Beinlengte

Beinlengte refers to the length of a person's legs. It is typically measured from the top of the thigh bone (femur) to the ankle bone (malleolus). There are two main types of leg length: anatomical leg length and functional leg length. Anatomical leg length is the direct measurement of the bone, while functional leg length accounts for any differences in the alignment of the hips, pelvis, or feet that might affect the overall perceived leg length.

Leg length can vary significantly between individuals and can also differ between a person's own left and right legs. Leg length discrepancies, where one leg is noticeably shorter than the other, can arise from various factors. These can include congenital conditions, injuries, fractures that have healed improperly, or developmental issues.

A significant leg length difference can have an impact on posture, gait, and overall biomechanics. It can lead to compensatory movements in the spine and pelvis, potentially causing back pain, hip pain, or knee pain. In some cases, mild discrepancies may not cause noticeable problems, while more pronounced differences often require intervention.

Assessment of leg length is usually performed by healthcare professionals, such as doctors or physical therapists, through physical examination and sometimes imaging techniques like X-rays. Treatment for leg length discrepancies depends on the severity and cause, and may involve shoe lifts, orthotics, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgical intervention to lengthen the shorter leg or shorten the longer leg.