Short Right Leg Syndrome Assessment - Two Signature Traits

 

The two Signature Traits of SRLS are an elevated left hip and elevated right shoulder. It was considering the advantages and disadvantages of these Traits that led me to realise evolutionary adaptation of prehistoric hominid species is responsible for the genetic dominance of a short right leg we have today. That is, it gave mother and child in prehistoric times a greater chance of survival with baby secure on the elevated left hip, bag of provisions over the elevated right shoulder, and dominant right arm free for defence and work. This was the most successful model. These two Signature Traits are the first sign of a short right leg.

 

It takes little imagination to see that where a leg length difference exists, one hip will be elevated over the other. It may not be readily visible but, viewed from the front in a standing position, close examination of relative ASIS heights will reveal a difference between a 3mm and up to 10mm. I do so placing a finger tip on each ASIS and eyeballing it. It is a fine judgement and many will not be sure. This is indicative only and not a reflection of the actual structural leg length discrepancy because both hips are usually differently aligned but it is an indicator. Higher range cases at 10mm are usually exceptions cases where the First Cardinal Sign of SRLS is absent.

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The resulting right leaning tilt through the pelvis in the Frontal makes the foundation of the spine at the sacrum lean to the right. ​Generating mild scoliosis with right convexity which contributes to enhancing baby carrying mechanics. The right lean shifts the centre of gravity in the upper torso to the right which is balanced by a lateral shift at the left hip. So the left hip is elevated and juts out presenting the perfect perch for the child. Baby is secured by simply wrapping the left arm about it. One hardly has to think about it. Put baby on the right hip and we struggle to hold it.

The mild scoliosis generated by the pelvic tilt leads to right convexity through the thoracic in the majority of cases. Moving in a rightward direction in the lower back it wraps back around higher up the spine and is directed leftward in the upper back. This drops the left shoulder and elevates the right shoulder. Clients confirm it is their left bra strap that falls off…similarly, the Marilyn Munro off the shoulder look is to the left. We carry shoulder bags securely on the right shoulder. Put it on the left and we struggle to keep it there.

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Naturally, with every observation that can be made about the human body, there are exceptions. There are instances where the spine is in right convexity through the lumbar spine and flops into left convexity through the thoracic. Elevating the left shoulder and making it easier to carry a shoulder bag on the left side. These are usually lower range leg length discrepancy cases where the spine is less thoroughly encouraged in to right convexity. It would not seem to change the baby carrying mechanics. Most reporting they still carry baby on the left...the lumbar spine is still in right convexity.