Limb Length Discrepancy Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Limb Length Discrepancy Overview Limb length discrepancy (LLD) refers to a condition where one limb is shorter than the other. Causes Congenital (since birth) conditions like:Femoral deficiency (loss of the thigh bone)Hip dislocation and genetic conditions like Down’s syndrome or Turner’s syndromeAcquired conditions like:Injuries to the limb growth plateBone infectionPost-traumatic malunion and tumoursMuscle weakness or contractures and joint contractures Symptoms Uneven walking patternLimpingDifficulty in balance and coordinationBackpain Diagnosis Measurement of true limb length, pelvic tilt, and shoulder drop.Observation of the walking pattern.X-ray of both lower limbs that should include pelvis and ankle joint.Computed tomography to assess the bony involvement or childhood bone disorderMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the soft tissues around the bones and joint. Treatment Non-surgical treatmentObservation in patients with a discrepancy of less than 2 cm.Orthotic devices like heel raises, shoe lifts, and extension prostheses.Surgical treatmentAvailable surgical approaches for limb deformity correction are as follows:Epiphysiodesis: This involves putting plates or screws to restrict the growth either on one or both sides of a particular bone.Osteotomy: This involves lengthening or shortening the bone surgically based on the indication and requirement.