Prevalence of limb length discrepancy among special children – A preliminary prevalence study

Background:

Limb length discrepancy (LLD) forms a part of regular musculoskeletal assessment. LLDs contribute to compensatory scoliosis, sacroiliac pain believed due to degenerative changes and increased risk of variety of running injuries. Although, the importance of LLD is much more, the prevalence of LLD in the children with special pediatric population was not established.

Objective:

To establish the prevalence of lower extremity LLD among the special children in India

Method:

The special school will be identified by the cluster sampling method for the cross-sectional study. A sample of 103 students, 59 male and 44 female children in special pediatric population, aged 8 to 17 years will be recruited. Their anthropometrics will be measured. Limb length measurements are standardized. After squaring the pelvis, both true and apparent limb length will be measured. The distance between the inferior aspect of ASIS and the inferior aspect of medial malleolus will be noted as true limb length (TLL). Similarly, the distance between the umbilicus and the inferior aspect of medial malleolus will be recorded as apparent limb length (ALL). Difference of 2 cm or more is considered as discrepancy. Descriptive statistics will reported as mean and standard deviation (SD) and prevalence will be reported in proportions.