Which osteoarthritic gait features recover following total knee replacement surgery?

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203417
• Publication Date: 2019-01-25T18:46:42Z
• Authors: Paul Robert Biggs; Gemma Marie Whatling; Chris Wilson; Andrew John Metcalfe; Cathy Avril Holt
• Keywords: Ground reaction force; Biomechanics; Joint replacement

Background Gait analysis can be used to measure variations in joint function patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and is useful when observing longitudinal biomechanical changes following Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery. The Cardiff Classifier an objective classification tool applied previously examine the extent of recovery TKR. In this study, it further developed reveal salient features that contribute towards healthy function. Methods was performed on 30 before after TKR surgery, controls. Median follow-up time 13 months. combined application principal component (PCA) defined 18 discriminated OA from gait. Statistical tested whether these were affected by surgery and, if so, they recovered values found for Results successfully between gait all 60 cases. Of discriminatory features, only six (33%) significantly including three planes ground reaction force (p<0.001), ankle dorsiflexion moment hip adduction (p = 0.003), transverse angle 0.007). All but two (89%) remained different those control group Conclusions This approach able discriminate biomechanics associated OA. provided strongest features. Despite increased velocity improvements self-reported pain function, which would normally clinical indicators recovery, majority not cohort retained pre-operative patterns; reduced sagittal moments, decreased flexion, adduction. predominantly at hip, rather than knee.