Your patient was admitted after a fall in her home. After measuring the patient's legs, you determine that her left leg is 4.5 cm shorter than her right leg. This difference most likely indicates
a. a finding within normal limits.
b. a hip fracture with displacement of the proximal femur.
c. dislocation of the hip.
d. flexion contractures of the hip.
B
Limb length measurements should be within 1 to 3 cm of each other. A displaced proximal femoral shaft fracture (hip fracture) can result in limb shortening and internal or external rotation. The patient is unable to straighten the leg into its neutral anatomic position. Sudden unilateral decrease in limb length occurs with dislocation of the hip. Flexion contractures of the hip occur with long-term degenerative joint diseases.
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Indicate whether the statement is true or false