Temporospatial parameters and gait symmetry in hip pathology patients: Pre and post hip preservation surgery

Clinicians specializing in hip preservation surgery perform procedures to increase longevity of the diseased hip. To assess patient ambulation, clinicians use temporospatial parameters (TP), to identify underlying deficits, along with asymmetry. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in TP and gait symmetry in a group of adolescent and young adult patients undergoing HPS.

A retrospective query was conducted for these diagnoses: acetabular hip dysplasia (AHD), femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCP). Pre-surgery and post-surgery gait lab visits (minimum of 1 year) were required. 91 un-impaired individuals (Control) were utilized for comparison. Statistical tests were run comparing the pre-surgery visit to the Control cohort for all TP and a symmetry index measure. Before and after surgery analysis was also performed.

162 patients (16.0 ± 2.8 years) were included. Prior to surgery, FAI and LCP patients walked with a reduced cadence and all groups walked slower compared to Control (p < 0.05). FAI and LCP patients had a longer stride time and stride length was shorter in AHD and LCP patients (p < 0.05). LCP patients walked with greater step time asymmetry while AHD and LCP patients walked with greater single limb support asymmetry (p < 0.05). There were minimal changes between before and after surgery.

Patients presenting for surgery have statistically significant deficits in temporospatial parameters when compared to their unimpaired peers though many of these differences could be considered to not be clinically significant. Patients with previous surgery or diagnosed with unilateral involvement presented with greater asymmetry.