Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) may experience objective or perceived leg length discrepancy (LLD/PLLD), which can negatively affect gait, pelvic balance, and patient satisfaction.
The iliotibial band (ITB) plays a critical role in lateral thigh tension transmission, and alterations in its stiffness may influence the perception of limb length discrepancy.
Shear-wave elastography (SWE) is a noninvasive ultrasound-based technique that enables quantitative assessment of soft tissue stiffness.
This cross-sectional observational study aims to investigate the relationship between ITB stiffness measured by SWE and both radiographic and perceived leg length discrepancy in adult patients who underwent unilateral primary THA at least 12 months previously.