Leg length measurement: a new method to assure the correct leg length in total hip arthroplasty

The precise measurement of leg length plays an important role in total hip arthroplasty. Leg length inequality occurs frequently after total hip arthroplasty and may cause patient discomfort. Current clinical methods used for measuring leg length are not accurate enough to meet the demands of precision required for hip replacement. The aim of this study was to examine the validity of determining leg length differences using an ultrasound system. The proposed system measures the distance between three points, in millimetres, so that the difference between preoperative and postoperative measurements gives an indication about the leg length. The mean ultrasound variation observed in in vitro measurements showed a relative error of 1.7% (range: 52–133 mm) that means a leg length inequality of about 0.4 mm (range: 52–133 mm). The method is non-invasive (ultrasound is not limited by radiation hazards), easy, quick to use, and can be used for standard clinical screening.