PURPOSE: The prevalence of lower extremity limb length discrepancy (LLD) in the general pediatric population has not been clearly defined. The goal of this study was to identify the prevalence of LLD in children aged 8 to 12 years, who are developing typically. METHODS: A convenience sample of 43 girls and 62 boys was tested. Participants' gender, age, height, and weight were recorded. Limb length measurements were taken from the anterior superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus and umbilicus to medial malleolus using the direct method. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics revealed an average age of 9.88 years (SD = 1.2), height of 55.7 inches (SD = 4.6), and weight of 82.5 pounds (SD = 24.6). Seven of 105 children demonstrated an LLD of 2 cm or greater. CONCLUSION: Approximately 7% of the children present with an LLD of 2 cm or greater. This study contributes to the understanding of the prevalence of LLD in prepubescent children.
PURPOSE: The prevalence of lower extremity limb length discrepancy (LLD) in the general pediatric population has not been clearly defined. The goal of this study was to identify the prevalence of LLD in children aged 8 to 12 years, who are developing typically. METHODS: A convenience sample of 43 girls and 62 boys was tested. Participants' gender, age, height, and weight were recorded. Limb length measurements were taken from the anterior superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus and umbilicus to medial malleolus using the direct method. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics revealed an average age of 9.88 years (SD = 1.2), height of 55.7 inches (SD = 4.6), and weight of 82.5 pounds (SD = 24.6). Seven of 105 children demonstrated an LLD of 2 cm or greater. CONCLUSION: Approximately 7% of the children present with an LLD of 2 cm or greater. This study contributes to the understanding of the prevalence of LLD in prepubescent children.