Role of Iliotibial Band Stiffness in Perceived Leg Length Discrepancy After Total Hip Arthroplasty

NCT07431138 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: AEŞH-BADEK1-2025-581
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 68
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Postoperative Evaluation; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Harris Hip Score

  At least 12 months postoperatively

• Oxford Hip Score

  At least 12 months postoperatively

• HOOS score

  Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score

  At least 12 months postoperatively

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• leg length difference

  At least 12 months postoperatively

Other Outcomes (1)

• iliotibial band tension-elastogram

  At least 12 months postoperatively

Study Arms (1)

Postoperative Follow-up Cohort

Patients who underwent surgery and were followed as part of routine postoperative care. Clinical scores and radiographic assessments were recorded during follow-up. Non-interventional ultrasound evaluation was performed in patients who had completed at least 12 months after surgery; some patients were assessed at longer postoperative intervals.

Diagnostic Test: Shear-Wave Elastography (Ultrasound)

Interventions

Shear-Wave Elastography (Ultrasound) DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Non-interventional ultrasound performed during routine follow-up.

Postoperative Follow-up Cohort

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 90 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

Patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty and had a minimum follow-up of at least 1 year were included in the study.

You may qualify if:

• Age between 18 and 90 years History of unilateral primary TKA, with no prior revision surgery At least 12 months after surgery and returned to functional weight-bearing No use of walking aids, or use of a cane only for outdoor ambulation

You may not qualify if:

• Bilateral TKA or severe osteoarthritis in the contralateral hip History of femoral, tibial, or hip surgery resulting in limb length-altering deformity Significant scoliosis (\>20° Cobb angle) or pelvic obliquity \>5° Neurological disorders (e.g., severe polyneuropathy, hemiparesis) History of lateral thigh surgery (e.g., IT band release, TFL surgery) Body mass index (BMI) \>40 (may reduce the reliability of SWE measurements) Suspected prosthetic joint infection or implant instability

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ankara Etlik City Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ankara Etlik City Hospital

Ankara, Yenimahalle, 06170, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Ultrasonography

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Diagnostic Imaging; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; Diagnosis

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Target Duration: 12 Months
• Sponsor Type: OTHER GOV
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 19, 2026
• First Posted: February 24, 2026
• Study Start: January 14, 2026
• Primary Completion: February 12, 2026
• Study Completion: February 17, 2026
• Last Updated: February 24, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)