shortleg

Shortleg is a term used in English to describe a leg that is shorter than usual. It is not a single technical term, but a descriptive phrase that appears in medicine, sports, and informal breed descriptions.

In medicine, short leg often refers to limb length discrepancy, in which one leg is shorter than the other. Causes include congenital conditions, growth disturbances, or injury. Effects can include altered gait, pelvic tilt, scoliosis, and lower back pain. Management ranges from shoe lifts and physical therapy to surgical correction in severe cases.

In cricket, short leg is a fielding position on the leg side, close to the batsman, typically in front of square. The fielder aims to stop or catch defensive shots such as drives and glances. The position requires quick reflexes and precise judgment of trajectory and is associated with increased risk of impact injuries.

In animal breeding and description, short leg or shortleg may describe individuals with reduced leg length relative to body size, a trait seen in several breeds. It can result from selective breeding for dwarfism or from natural variation. The term is informal rather than a formal diagnostic label.

The word combines "short" and "leg" to convey the physical characteristic, and its meaning is highly dependent on context. See also limb length discrepancy and the short leg fielding position.