General principles of management of discrepancies of limb length in children Nayagam

Minor differences in limb length (of up to 15 mm) can exist as a normal variant. Larger discrepancies may not always be symptomatic; compensation mechanisms can be effective (especially with the upper limb) and hence treatment is not necessary. However, there are thresholds beyond which these compensatory mechanisms falter and, in the case of the lower limb, the individual displays a limp.