title: Minimizing leg-length inequality in total hip arthroplasty: use of preoperative templating and an intraoperative x-ray.
abstract: Leg-length inequality after total hip arthroplasty remains a controversial issue. In the study reported here, we sought to determine whether significant leg-length discrepancies (> 6 mm) can be minimized with use of an intraoperative x-ray. In each case, preoperative templating was carefully performed, an intraoperative pelvis x-ray was obtained to assess accuracy, and appropriate adjustments were made. Eighty-six consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties and their associated x-rays were retrospectively reviewed. Mean postoperative leg-length discrepancy was 0.3 mm (SD, 2.6 mm; range, -6 to +6 mm). No legs were lengthened or shortened by more than 6 mm. Significant leg-length discrepancies can be minimized with use of an intraoperative pelvis x-ray.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA. aaron.hofmann@hsc.utah.edu
authors.forename: Aaron A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Hofmann
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bolognesi
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lahav
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kurtin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006622:Hip Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies