A Simple Method of Intraoperative Limb Length Measurement in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Limb length inequality (LLI) is a comon complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). The abductor moment-arm (AMA) affects the joint reactive force, implant load, and rotational stresses on the femoral stem. In order to minimize postoperative LLI and restore nomal abductor moment arm, we used a Steinmann pin, wire bent at 90 degrees, adjustable length caliper, and two movable connectors. A Steinmann pin was percutaneously insertd through the ilium for an iliac reference point. A small mark was made on the greater trochanter for a femoral reference point. The calier had a movable connector that was attached to a Steinmann pin for LLI measurement. The Steinmann pin also had a movable connector. The connector of the Steinmann pin was fixed in contact with the caliper's connector and was used for the measurement of the horizontal change of the greater trochanter. Both the vertical and horizontal distances between the two reference points were repeatedly measured and final assessment for the inplantation was carried out Postoperatively, LLI and AMA both improved in eignteen patients. The present results suggest that our simple technique prevents postoperative LLI and over-lenghening.

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