Beyond Alignment: Static Coronal Alterations Do Not Predict Dynamic Foot Loading or Spatiotemporal Gait Patterns...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Gait Analysis

Background:

• Static coronal alignment is crucial for lower limb biomechanics post-total knee replacement (TKR).
• The link between coronal alignment and dynamic foot loading/gait post-TKR is not well understood.
• Investigating this relationship is key for optimizing TKR outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the correlation between lower limb coronal alignment and dynamic plantar pressures.
• To assess the relationship between coronal alignment and spatiotemporal gait parameters after unilateral TKR for knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 32 patients undergoing TKR.
• Plantar pressure distribution and gait parameters measured using a plantar pressure analysis system (PPAS).
• Coronal alignment assessed via femorotibial angle (FTA) preoperatively and postoperatively.

Main Results:

• No consistent association found between dynamic plantar pressures/gait parameters and pre- or postoperative FTA.
• The degree of coronal alignment correction did not significantly impact baropodometric outcomes.
• Static alignment did not predict dynamic functional measures at six months post-TKR.

Conclusions:

• Static coronal alignment (FTA) is not consistently associated with dynamic plantar pressure or gait parameters six months after TKR.
• Findings suggest limitations in using static radiographic measures to evaluate complex functional outcomes like gait post-TKR.
• Further research may be needed to explore other factors influencing gait post-TKR.