shortening of the leg (apparent)
Last reviewed 01/2018
Apparent shortening occurs when one leg appears to be shorter than the other but there is no loss of bone length and the apparent discrepancy is due to a defect in the pelvis or the spine. Spinal causes, for example scoliosis, are more common than true pelvic deformity.
Apparent leg length is measured from any convenient midline structure - such as the pubic symphysis or xiphisternum - to the medial malleolus.
For example:
- fixed adduction deformity of the hip: the limbs are usually crossed and when made parallel, cause the pelvis to tip upwards - the limb on the affected side appears to be shorter
- fixed abduction deformity: when the limbs are made parallel, that on the affected side now seems longer