A limb length discrepancy is when one arm or leg is longer than the other arm or leg. A limb length difference may occur because of a congenital condition (present at birth), or it may be acquired as a result of an injury, infection or other disease process. In many cases the difference is small and does not interfere with function or cause discomfort. In others it may require treatment.
Limb Deficiencies
Growth Arrest
Growth arrest is caused by damage to a growth plate. Growth plates are areas of special cartilage cells that make bones grow longer. The most commonly affected growth plates are in the arms and legs. Fractures, bone infections and some bone diseases can cause growth arrest that results in disruption of normal bone growth. If a growth plate is partially injured, the bone may grow abnormally and become crooked.
Skeletal Dysplasias
Skeletal dysplasia is a term used to describe genetic conditions that affect the growth of a child’s cartilage, bones, and connective tissue. There are more than 400 dysplasias, many of which cause changes in the shape and size of the skeleton. These changes are most noticeable when they occur in the arms, legs, head, or spine. Some dysplasia, such as achondroplasia, result in short stature.
Overgrowth Syndromes
Hemihyperplasia, also known as hemihypertrophy or overgrowth syndrome, is when one side of the body grows faster than the other side as a result of bone or soft tissue that doesn’t stop growing. It can look different for everyone affected, and it’s common in children.
