Leg Length and Osteoarthritis

Two recent publications examining the possible relationship between leg length inequality and osteoarthritis have resulted from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST). The data was collected using a cohort of 3,069 adults age 50 to 79. The subjects either had knee pain or risk factors for knee pain which included obesity and previous knee injury. The most recent study published this month (March 2010) strongly links leg length inequality with osteoarthritic changes in the knee. Baseline assessments were made with experienced technicians using full limb anteriorposterior radiographs. Subjects were followed up after 30 months and reassessed for joint space narrowing. The significant change was in individuals with a leg length difference of over one centimeter. The authors concluded that “Radiographic leg-length inequality was associated with prevalent, incident symptomatic, and progressive knee osteoarthritis. Leg-length inequality is a potentially modifiable risk factor for knee osteoarthritis.” This provides another opportunity for chiropractors to engage in the prevention of knee osteoarthritis as part of their wellness program.