purpose of this test is to assess leg length difference of leg length discrepancy.
Technique[edit | edit source]
Direct Method
- Involves measuring limb length with a tape measure between 2 defined points, in the stand. Two common points are the anterior iliac spine and the medial malleolus or the anterior inferior iliac spine and lateral malleolus[1][2]
- Be careful, however, because there is a great deal of criticism and debate surroundings the accuracy of tape measure methods. If you choose this method, keep the following topics and possible errors in mind:
- Always use the mean of at least 2 or 3 measures
- If possible, compare measures between 2 or more clinicians
- Iliac asymmetries may mask or accentuate a limb length inequality
- Unilateral deviations in the long axis of the lower limb (eg. Genu varum,…) may mask or accentuate a limb length inequality
- Asymmetrical position of the umbilicus
- Joint contractures
Indirect Method
- Palpation of bony landmarks, most commonly the iliac crests or anterior iliac spines, in standing. These methods consist of detecting if bony landmarks are at (the horizontal) level or if limb length inequality is present.
- Palpation and visual estimation of the iliac crest (or ASIS) in combination with the use of blocks or book pages of known thickness under the shorter limb to adjust the level of the iliac crests (or ASIS) appears to be the best (most accurate and precise) clinical method to asses limb inequality.
- You should keep in mind that asymmetric pelvic rotations in planes other than the frontal plane may be associated with limb length inequality. A review of the literature suggests, therefore, that the greater trochanter major and as many pelvic landmarks should be palpated and compared (left trochanter with right trochanter) when the block correction method is used.
Evidence[edit | edit source]
Provide the evidence for this technique here
Resources[edit | edit source]
add any relevant resources here
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Brady RJ, Dean JB, Skinner TM, Gross MT. Limb length inequality: clinical implications for assessment and intervention. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2003 May;33(5):221-34. Accessed 24 June 2019.
- ↑ Gross MT, Burns CB, Chapman SW, Hudson CJ, Curtis HS, Lehmann JR, Renner JB. Reliability and validity of rigid lift and pelvic leveling device method in assessing functional leg length inequality. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1998 Apr;27(4):285-94. Accessed 24 June 2019.
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