- Discussion:
- easiest method to measure leg lengths is the measure the distance from the ASIS and a marked point on the knee;
- measurement is made using the cautery cord;
- the thigh must be in the exact same position each time the length is measured;
- steinman pin method:
- separate posterior border of medius muscle from adjacent piriformis tendon by blunt dissection;
- bluntly dissect interval between minimus & superior capsule;
- insert Steinmann pin (under the minimus) into ilium superior to acetabulum & mark greater troch;
- note that if this pin is placed too posteriorly and too distally, then it will be difficult to broach the femur (and there will be a tendency to place the stem in varus);
- to remedy this situation, some surgeon place the pin directly thru the medius at a point more anteriorly and superiorly, so that it will not interfere with broaching;
- drill is inserted in greater trochanter;
- position of leg is marked (for subsequent remeasurement);
- measure distance between these two points to determine limb length after trial componenets are inserted
