Z. Bejek, R. Paróczai, Á. Illyés, and R.M. Kiss (Hungary)
Biomechanics, Gait analysis, osteoarthritis, knee, hip, gait speed
It is difficult to identify objective parameters for assessing the joint function when evaluating the outcome of orthopaedic procedures, especially endoprosthetic replacement. Clinical gait analysis enables parameters of movements to be quantified. Spatial and temporal parameters of gait have clinical relevance in the assessment of motor pathologies, particularly in orthopaedics. The aim of this study is to determine how selected gait parameters may change as a result of osteoarthritis and as a result of different gait speeds. A total of 15 patients with severe unilateral osteoarthritis of the hip, 20 patients with severe unilateral osteoarthritis of the knee and 21 healthy elderly subjects without any history of lower extremity joint pathology were investigated at four different gait speeds. The gait analysis equipment used consisted of an infinitely adjustable force instrumented treadmill and an ultrasound-based motion analyser system with electromyography. The results obtained from the lower limb with osteoarthritis were compared with those of the contralateral side and those of the control group. Pathological changes in gait patterns were found due to osteoarthritis. The results suggest that compensatory mechanisms greatly involve the contralateral and neighbouring joints. The use of a force instrumented treadmill is necessary for setting a standard gait speed, which should be set as high as achievable by patients without inducing pain and problems of coordination or balance.
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