Abstract:

BACKGROUND: It remains controversial whether leg length discrepancy (LLD) after hip replacement (THR) affects hip function. Several randomized controlled studies have been conducted to evaluate the influence of length discrepancy on function after hip replacement. System review of these studies could be more objective to evaluate the influence and provide evidence for clinical decision.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of LLD on the function of the operated hip after THR.
METHODS: Randomized controlled trials and clinical controlled trials of functional evaluation of LLD after THR were identified from Cochrane Back Group, Cochrane Library, additional electronic search (including MEDLINE (1950-2010), EMBASE (1979-2010) and CBM (1978-2010), hand searching for Chinese journals). Two reviewers assessed the quality of the trials and extracted data independently. Meta analysis was conducted using RevMan 5. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 6 clinical controlled trials involving 1 304 patients were included. Four trials with data integrity were reviewed with Meta analysis. LLD after THA can influence the function of hip joints. It is essential to balance the leg length for better outcomes and less limp. Functional disorder in LLD group can be relieved over time, even it was worse than that in non-LLD group. As very few studies and patients were included in the review, further trials with high quality on methodology are needed to identify complications in LLD, such as dislocation, nerve injury, wearing and loosening.