Authors : Fyne Stephen Achugbue and Segun Sanusi
Abstract: A stroke without prompt physiotherapy may result in contractures and/or other preventable complications, which may further affect functional ability. Asymmetric standing posture with weight transference to the non-paretic lower limb is peculiar with stroke patients. A secondary Limb-Length Discrepancy (LLD) in stroke has not been reported. The study looked if LLD could be a complication after stroke in physiotherapy neglected cases. Twelve stroke patients (2 Right, 10 left; 9 males, 3 females; mean age: 63.42±9.10 years) who presented late for physiotherapy participated in the study. Their length of stay before physiotherapy management ranges from 3-72 (mean 20.70±20.30) months. A true leg length measurement (from anterior superior iliac spine to the medial malleolus) bilaterally, revealed insignificant LLD (p>0.05), but when correlated with extension lag of the paretic knee joint showed significance (p<0.05). LLD could result as a post-stroke complication-a long term effect in physiotherapy neglected cases, from reduced ROM of the non-paretic limb. Early physiotherapy (with quadriceps muscle exercises) of stroke patients is advised. Further studies with more accurate and reliable measurements are recommended.
Fyne Stephen Achugbue and Segun Sanusi, 2009. Post-Stroke Lower Limb Length Discrepancy: A Complication in Patients with Hemiparesis. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 3: 175-178.