Correction of limb-length inequality during total hip arthroplasty

Although several methods of intraoperative limb-length measurements have be en described, their success in predicting the limb-length correction is not well documented. A new technique of measuring intraoperative limb lengthen ing using a vertical Steinmann pin at the infracotyloid groove of the aceta bulum was studied in 100 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties. Corr elation of the predicted intraoperative correction was done with the postop erative radiographic measurements. Preoperative limb-length inequality rang ed from -24 mm (short) to +2 (long) (mean, -4.2 mm). Intraoperative measure ment of lengthening ranged from 0 to 15 nun (mean, 5.9 mm). Radiographic me asurements of postoperative radiographs showed lengthening ranging from 0 t o 17 mm (mean, 7.4 mm). There was significant correlation between the 2 val ues (r =.84). Postoperative limb-length inequality ranged from -7 mm to +8 mm (mean, 1.9 mm). None of the patients had to use shoe lifts for equalizat ion of limb lengths.