A Simple Method to Minimize Limb Length Discrepancy and Restore Offset in Total Hip Arthroplasty

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Pablo Daniel López
Adrián Gabriel Almada
Santiago Luis Iglesias
Ignacio José Pioli
José Miguel Gómez
Bartolomé Luis Allende

Abstract

Introduction: There are more than 20 different techniques to correct lower limb length discrepancy. The method evaluated in this study is based on a fixed pin in the iliac wing connected to a mobile gauge and another pin in the greater trochanter with which the reference is marked. The objective is to evaluate the reliability of this measurement device used during THA to restore lower limb length and femoral offset.
Materials and Methods: Two groups were formed: Group A (patients who did not use the device)and Group B (patients who did use the device). Measurements were taken in the pre-surgery panoramic pelvic radiograph with the patient standing and three months later.
Results: A sample of 80 patients was obtained, with 40 in each group. The difference in limb length could be corrected in each group, however the average correction achieved by both groups did not result in a statistically significant difference (p=0.07). However, when the variance in the correction of the difference in length of each group was examined, a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) was obtained.
Conclusions: We can conclude that while this device, which serves as a more objective quantifiable measurement technique, does not guarantee a correction of the exact length discrepancy to 0 mm, it does allow us to work within a more dependable and safe range.

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How to Cite
López, P. D., Almada, A. G., Iglesias, S. L., Pioli, I. J., Gómez, J. M., & Allende, B. L. (2023). A Simple Method to Minimize Limb Length Discrepancy and Restore Offset in Total Hip Arthroplasty. Revista De La Asociación Argentina De Ortopedia Y Traumatología, 88(5), 548-556. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2023.88.5.1793
Section
Clinical Research
Author Biographies

Pablo Daniel López, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Adrián Gabriel Almada, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Santiago Luis Iglesias, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Ignacio José Pioli, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

José Miguel Gómez, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Bartolomé Luis Allende, Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

Orthopedics and Traumatology Service, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina

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