Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40565385›Full record

ReviewHealthcare (Basel, Switzerland)2025

Leg Length Discrepancy After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Review of Clinical Assessments, Imaging Diagnostics, and Medico-Legal Implications.

Luca Bianco Prevot, Livio Pietro Tronconi, Vittorio Bolcato, Riccardo Accetta, Lucio Di Mauro, Giuseppe Basile

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Review
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Luca Bianco PrevotIRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-S. Ambrogio, 20157 Milan, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-9093-6309
Livio Pietro TronconiDepartment of Human Science, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-6147-3600
Vittorio BolcatoMaria Beatrice Hospital, GVM Care & Research, 50121 Firenze, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-3419-3002
Riccardo AccettaIRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-S. Ambrogio, 20157 Milan, Italy.
Lucio Di MauroDepartment of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
Giuseppe BasileDepartment of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, 60124 Ancona, Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-9602-4223

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) is a widely performed procedure to alleviate pain and improve function in patients with hip disorders. However, leg length discrepancy (LLD) remains a prevalent complication. LLD can cause gait disturbances, back pain, postural imbalance, and patient dissatisfaction, along with significant medico-legal implications. This review examines the evaluation, management, and medico-legal aspects of LLD.

methodsThe review analyzed literature on the prevalence, evaluation methods, and management strategies for LLD in THA. Radiographic and clinical assessment tools were considered, alongside factors such as pelvic obliquity and pre-existing conditions. The importance of preoperative planning, intraoperative techniques (including computer-assisted methods), and comprehensive documentation was evaluated to address both clinical and legal challenges.

resultsThe review shows that leg length discrepancy (LLD) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) occurs in 3% to 30% of cases, with mean values ranging from 3 to 17 mm. LLD may result from anatomical or procedural factors, and effective evaluation requires both radiographic imaging and clinical assessment. Preoperative planning plays a critical role in accurately assessing anatomical parameters and selecting appropriate prosthetic components to preserve or restore limb length symmetry. Advanced intraoperative techniques, including computer-assisted surgery, help reduce LLD incidence. While some complications may be unavoidable, proper documentation and patient communication, particularly regarding informed consent, are essential to mitigate medico-legal risks Conclusions: LLD after THA requires a multidimensional approach incorporating clinical, radiological, biomechanical, and legal considerations. Effective preoperative and intraoperative strategies, combined with robust communication and documentation, are essential to minimize LLD and its associated risks. A focus on precision and patient-centered care can improve outcomes and reduce litigation.

Indexed as

leg length discrepancymedico-legal implicationstotal hip arthroplasty

Identifiers

PMID40565385
PMCPMC12193556

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.