What is Leg Length Discrepancy?
Leg length discrepancy refers to a condition where one leg is longer than the other. People who suffer from this condition have an abnormal gait because they have to compensate for the shorter leg when walking. There are two different types of this condition. One is caused by a structural defect that causes the bone in the leg to grow to a shorter length that the other limb. This problem can happen in both the upper and lower part of the leg. The second type of leg length discrepancy results from a functional disorder, whereby the mechanics of the body have been altered in the spine or the lower part of the body – this can cause the length of a limb change as it compensates for the mechanical problem above it.
