Gait following lateral collateral ligament repair

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Ankle sprains, particularly lateral collateral ligament injuries, are common musculoskeletal traumas.
• Treatment approaches vary based on sprain severity, ranging from conservative (immobilization) to surgical intervention.
• Gait analysis is crucial for evaluating functional recovery after lower limb injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the long-term gait kinetic parameters in individuals with second-degree versus third-degree ankle sprains.
• To assess the effectiveness of different treatment strategies (conservative vs. surgical) on gait recovery.
• To identify differences in gait patterns between injured and uninjured legs within and between treatment groups.

Main Methods:

• Two groups of ankle trauma patients: second-degree sprains (conservative, 2-week cast) and third-degree sprains (surgical, 6-week cast).
• All subjects underwent similar physical therapy post-immobilization.
• Gait patterns were analyzed six months after injury using three orthogonal ground reaction forces.

Main Results:

• Few significant differences were found in gait patterns or ground reaction forces between the conservative and surgical treatment groups.
• No significant differences in gait parameters were observed between the injured and uninjured legs within each treatment group.
• Significant differences in gait parameters were identified when comparing the injured legs of the two treatment groups.

Conclusions:

• Six months after injury, both conservative and surgical treatments for ankle sprains result in comparable gait kinetic parameters.
• While individual leg function may normalize within treatment groups, the long-term effects of surgical intervention versus conservative management on gait remain distinct.
• Further research may explore the nuances of proprioception and muscle strength recovery impacting gait differences.