Impact of postoperative gait analysis on orthopaedic care

The impact of postoperative gait analysis on the ongoing orthopaedic care of 38 consecutive patients with a static encephalopathy was evaluated. Of the 38 postoperative gait analyses, 32 (84%) resulted in recommendations of a change in patient care. Surgery was recommended in 16 of 38 (42%) cases, bracing in 20 (53%) cases, and specific physical therapy regimens in eight (21%) cases. Eleven of the 38 (29%) patients had changes recommended in at least two of the three areas (surgery, bracing, and therapy). The results of this study suggest that postoperative gait analysis serves not only as a measure of treatment outcome, but also as a useful tool in planning ongoing care for these patients.