Home > Encyclopedia of Surgery > Leg Lengthening/Shortening

Definition

Leg lengthening or shortening involves a variety of surgical procedures used to correct legs of unequal lengths, a condition referred to as limb length discrepancy (LLD). LLD occurs because a leg bone grows more slowly in one leg than on the other leg. Surgical treatment is indicated for discrepancies exceeding 1 in (2.5 cm).

Purpose

Leg lengthening or shortening surgery, also known as bone lengthening, bone shortening, correction of unequal bone length, femoral lengthening, or femoral shortening, has the goal of correcting LLD and associated deformities while preserving function of muscles and joints. It is performed to:

• Lengthen an abnormally short leg (bone lengthening or femoral lengthening). Leg lengthening is usually recommended for children whose bones are...