Differential Diagnosis for Leg Discrepancy
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Developmental or congenital conditions (e.g., congenital short femur, hemihypertrophy): These conditions are often identified early in life and can cause noticeable discrepancies in leg length.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Post-traumatic conditions (e.g., fractures, growth plate injuries): Trauma can lead to growth disturbances or direct bone shortening, resulting in leg length discrepancies.
- Infections (e.g., osteomyelitis, septic arthritis): Chronic infections can affect bone growth and lead to discrepancies.
- Tumors (e.g., osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma): Certain bone tumors can cause growth disturbances or destruction of bone tissue, leading to leg length discrepancies.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Osteonecrosis (e.g., due to sickle cell disease or steroid use): This condition can lead to bone collapse and significant leg length discrepancy, and prompt treatment is necessary to prevent further damage.
- Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1): This genetic disorder can cause bone dysplasia, leading to leg length discrepancies, and is associated with other serious health risks.
- Chronic osteomyelitis or septic arthritis due to an underlying condition (e.g., immunodeficiency): These conditions can be life-threatening if left untreated and may cause leg length discrepancies.
- Rare diagnoses
- Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia: A rare genetic disorder affecting bone growth and development, which can lead to leg length discrepancies.
- Multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE): A rare genetic disorder characterized by the growth of multiple osteochondromas, which can cause leg length discrepancies.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: A rare condition causing avascular necrosis of the femoral head, potentially leading to leg length discrepancy.