Walking impairments after severe tibia plateau fractures. A gait pattern analysis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Tibia plateau fractures are severe knee injuries with significant patient impact.
• The extent of gait alterations following these fractures requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate short-term gait alterations after severe tibia plateau fractures (Schatzker IV-VI) treated with a circular Ilizarov frame.

Main Methods:

• Gait analysis using a force plate was performed 3-6 months post-frame removal in 16 patients.
• Evaluated gait parameters, demographic data, clinical outcomes, and quality of life (SF-12v2, COST).

Main Results:

• Gait pattern showed normal morphology but with significantly reduced single limb support on the affected limb (p < 0.001).
• SF-12v2 mental scores normalized, but physical scores remained impaired; COST scores were average.
• Terminal stance phase was prolonged on the normal limb (p = 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Early-stage rehabilitation after Ilizarov frame treatment for tibia plateau fractures shows normalized gait morphology.
• However, reduced single limb support and impaired physical function persist, alongside normal mental status.