title: Asymmetry of gait after free flap reconstruction of severe tibial fractures with extensive soft-tissue damage.
abstract: Gait patterns of the preferred speed were investigated on 17 patients recovering (9 months-14 years) after reconstruction of severe tibial fractures. A novel data-acquisition system was used to record the plantar pressures as well as electromyographic (EMG) activities during walking. The results indicated incomplete recovery of symmetrical gait patterns. In particular, the duration of the stance phase was shorter on the operated side (mean (SD) 701 (90) ms compared with 765 (128) ms, p < 0.001). The peak pressure points under the foot were different on bilateral comparison, the operated side being regularly higher under the lateral forefoot area. This may imply attempts to reduce the loading of the ankle joint during stance. The pressure distribution models reflected these asymmetrical patterns more specifically than the EMG activities of the lower leg muscles examined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Finland. jarmop@maila.jyu.fi
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Perttunen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nieminen
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tukiainen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kuokkanen
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Asko-Seljavaara
authors.forename: P V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Komi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*