An intraoperative device to restore femoral offset in total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Leg length discrepancy (LLD) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) can lead to unsatisfactory outcome. Our objective was to design and evaluate a simple and reliable intraoperative device (Length-offset Lever) to minimize leg length discrepancy. METHODS: This device was used in 51 patients undergoing primary total hip replacements. The leg length discrepancy was measured pre- and postoperatively based on plain radiographs. RESULTS: Preoperative radiographic leg length discrepancy averaged 13.5 ± 6.2 mm. Leg length discrepancy showed significant improvement, with a postoperative average of 4.1 ± 2.3 mm (p < 0.0001). There were no complications associated with this device. CONCLUSIONS: The ‘Length-offset Lever’ is a useful intraoperative tool to restore anatomic femoral offset and height of femoral head.