Preoperative gait asymmetry in end-stage unilateral ankle osteoarthrosis patients.

Background: Gait asymmetries following unilateral ankle surgeries have been reported in published literature. Preoperative compensatory gait patterns are usually assumed to be the cause; however, this hypothesis is not backed by objective data. This study aims to assess gait symmetry in patients with unilateral ankle osteoarthrosis (AOA).

Method: 20 participants, including 10 controls and 10 AOA patients, were assessed using 3-D inertial sensors and pressure insoles. 46 gait parameters and foot sub-region relative motions were studied.

Results: Compared with the controls, significant differences were reported in 23 parameters on the affected side and 20 on the unaffected side. AOA bilateral comparison reported differences in 14 parameters, mostly in the toe region. Asymmetries were also found in forefoot relative motion.

Conclusion: Gait alterations are reported in AOA. One-third of measured parameters and forefoot relative motion reported marked gait asymmetries. Clarification of the origin of postoperative gait imbalances is likely to help clinicians optimize rehabilitation programs.