Article

This study examined the extent to which gait analysis recommendations are
followed by orthopedic surgeons with varying degrees of affiliation with the gait
laboratory. Surgical data were retrospectively examined for 95 patients with
cerebral palsy who underwent lower extremity orthopedic surgery following gait
analysis. Thirty-three patients were referred by two surgeons directly affiliated
with the gait laboratory (direct affiliation), 44 were referred by five surgeons
from the same institution but not directly affiliated with the gait laboratory
(institutional affiliation), and 18 were referred by 10 surgeons from other
institutions (no affiliation). Data on specific surgeries were collected from the
gait analysis referral, gait analysis report, and operative notes. Adherence to
the gait analysis recommendations was calculated by dividing the number of
procedures where the surgery followed the gait analysis recommendation
(numerator) by the total number of procedures initially planned, recommended by
gait analysis, or done (denominator). Adherence with the gait analysis
recommendations was 97%, 94%, and 77% for the direct, institutional, and no
affiliation groups, respectively. Procedures recommended for additions to the
surgical plan were added 98%, 87%, and 77% of the time. Procedures recommended
for elimination were dropped 100%, 89%, and 88% of the time. Of 81 patients who
had specific surgical plans prior to gait analysis, changes were implemented in
84% (68/81) following gait analysis recommendations. Gait analysis influences the
treatment decisions of surgeons regardless of affiliation with the gait
laboratory, although the influence is stronger for surgeons who practice within
the same institution as the gait laboratory.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS