Predictor index for anatomic leg length discrepancy as a screening tool for referral to tertiary care center of India

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the anatomical leg length discrepancy (LLD), correlation of discrepancy with body mass index (BMI), height, and weight; and to determine the predictor index in healthy Indians. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, from November 2020 to November 2021. Three hundred and forty-seven (187 males and 187 females) healthy adult Indians without any evidence of LLD were recruited. Lengths of lower extremity, height, weight of the participants were measured. LLD, basal metabolic index and predictor index were calculated. Data was analyzed through SPSS v25 software and P-value 0.05), and for the left leg was 89.07±4.94 cm in males and 86.20±4.29 cm in females (p<0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study on 347 healthy adult Indians revealed 44.9% with mild LLD and 2.67% with moderate LLD. Moderate LLD cases had a predictor index of ≥1.75. No significant correlation was found between LLD and height, weight, or BMI. Gender-based variations existed in left leg length. Further research and early interventions are imperative for addressing moderate leg length discrepancy cases effectively.

Keywords

• leg
• leg length
• leg length discrepancy
• predictor index
• osteoarthritis
• height
• weight
• body mass index
• anatomy
• anthropometry