Lower Limb Length Discrepancy A limb length discrepancy is a difference between the lengths of the arms or legs. Treatment for a discrepancy depends upon the severity. In many cases, a minor difference in leg length can be well tolerated or evened out by wearing a small lift in one shoe. A child with a more significant difference, however, may benefit from surgery to make their legs the same length. This can be done a number of ways but is most often accomplished through a procedure that slows or stops growth in the longer leg.