2 research outputs found
Pre-operative versus Post-operative Gait Variability in Patients with Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency
Change in gait variability at least 6 months after surgical
reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was assessed in
20 male patients with acute ACL deficiency and compared with
pre-operative data and that from 20 healthy male controls. Gait was
measured using a triaxial accelerometer and data were analysed by the
Gait Evaluation Differential Entropy Method (GEDEM) to determine gait
variability. Pain was assessed with a visual analogue scale and
functional ability with the Oswestry Disability Index and the
International Knee Documentation Committee score. Mean gait variability
was significantly lower after than before surgery, with values for the
anterior posterior axis being in the normal range of controls after 6
months, whereas in the mediolateral axis mean gait variability remained
significantly higher, indicating that some rotational instability
remained in the time-frame of the study. Pain and functional ability
scores improved after surgery compared with before surgery. The
combination of accelerometry and GEDEM may be a useful orthopaedic tool
for the post-operative evaluation of patients who have undergone ACL
reconstruction