Dynamic evaluation of simulated leg length inequalities and their effects on the musculoskeletal apparatus

• Published in: Gait & posture 2019-01, Vol.67, p.71-76
• Main Authors: Beeck, Aylin, Quack, Valentin, Rath, Björn, Wild, Michael, Michalik, Roman, Schenker, Hanno, Betsch, Marcel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dynamic; Gait; Leg length discrepancy; Leg length inequality; Rastereography; Static; Surface topography
• ISSN: 0966-6362; 1879-2219
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.09.022

•Leg length inequalities (LLI) can lead to significant musculoskeletal disorders.•Surface Topography measures the effects of LLI under static & dynamic conditions.•LLI lead to significant changes in spinal posture and pelvic position.•Magnitude of the effects of LLI were smaller under dynamic conditions.•With this method the effects of LLI can be evaluated under static & dynamic conditions. Leg length inequalities (LLI) are a common problem in medicine. So far, the diagnosis and treatment are performed under static conditions. Surface Topography (ST) is an optical, non-invasive technique that uses the principle of triangulation to measure spinal posture and pelvic position. This technique offers the opportunity to detect and treat LLIs and their effects under dynamic conditions. question The aim of the study is to show that ST can detect simulated LLIs under dynamic conditions and to prove if there are differences between the effects on the human body under static and dynamic conditions. In the clinical study a total of 30 test subjects were examined with a ST measuring device. LLIs (1 to 4 cm) were simulated using a custom- built sandal and insoles of various thickness. The pelvic obliquity, the surface rotation and lateral deviation of the spine were detected on a treadmill under static and dynamic conditions (3 km/h). Under static and dynamic conditions LLIs lead to a significant increase of all measured parameters. The pelvic obliquity reaches a significant level of p