[Changes in the shape of the lumbar vertebral column in patients with legs of unequal length (author's transl)].

Little is known about how static scoliosis is related to asymmetries of the lower extremities. In 117 patients we could find typical reactions of the juvenile and adult spine upon leg length discrepancy. In children scoliosis is long-curved, in adults it is short-curved and located in the presacral segments. The different behaviour can be referred to rotatory mechanics of the facet joints. The juvenile spine is especially susceptible to structural deformities with vertebral rotation. The deformities mostly develop at the vertebral arch structures. They are dependent upon the degree and duration of leg length discrepancy. Hence asymmetries of the articular facets can be considered as minimal torsion deformities.