Every endeavor is made to maintain the legs at equal leg length, however, sometimes the leg can be slightly lengthened as a result of the hip replacement. Usually, a hip joint which is diseased enough to require replacement is stiff. It may also be a little short, because of deformity, wear or destruction of the bony surfaces which rub together. After surgery, the operated side almost always feels longer. This feeling gradually diminishes with increasing use, strengthening, and my ability, over a period of 12 months or so. Although we take measures to try and ensure limb length remains unchanged, or on some occasions, is modified to try and achieve limb length equality, generally, we can get only to within a centimetre or so of limb equality. Generally, this is not enough to cause a limp. On occasions, however, a small shoe raise adjustment may be required.