Lower limb asymmetry: Imaging evaluation in children

Limb length discrepancy or anisomelia has long been objectified with imaging.The biomechanical implications for patients with a developing skeleton are more relevant than the cosmetic aspects, both in treatment and in follow-up. The aim of this publication is to review the most common causes of lower limb asymmetry in children, with emphasis on imaging findings, which are of great importance for clinical management. A retrospective review was performed on patients younger than 15 years, who required evaluation at our center for lower limb asymmetry, using simple X-ray, CT scan and /or MRI. The anatomical findings and morphometric analysis were recorded for each case. The causes of limb length discrepancy are many, including congenital and sequelae conditions. A knowledge and proper assessment of the imaging findings helps to improve and standardize the radiology report.