Galeazzi Test for Leg-Length Discrepancy

Galeazzi Test (or Allis sign) is used to evaluate the limb length discrepancy seen in developmental dysplasia of the hip DDH in newborn.

How do you perform the Galeazzi Test?

The patient is supine with the knees flexed 90° and the soles of the feet at on the examining table. The examiner assesses the position of both knees from the end of the table and from the side.

The Galeazzi Test for assessment of femur length is indicated as an additional test for evaluating hip dislocation. However, in such a case there is only an apparent difference in length; the femurs are the same length but one thigh appears shorter due to the hip dislocation.

Note that the Galeazzi test will yield a false-negative result in cases of bilateral hip dislocation.

See Also: Leg Length Measurement

See Also: Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Notes

The original Galeazzi test was developed to identify gross hip deformity in pediatric patients. The extension of this test to adults suspected of having anatomical leg length inequality is problematic, and needs refinement at the least.

See Also: Barlow Test

The Allis test for leg length inequality is performed with the subject carefully positioned in the supine position, with the head, pelvis, and feet centered on the table. After an assessment for anatomic leg length inequality, the knees are flexed to approximately 90°. The examiner then sights the short leg side knee sequentially from both the foot and side of the table, noting its relative locations: both its height from the table and Y axis position. The traditional interpretation of the Allis test is that a low knee identifies a short tibia and a cephalad knee a short femur.

References & More

1. Clinical Tests for the Musculoskeletal System 3rd Edition.
2. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, And Intervention 3rd Edition.
3. Storer, SK; Skaggs, DL (Oct 15, 2006). “Developmental dysplasia of the hip”. American Family Physician. 74 (8): 1310–6. PMID 17087424.
4. Cooperstein, Robert & Haneline, Michael & Young, Morgan. (2007). Mathematical modeling of the socalled Allis test: A field study in orthopedic confusion. Chiropractic & osteopathy. 15. 3. 10.1186/1746-1340-15-3. Researchgate