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Myofascial Release, Osteoarthritis, and Leg Length Inequality

A study has been published by the Annals of Internal Medicine that directly pertains to Myofascial Release treatment. This study, with over 3000 participants, demonstrated a positive correlation between having a
leg length discrepancy, or one leg longer than the other, and the
prevalence of osteoarthritis in the knee.

Older studies have shown that the majority of leg length discrepancies are due to asymmetries in the pelvis, rather than true leg length differences. An asymmetrical pelvis can often be corrected with
the skilled application of Myofascial release treatment. With studies
such as this, identifying and correcting pelvic asymmetries becomes even
more important for the general public. While follow up studies as
necessary to validate these findings, early intervention is crucial.

The study group was in the 50-79 age range, when arthritic changes have already become apparent. Identifying at-risk individuals at an earlier age should be a standard medical screening. Referral to an
appropriated health practitioner for evaluation and treatment simple
and cost effective way to reduce the pain that can result from
osteoarthritis of the knees and reduce the need for total knee
replacements. read through this study at the Research page of my
website: MyofascialResource.com (article #215)

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Peter Lelean on May 9, 2010 at 5:24am

Hi Walt, thanks for a very useful reference page. I read #215. As the author of #180, I'd like to add these comments based on clinical experience. In well over 1000 of my cases in the last several years, Only TWO had a significant true leg length difference. All the other apparent differences were resolved by treating lumbopelvic myofascial issues overlying at least one pelvic joint misalignment . The connection to knee joint pain lies in the altered femoral area myofascial tensions. There may be a variation depending on the hemisphere you live in ( the old bath plug myth), but here in Australia the knees tend to suffer generally through (a) medially deflected tracking of the left knee and (b) higher wear rates on the right knee associated with the raised right ilium in an oblique pelvis. There are other fascial phenomenae very much related to this issue, yet to be published. Until then, I am writing these views in support the findings of the study in your post.
Regards Peter

Permalink Reply by Walt Fritz, PT on May 9, 2010 at 5:55am

Peter,

Thanks for your input, as well as your research. Please keep us updated on your upcoming publications!

Many years back I read a statistic on the percentage of true leg length discrepancy vs. apparent. I seem to remember it being 90-95% apparent, vs. 5-10% actual. Might anyone have access to this study?

Since I am asking, I remember another study even farther back that listed the norms for anterior rotation in males vs. females. My memory places the numbers at 0-5% males, 10-15% females. Does anyone have a more specific citation.

Walt Fritz, PT
www.MyofascialResource.com