Perceived leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty is associated with global spinopelvic coronal flexibility - Report - MDSpire

Perceived leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty is associated with global spinopelvic coronal flexibility

  • By

  • Shunsuke Minoji

  • Hisatoshi Ishikura

  • Maaya Kudo

  • Masaki Hatano

  • Toru Nishiwaki

  • Sakae Tanaka

  • May 16, 2026

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Association Between Perceived Leg Length Discrepancy and Global Spinopelvic Coronal Flexibility Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between perceived leg length discrepancy (pLLD) and global spinopelvic coronal flexibility in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). It finds that reduced preoperative spinopelvic lateral flexion is associated with an increased risk of pLLD, highlighting the importance of considering spinal mobility in THA outcomes for improved patient satisfaction.

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common surgical intervention for hip disorders, yet a significant percentage of patients report dissatisfaction postoperatively. Factors such as leg length discrepancy (LLD) can contribute to this dissatisfaction, with even minor discrepancies impacting patient-reported outcomes. Understanding the biomechanical and perceptual factors influencing pLLD is crucial for improving surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data provided in the article.

Key Findings

['Reduced preoperative spinopelvic lateral flexion is linked to increased pLLD risk after THA.', 'Structural leg length discrepancy (sLLD) greater than 10 mm correlates with patient dissatisfaction.', 'Even minor sLLD (around 5 mm) can adversely affect functional outcomes.', 'Patients often report a subjective sensation of asymmetry despite minimized sLLD.', 'Previous studies have identified factors such as lumbar mobility and pelvic obliquity as risk factors for pLLD.']

Clinical Implications

Surgeons should assess spinopelvic mobility as part of preoperative planning for THA to better predict and mitigate the risk of pLLD. Tailoring surgical techniques to accommodate individual spinopelvic characteristics may enhance patient satisfaction and functional outcomes.

Conclusion

This study underscores the significance of global spinopelvic flexibility in understanding perceived leg length discrepancies following THA. Addressing these factors may improve postoperative satisfaction and functional recovery.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Variations in Acetabular Cup Orientation Based on Spinopelvic Mobility Categories: A Prospective Observational Study of Patients Undergoing Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
  2. Post-THA Spino-Pelvic Characteristics Alterations Are Not Influenced by Surgical Technique: A Prospective Investigation
  3. The Interconnection Between Hip and Spine: Clinical Insights and Biomechanical Considerations
  4. Association between physical measures of spinopelvic alignment and physical functioning with patient reported outcome measures after total hip arthroplasty: Systematic review and narrative synthesis
  5. conexiant — Not All Hips Follow the Same Rules in THA
  6. Not All Hips Follow the Same Rules in THA
  7. Patient Perception of Leg-Length Discrepancy and Satisfaction Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
  8. Leg Length Discrepancy After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Review of Clinical Assessments, Imaging Diagnostics, and Medico-Legal Implications
  9. Association between physical measures of spinopelvic alignment and physical functioning with patient reported outcome measures after total hip arthroplasty: Systematic review and narrative synthesis | PLOS One

Original Source(s)

Perceived leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty is associated with global spinopelvic coronal flexibility

  • by Shunsuke Minoji, Hisatoshi Ishikura, Maaya Kudo, Masaki Hatano, Toru Nishiwaki, Sakae Tanaka

  • May 16, 2026

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