Leg Length Discrepancy, Shoe Lifts Clinical Trial
A structural leg length discrepancy (SLLD) is a common clinical problem. Its prevalence has
been estimated at 40-70%. Those who have been suffered from limping for a long time may lead
to follow-up low back pain and lower limb musculoskeletal disorders. Although lower limb
triple view of x-ray is considered to be the current technique for determining LLD, it is
costly and time consuming that not every hospital can afford it, and in case of radiograph,
the patient is exposed to radiation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a rapid clinical
assessment method by gathering exterior parameters to build up a Regression model for
measuring the discrepancy and determining LLD accurately.
While using shoe lifts to correct discrepancy is the easiest conservative intervention for
LLD, there are still many controversies on how much height should be added clinically and
academically. The optimal height should be added depends on feedbacks from users and gait
performance. The best gait performance can be measured from kinematic performance of center
mass of body during walking. Therefore, this project wants to compare treatment responses
between two kinds of shoe lift height correction methods for LLD: given 80% discrepancy in
shoe lift height correction through triple view of x-ray and given optimal shoe lift height
correction through analyzing kinematic performance of center mass of body.
n/a
Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Investigator), Primary Purpose: Treatment