LEG LENGTH
Overview
The Comis Leg Length apparatus is a single-use mechanical device that uses pre-operative patient position to accurately determine the level of leg length inequality in Total Hip Arthroplasty.
Introduction
Leg Length discrepancy has been described as lengthening or shortening of a limb beyond normal anatomy so that the operated leg is longer or shorter that the opposing limb.
Historically, this has been one of the main reasons for post-operative dissatisfaction. 60% of patients observe a shortening of 2.5cm post operatively, which can be quite debilitating for the patient.
From a surgical perspective, leg length inequalities can cause a major issue for the patient in the long term. Amongst these reasons are:
- Impingement
- Slow post-operative recovery
- Need for walking aides e.g. a shoe raise
- Dislocation
- Limp
Comis Orthopaedics aimed to create a simple device that could produce accurate and reproducible results to measure and correct intraoperative leg length inequalities.
The leg length apparatus takes three measurements prior to hip dislocation in order to accurately judge the patient anatomy:
- Leg Length- vertical slide rule
- Lateralisation- horizontal slide rule
- Pelvis position- spirit level in line with the iliac screw
Please click on the video here to view the operative technique
As the video shows, the Comis Leg Length apparatus accurately measures the leg length inequality of the patient intraoperatively to facilitate accurate implant placement.
