Measuring leg-length discrepancy by the "iliac crest palpation and book correction" method: reliability and validity.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the reliability and validity of a clinical measurement of leg-length discrepancy (LLD), by using the iliac crest palpation and book correction (ICPBC) method.


METHODS
Intra- and interrater reliability and validity determinations.


METHODS
Rehabilitation center.


METHODS
Thirty-four healthy subjects, none of whom had an apparent LLD, as determined by iliac crest palpation.


METHODS
We induced a simulated LLD (7-53 mm) for each subject. To measure the LLD, the examiner performed the ICPBC method by palpating the iliac crests and correcting identified differences with a book opened to the required number of pages. The thickness of the book correction was measured.


METHODS
Reliability LLD measurement (n = 20), by using the ICPBC method to measure the LLD; construct validity (n = 34), comparing ICPBC measurement with the extent of the induced LLD; and concurrent validity (n = 14), the difference in heights of the superior aspect of the femoral heads from standing radiographs.


RESULTS
The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the intrarater and interrater reliabilities were.98 and.91, respectively. The ICCs for the construct and concurrent validities were.62 and.76, respectively. The ICPBC method underestimated the induced LLD by a mean difference +/- standard deviation of 3.8 +/- 10.3mm (p =.055) and the radiologic measure by 5.1 +/- 8.6 mm (p =.043).


CONCLUSIONS
The ICPBC technique for measuring LLD is highly reliable and moderately valid. When there is no history of pelvic deformity and the iliac crests can be readily palpated, we recommend using iliac crest palpation to detect LLD, and the book correction to quantify it.
Hanada
E
E
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
Kirby
R L
RL
Mitchell
M
M
Swuste
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D001877:Books; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D010173:Palpation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results