APPARENT LEG-LENGTH

DISCREPANCY TEST

​• Test positioning

The client lies supine with hips and knees extended and parallel.

Each leg should be perpendicular to a straight line between both anterior superior iliac spines.

​• Action

With a tape measure, the therapist measures from the umbilicus to the most distal point of the medial malleolus.

​• Positive finding

A difference of more than 1 cm is indicative of abnormal pelvic positioning.

​• Special considerations & comments

Significant discrepancies should be verified via radiography, as this is the most accurate method of assessing apparent (functional) leg length discrepancies.

The Apparent Leg Length Discrepancy Test is influenced by Dr. James Cyriax’s orthopedic techniques and Dr. Vladimir Janda’s work on postural alignment and functional asymmetry in the lower limbs and pelvis.