Use of dynamographic method for gait analysis after heel bone fracture ostheosynthesis - pilot study
Abstract
Heel bone is the most commonly injured tarsal bone. Majority of these injuries originates from fall from height or in traffic accidents on motorbikes.
Surgical therapy is preferred in dislocated intraarticular fractures of heel bone, its aim I to repose the articular areas, renew the shape of the heel bone and stable ostheosynthesis that ensures the reposition till the fracture is healed and enables early rehabilitation. Aim of this pilot study is to find out the possibilities of dynamography in gait cycle analysis after heel bone fracture in selected patients.
Group: Pilot measurement was performed in the group of 5 patients - men after surgical therapy of unilateral heel bone fracture (age 38,2 years old +- 7,9; height: 1,79 m+- 0,05; weight: 83,8 kg +- 7,9). Methods: EMED system in combination with synchronous videorecord of gait cycle was used for pressure distribution analysis on foot and thallus interaction level.
Highest pressure, maximal force (in vertical direction), maximal force in vertical direction under heel bone area, duration of gait and time of contact with surface were monitored. Trajectory of reaction force vector of surface (COP) was also monitored.
Results: Despite the subjective fracture healing it was showed that both force and pressure measured under flat of a healthy foot is significantly higher than under the operated one. Also the pressure under heel bone area is significantly higher in healthy foot and the time of contact of healthy foot with surface is longer than that of operated one.
COP trajectory is in operated foot significantly different, especially in mediolateral direction. Conclusion: Dynamographic examination method is one of the effective means for gait analysis in heel bone fracture, especially in the time when patient has no longer serious subjective problems.
Data measured via dynamographic examination may serve as a significant assistant in postoperative rehabilitation.