Can Patients Self-Identify Gait Disturbances After Lower Extremity Trauma? Enhancing Patient Engagement in Their Care

Background and Objectives: Orthopedic patients recovering from lower extremity trauma frequently experience gait disturbances that affect mobility, independence, and quality of life. Engaging patients in recognizing their own gait abnormalities may enhance participation in rehabilitation and improve functional outcomes. The purpose of this study to assess if patients recovering from lower extremity trauma can self-recognize the presence or absence of a gait abnormality, and if the PROMIS physical function scores correlate with gait abnormality. Materials and Methods: An IRB-approved prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a Level One U.S. trauma center, assessing gait disturbance in patients recovering from lower limb surgery. Participants completed the PROMIS physical function survey along with self-assessing the presence or absence of a limp, then received a clinical gait assessment by a clinician. Of 243 patients screened, only those with an isolated lower limb injury, status post-operative trauma care, and able to ambulate unassisted were included. This yielded a final study cohort of 66 patients. Results: Post-lower extremity trauma patients were able to self-identify the presence (95.92% p < 0.00001) or absence 89.47% (p < 0.00001) of a gait abnormality. There was a statistically significant difference in PROMIS physical function t-scores between patients with and without a limp, 37.2 and 44.4 (p-value 0.00012), respectively. Conclusions: Patients recovering from lower extremity trauma can effectively identify the presence or absence of gait disturbances. Limp recognition was associated with lower PROMIS Physical Function scores. Promoting patient awareness and involvement in tracking their recovery may enhance engagement, guide clinical decision-making, and support better rehabilitation outcomes.