The relationship between perceived leg-length discrepancy and spatiotemporal gait parameters in the early postoperative period following total hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the presence of perceived leg-length discrepancy (PLLD) and spatiotemporal gait parameters in the early postoperative period following total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: A total of 63 patients (age 73.19 ± 9.00 years) who underwent primary unilateral THA were included in the study. PLLD was assessed using the Block test, and spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured 3 weeks postoperatively with the Walkway MW-1000 system. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusting for confounders such as height, muscle strength, and postoperative structural leg-length discrepancy, to examine the independent association between PLLD and spatiotemporal gait parameters. RESULTS: ANCOVA analysis revealed significant differences between the PLLD group and the non-PLLD group. The PLLD group exhibited longer operative single support time, longer non-operative double support time, and wider step width than the non-PLLD group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the relationship between PLLD and spatiotemporal gait parameters. As such, it provides important insights for gait assessment and how this might be used in rehabilitation programmes following THA. Improving PLLD and gait symmetry may help to lower the risk of postoperative falls.