Why does one leg feel longer after knee surgery?

After knee replacement surgery, patients may asbe concerned about the length of their operative leg compared to their non-surgical leg. Well, a knee replacement surgery there’s often a correction of a curvature or angle of the leg. This curvature often involves both knees. When one of the knees is straightened it actually does make the leg longer. This can actually be present until the other knee is fixed. If the other knee is well, there’s less of a chance of perceiving that one leg is longer than the other. The length of your leg and your knee was determined when you are fully grown as a teenager and is determined by the ligaments on the sides of your knee. While it may be possible to lengthen a hip replacement surgery, it is not possible to lengthen your knee.

Disclaimer

The information published in these vignettes is proprietary to Crovetti Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. While we have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the information contained in the Vignettes is error free, we cannot and do not guarantee that the information or images are current, complete and/or accurate and we accept no responsibility for the same. Access to these Vignettes is granted to you for general information and education purposes only and does not constitute, in whole or part, professional medical advice of any nature, and is in no way a replacement or substitute for, or should be relied on in the absence of, professional advice from a certified and competent medical professional who practices in the relevant field of medicine. The information contained in this Vignettes is only intended for use, viewing and general reference by you and does not relate directly to your current medical condition or patient history. It is important to consult your medical practitioner or health care professional in relation to your own medical condition and needs.