M21: Other acquired deformities of limbs
M21.7: Unequal limb length (acquired)
Unequal limb length, often referred to as leg length discrepancy, is a condition that arises due to differences in the lengths of a person's legs. It can be an acquired condition, which means that the person is not born with it, but develops it over time due to a variety of reasons such as injury, disease, or infection. Symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the inequality, from no observable symptoms in minor cases to significant differences in severe cases. These discrepancies can cause changes in body posture, gait abnormalities, limping, or bending of the spine (scoliosis). The knee, hip, or lower back may bear the brunt of these irregularities and may develop arthritis over time. Diagnosing unequal limb length typically involves physical examination and imaging tests, and involves comparing one limb to the other.
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