Correlation between limb length discrepancy and asymmetrical rearfoot position.

Abstract

Ten subjects with a known limb length discrepancy were filmed with the two-dimensional Motion Analysis Foot Trak System; eight were filmed running and walking and two were filmed walking only. A control group of ten subjects with no measured limb length discrepancy was filmed in the same manner (eight walking and running and two walking only). The calcaneus-to-vertical angle was recorded for the entire stance gait cycle (heel contact to toe-off). Analysis of the data between the short and long side showed a significant difference in calcaneal position between the two sides at midstance, with the longer side being more everted by 3 degrees or greater than the short side in most cases. There was no significant difference in the calcaneus-to-vertical angle at heel contact between the long and short side. There was no significant difference between the calcaneus-to-vertical angles of the right and left sides of the ten control subjects, either walking or running.