This study looked at children with a capillary malformation (CM) on the leg — a birthmark that can sometimes affect tissue and bone growth. The goal was to find out how often these children develop a leg length discrepancy (LLD) and which factors increase that risk.
Key findings
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Out of 1008 children, 14.8% developed a significant leg length difference of 2 cm or more.
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Children with diffuse capillary malformation (DCM) had the highest risk: 44.5% developed major LLD.
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By age 15, the overall risk of developing major LLD is 31.4%, rising to 66.4% in children with DCM.
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Important risk factors include:
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A large malformation covering many parts of the leg.
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A malformation involving the entire length of the leg.
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A malformation located high on the leg (hip/thigh).
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Involvement of both inner and outer sides of the leg.
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Overgrowth of the foot on the affected side.
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A history of hip dysplasia.
Why does this matter?
A major leg length difference can lead to pain, gait problems, spinal curvature, and early joint wear.
A common treatment is epiphysiodesis, a minor surgery that slows growth in the longer leg. This only works well if done before the growth plates close—usually around puberty.
Recommendations from the research team
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First orthopedic evaluation at 12 months of age.
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Another check around 4 years if no discrepancy is present.
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Closer monitoring during puberty, when differences can increase quickly.
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Extra vigilance for children with DCM or large/extended malformations.
Full article (English)
Reference
Beqo, Besiana P.a; Plumptre, Isabella R.a; Hassani-Ardakani, Kimyab; Spencer, Samantha A.a,c; Liang, Marilyn G.a,b.
Prevalence and Risk Factor Analysis of Leg Length Discrepancy in Patients with a Capillary Malformation on the Lower Extremities: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Journal of Vascular Anomalies 6(4):p e130, December 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/JOVA.0000000000000130.
