Faculty Collaboration Database

Preoperative gait characterization of patients with ankle arthrosis. Gait Posture 2006 Aug;24(1):85-93

Date

08/25/2005

Pubmed ID

16118052

DOI

10.1016/j.gaitpost.2005.07.006

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-33745489188 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   86 Citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the kinematic changes that occur about the foot and ankle during gait in patients with degenerative joint disease (DJD). By comparing a normal adult population with what was found in the DJD population we determined how the motion of theses groups differed, thereby characterizing how this pathology affects foot and ankle motion. A 15-camera Vicon Motion Analysis System was used in conjunction with weight bearing radiographs to obtain three-dimensional motion of the foot and ankle during ambulation. The study was comprised of 34 patients and 35 ankles diagnosed with DJD (19 men and 15 women) of the ankle and 25 patients with normal ankles (13 men and 12 women). Dynamic foot and ankle motion was analyzed using the four-segment Milwaukee Foot Model (MFM). The data from this model resulted in three-dimensional (3D) kinematic parameters in the sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes as well as spatial-temporal parameters. Patient health status was evaluated using the SF-36 Health Survey and American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scores. The DJD group showed significant differences (p<0.001) as compared to normals with prolonged stance time, shortened stride length, reduced cadence and a walking speed which was only 66.96% of normal. Overall, kinematic data in the DJD cohort showed significant differences (p<0.001) in all planes of motion for tibial, hindfoot and forefoot motion as compared to normals. The average preoperative AOFAS hindfoot score was 26. DJD of the ankle results in decreased range of motion during gait. This decreased range of motion may be related to several factors including bony deformity, muscle weakness, and attempts to decrease the pain associated with weight bearing. To date there has not been a study which describes the effect of this disease process on motion of the foot and ankle. These findings may prove to be useful in the pre-operative assessment of these patients.

Author List

Khazzam M, Long JT, Marks RM, Harris GF

Author

Gerald Harris PhD Director in the Orthopaedic Research Engineering Center (OREC) department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Ankle Joint
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Gait
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Osteoarthritis
Preoperative Care