Survey to orthopedics surgeons in Italy about Leg length discrepancy and total hip arthroplasty: preoperative and intraoperative management

Abstract

Abstract Background We created a Survey for Italian orthopaedics surgeons on how they approach leg length discrepancy (LLD) when dealing with primary total hip arthroplasty. Aim of the study was to show how surgeons manage LLD and follow literature recommendations during clinical practice. Methods The Survey was composed of 25 questions divided in 4 sections: 1 -surgeon’s profile, 2 - preoperative and 3 - intraoperative evaluation, 4 - postoperative management. In this paper we report results to answer to section 1 and 2. Absolute and relative frequencies of answers to section 2 and 3 are reported. We divided the participants in subgroups based on the “Surgeon’s profile” and evaluated difference in the answers given. Results Absolute and relative frequencies demonstrate low agreement among participants in all phases of LLD management. We demonstrated a statistically significant difference based on the surgeon’s profile regarding these questions: radiographic measure of LLD depending on working experience p = 0.008; digital planning based on surgeons’ age p < 0.001 and workplace p = 0.026; intraoperative anatomical landmarks based on numbers of procedures per year p = 0,020 and use of intraoperative X-rays based on working experience p = 0,002. Conclusions LLD is a debated topic with no definitive recommendations. Many decisions still depend on tradition and surgeons’ preference.