The effect of a shoe lift on tensor fasciae latae length during standing with an artificial functional leg length discrepancy: An ultrasonic shear wave elastography study.

Abstract

Shortening of tensor fasciae latae is one factor that causes a functional leg length discrepancy. A shoe lift has been used to correct the compensatory posture resulting from the discrepancy. Despite the potential therapeutic benefit of a shoe lift, the mechanism by which it exerts its effect is unclear. To investigate the effect of a shoe lift on tensor fasciae latae length during standing with an artificial functional leg length discrepancy using ultrasonic shear wave elastography. Twenty-two healthy individuals performed static standing under three conditions: drop of the pelvis and flexion of the leg resulting from fixing in the hip abduction position using a hip orthosis (functional leg length discrepancy condition); drop of the pelvis by the orthosis, but no flexion of the leg due to a shoe lift (shoe lift condition); and normal bilateral standing condition. The shear elastic modulus of tensor fasciae latae was calculated using ultrasonic shear wave elastography. The shear elastic modulus was significantly lower in the functional leg length discrepancy condition than in the shoe lift and normal conditions (p= 0.038). Using a shoe lift for the functional leg length discrepancy can result in a functional hip position that elongates tensor fasciae latae.