Feeling one leg longer than the other after hip joint surgery

Generally, the sensation of one leg being longer than the other after hip surgery may be caused by factors such as excessive or insufficient osteotomy, muscle imbalance following hip replacement surgery, pelvic tilt, and others. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive or Insufficient Osteotomy

If too much or too little bone is removed from one side during surgery, resulting in unequal bone lengths on both sides, it may lead to a difference in leg length post-surgery. In such cases, revision surgery is usually required.

2. Muscle Imbalance After Hip Replacement Surgery

During the recovery period, the muscles on the operated side may be weaker or less flexible, which could create the perception that one leg is longer or shorter than the other. This is typically a temporary phenomenon occurring during recovery and often improves as rehabilitation progresses.

3. Pelvic Tilt

If the pelvis itself is tilted or misaligned, it can cause the legs to appear unequal in length. In such cases, correcting improper sitting or sleeping postures may help; in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

In addition, this sensation may also be related to conditions such as lumbar scoliosis or lumbar disc herniation. Patients experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek timely evaluation at a qualified medical institution for further examination and appropriate treatment based on the specific diagnosis.