The slight difference in leg length is almost invisible to others. If one limb is shorter than the other by more than 4 cm, it curves your posture, creates serious inconveniences during walking, as well as increases the load on your spine. This can lead to spinal problems over time.

The only possible solution to this problem is limb lengthening surgery. Nowadays, foreign clinics demonstrate the best results in limb lengthening. More information about treatment in Turkey you can find on the Booking Health website.

Causes of different legs length

Many people develop complexes due to low height or disproportionate limbs. Whereas such a diagnosis has not had any treatment previously, today leg-lengthening operations are available to everyone thanks to the development of modern medical technologies.

The causes of limb length difference include muscle imbalance, which affects the formation of the body during its growth. This phenomenon is observed in 90% of people and can be found only during an anthropometric examination. The shortening of one or two limbs by more than 1 cm is considered pathological.

The first thing that can be seen in people with different limbs length is a pronounced limp. In addition, people with different limbs can suffer from:

• Joint pain in the lower limbs.

• Pelvic misalignment.

• Spinal curvature.

• Backache.

• Foot deformation on the affected side.

Causes

Congenital shortening can be detected at an early age and progresses slowly. If parents suspect the problem, they can measure the approximate difference in legs length by themselves. The next step is a consultation of an orthopedic specialist. Different lengths of legs in a child may be a symptom of various serious pathologies of the bone system. In some cases, limb lengthening surgery is required.

The cause of anatomical shortening is often bone lesions resulting from congenital deformation or certain diseases:

• Bone injuries.

• Osteomyelitis.

• Cerebral palsy.

• Poliomyelitis.

• Congenital dysplasia of the hip joint.

• Lower limb dysplasia.

• Various genetic syndromes.

Diagnosis making

The final diagnosis can only be made by an orthopedist. During the medical examination, the doctor performs a comparative measurement of the length of the limbs using a centimeter tape. This method has a rather large error, so modern clinics use computer technologies. If it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor must refer the patient to an orthopedic specialist for additional examinations.

To determine different legs length, a CT topogram of the lower limbs is performed. Modern equipment makes it possible to take a radiographic picture from the hips to the ankles. The bone length is then calculated using special software. If all the rules are followed, this method allows comparing the length of limbs up to millimeters, with high accuracy.

Treatment

There are 2 main therapeutic options: the conservative and the operative ones. The conservative method is aimed at mechanical compensation of a difference that is actual for a growing organism. Children in the process of maturation are more prone to the development of various types of deformations, with time passing to a permanent form. The use of the conservative method can be effective only in childhood.

Anatomical shortening from 1 to 2 cm can be compensated for in a conservative manner. However, when the shortening is over 2 cm, the only possible treatment is surgery. The surgical methods of treatment are as follows:

• Shortening of a longer limb.

• Lengthening a shorter limb with the external fixation device.

• Blocking the growth ends.

The surgery is performed on the bones of the shorter leg. During the operation, spokes are placed in each bone and are fixed with the supportive device. After that, an incision is made in the bones. This incision will serve as a place for bone elongation due to the growth of new bone. During the next few months, the bone will be lengthened. After limb lengthening, the height may increase by several centimeters. 

Recovery period

The rehabilitation period after surgical lengthening of the lower limbs lasts 2-3 months. During the rehabilitation period, it is recommended to reduce the physical load on the legs, as well as to undergo physical therapy. All restrictions on physical activity are canceled after the rehabilitation period. Only small scars remain after the operation that becomes invisible within a year. 

How to undergo treatment abroad?

Treatment abroad is currently available to every patient. In order to receive quality treatment abroad it is enough to contact medical tourism operator Booking Health. The company will help you choose a suitable clinic and the best doctors, as well as keep in touch with you for the entire period of your treatment. In addition, the company’s specialists provide assistance in medical and non-medical issues:

• Help in buying and forwarding medicines.

• Selection of a suitable hospital.

• Establishing communication directly with your doctor.

• Booking hotels and air tickets.