Kinematic Parameters Following Pilon Fracture Treatment with the Ilizarov Method

Abstract

Background: The purpose of our study was to analyze kinematic parameters following pilon fracture treatment with the Ilizarov method. Methods: Our study assessed kinematic parameters of gait in 23 patients with pilon fractures treated with the Ilizarov method. Patients had completed their treatment 24–48 months prior to measurements. The range-of-motion values in the non-operated limb (NOL) and operated limb (OL) were compared. Kinematic parameters were measured using the Noraxon MyoMOTION System. Results: We observed no significant differences in hip flexion, hip abduction, or knee flection between the OLs and NOLs in patients after treatment with the Ilizarov method. We observed significant differences in the ranges of ankle dorsiflexion, inversion, and abduction (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.003, respectively) between the OLs and the NOLs. Conclusion: Following pilon fracture treatment with the Ilizarov method, we observed no differences in terms of knee or hip joint mobility between the OL and the NOL, whereas the range of motion in the ankle joint of the OL was significantly limited. The treatment of pilon fractures with the Ilizarov method does not ensure the complete normalization of ankle joint kinematic parameters. Therefore, intense personalized rehabilitation of the ankle joint is recommended.

Comparison between Exercise Program–Foot Orthoses Treatment and Exercise Program Alone after Pilon Fracture Surgery: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In particular, the biomechanics of the lower limbs remain disturbed. The study of Wietecki et al [16] assessed the kinematic gait parameters in 23 patients with pilon fractures treated with the Ilizarov method. The surgery was performed 24-48 months prior to study measurements.…”

“…The Scheinworks treadmill will be used for this purpose, allowing a practical equilateral overview of important gait parameters [35]. During the analysis, the following parameters were taken into consideration: maximum force exerted by the forefoot and backfoot (expressed as a percentage in relation to body weight); step length (measured in centimeters), which is the distance between the foot contacts on opposite sides of the body; stance phase (expressed as a percentage), which is the period of the gait cycle when the foot is in contact with the ground; swing phase (also expressed as a percentage), which is the period of the gait cycle when the foot is not in contact with the ground; step time (measured in seconds), which is the time between the heel contact of one side of the body and the heel contact of the opposite side; stride time (measured in seconds), which is the time taken for the left and right limbs to complete one stride; step cadence which is the number of steps taken per minute, and velocity (measured in kilometers per hour), which is the speed of gait [12,16,35]. A blueprint or scan of the feet will also be performed.…”

“…Gait parameter analysis is a commonly used method to evaluate the functional performance in various populations [10][11][12]. However, only a few studies have analyzed gait parameters after tibial pilon fractures, which are crucial indicators of the effectiveness of the surgical treatment [13][14][15][16]. When compared to healthy controls, patients with pilon fracture who needed surgery and immobilization present altered gait patterns and clinical symptoms [13,14].…”

Wrist motion assessment using Microsoft Azure Kinect DK: A reliability study in healthy individuals

“…The positional data has been used to perform biomechanical analysis in static and dynamic conditions. [1][2][3]25 However, marked motion capture systems have some limitations. They are expensive and few clinical centers can afford them.…”

“…Optoelectronic motion capture systems based on markers have generally been considered the gold standard for motion analysis research. [1][2][3] One proposed alternative to optoelectronic systems is human motion analysis using wearable inertial sensors. 4,5 Also, markerless motion capture systems have been validated and applied to functional diagnostics and rehabilitation.…”