Segmental shortening and equalization for leg length discrepancies in adults.

The authors report 8 cases of leg length discrepancy in young adults, treated surgically by shortening or equalization techniques. The ages ranged from 16 to 35 years and the discrepancy from 2.5 to 12 cm. Three techniques were used; subtrochanteric femoral shortening (4 cases), equalization by shortening one femur and lengthening the other at the same operation (2 cases), diaphyseal "Z" osteotomy with shortening (2 cases - one femur, one tibia). The average time to consolidation was 3.4 months. Full weightbearing was allowed at 2 to 6 months depending on the method used. The only complication was one case of mild, transitory weakness of the extensors of the foot. The discrepancy was completely equalized in 2 cases; in the remainder the residual discrepancy was from 0.5 to 2 cm. The average shortening per case was 3.8 cm. There was secondary lumbar scoliosis in 5 cases; this improved by an average of 12 degrees after operation and lumbar pain was always relieved. All the patients declared themselves satisfied with the results.