Factors Associated with Leg Length Discrepancy during Gait in the Early Postoperative Period after Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of patients with total hip arthroplasty with a prolonged perceived leg length difference (PLLD) during gait compared with static standing, and to clarify the factors associated with PLLD during gait.
Methods: We investigated the radiographic leg length difference, pelvic obliquity, and anterior pelvic tilt before and 3 weeks after surgery in 91 patients with primary total hip arthroplasty. PLLD (static standing and walking) and hip range of motion were also measured.
Results: Patients with a prolonged PLLD during gait compared with static standing had significantly poorer operative hip adduction range of motion and operative hip extension range of motion. Multiple regression analysis with PLLD during gait as the dependent variable and the survey items as independent variables revealed that the factors associated with PLLD during gait were radiographic leg length difference before and after surgery, postoperative pelvic obliquity, preoperative anterior pelvic tilt, operative hip adduction range of motion, and operative hip extension range of motion.
Conclusion: The results showed that the operative hip adduction range of motion, the postoperative pelvic obliquity, and the operative hip extension range of motion were associated with PLLD during walking.