Article

Ankle fractures are one of the most common lower limb traumas. Several studies
reported short- and long-term post-operative results, mainly determined by
radiographic and subjective functional evaluations. Three-dimensional gait
analysis with a multi-segment foot model was used in the current study to
quantify the inter-segment foot motions in 18 patients 1 year after surgically
treated ankle fractures. Data were compared to that from gender- and age-matched
healthy controls. The correlations between Olerud/Molander ankle score and
kinematics were also evaluated. Patients with ankle fractures showed less
plantarflexion and smaller range of motion in the injured talocrural joint, which
were believed to be a sign of residual joint stiffness after surgery and
immobilization. Moreover, the forefoot segment had smaller sagittal and
transverse ranges of motion, less plantarflexion and the hallux segment had less
dorsiflexion and smaller sagittal range of motion. The deviations found in the
forefoot segment may contribute to the compensation mechanisms of the injured
ankle joint. Findings of our study show that gait analysis with a multi-segment
foot model provides a quantitative and objective way to perform the dynamic
assessment of post-operative ankle fractures, and makes it possible to better
understand not only how the injured joint is affected, but also the surrounding
joints.
CI - Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS