[Operative correction of leg length discrepancy (author's transl)].

Differences in the lengths of limbs can alter the appearance of the human body. A discrepancy in the lengths of the lower limbs, which eventually leads to difficulties in gait, can be corrected surgically either by shortening the sound limb or by gradual lengthening of the foreshortened leg. The advantages of lengthening are that the body's total height and normal proportions are maintained. Bilateral shortening or lengthenings can be done in exceptional cases for correction of the body height.