ABSTRACT
The minor differences in limb length can exist as a normal variant. The larger discrepancies may not always be symptomatic; compensation mechanisms can be effective and treatment not necessary but there are thresholds beyond which these compensatory mechanisms falter and, in the case of the lower limb, the individual limps. The surgery for limb length abnormalities include lengthening of the short bone, shortening of the long bone or a combination of the two. The treatment approach varies depending on the bone affected, the size of the discrepancy, the underlying cause and whether residual growth remains. There are many congenital and acquired causes of limb length discrepancy are associated with angular or rotational deformity; correction may be staged or simultaneous with that of length inequality. The larger differences may need to be addressed by limb lengthening or a combination of the two surgical techniques. These are: Clinical techniques and Imaging Techniques.
