[Static and dynamic loading measurements of the post-traumatic foot]

There are several possibilities to assess loading of the foot after trauma. This paper gives an overview of the quantitative techniques presently applied for the measurement of kinetic (ground reaction forces, pressure distribution) and kinematic parameters (joint angles) during movement analysis; emphasis is placed on simple and reliable techniques (e.g., time variables of the roll-over process, pressure distribution), which are explained with examples of their clinical use. In addition, several mathematical foot models are introduced. None of the techniques mentioned has found a permanent place in the clinical environment for support of the diagnosis of trauma, the quantification of trauma, or the therapeutical decision. In other areas (e.g. biomechanics) these techniques are already established. Therefore, the experience to date in these areas should be taken into consideration by the clinicians and used for their purposes.