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Leg length difference after TKR! What can be done?
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Feb 15 3:59pm | Replies (78)Comment receiving replies
People look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them that. But I also feel my leg is longer and that is why two years later I still have pain. No other doctor wants to speak against the “renowned” I had who retired immediately after my surgery. Had I known he was retiring, I would have looked for another doctor. He left me with no one to help with post surgery problems not even a suggestion of who to see. But there was no measuring to make sure he was using the right size replacement for me. Did you have any measurements taken prior to your surgery?
Replies to "People look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them that. But I also feel..."
The difference in leg length is not so rare - after any orthopedic surgery to hip, knee, foot or bad fracture, etc. This was explained to me by my ortho, and reinforced by my PT after my hip replacement replacements. In my case, I needed a different sized femoral ball to stop dislocations, and that led to increasing the difference between my legs (which had always existed and been treated with a lift).
There are two ways we attacked the issue to relieve pain.
First gait training in PT to help me step correctly, straighten up, and quit "favoring" the replaced joint. This is done in PT and practiced in front of a mirror until it begins to feel natural. This corrects both the problem associated with leg length, and the "bad walking habits" developed over years walking with a deteriorating joint.
Second was a lift for the shoe on my shorter leg. Over time (about a year) the size of the lift was gradually decreased and my body accommodated to the 3/8"-1/2" difference, as long as I wear a shoe. Walking barefoot still (10 years later) produces hip and back pain.
Without guidance from your surgeon, perhaps your primary doc can help you find a good PT. Mine was affiliated with a system serving people with serious orthopedic and spinal issues.
Hve you discussed the problem with a physical therapist?
Sue
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I didn't have any measurements taken before the surgery. I have wondered about that too.