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Changes and Compensatory Gait Mechanisms in Lower Extremity Kinematics in Patients With ACL Rupture: A
Xuan Zhao1,2, Danni Wu2, Shaobai Wang2
1School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Background:
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is associated with knee instability and compensatory gait adaptations, which are relevant to rehabilitation planning.
Hypothesis:
Patients with ACL rupture would show altered bilateral hip, knee, and ankle gait kinematics.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Level Of Evidence:
Level 3.
Methods:
A total of 40 participants were enrolled, including 22 patients with recent ACL ruptures and 18 healthy subjects. Participants walked on a treadmill at 4 km/h while wearing 17 inertial sensors. Ten normalized gait cycles were used to compare bilateral hip, knee, and ankle kinematics.
Results:
Patients with ACL rupture demonstrated altered lower-extremity kinematics compared with healthy subjects. Hip external rotation was reduced bilaterally (P < 0.01), and hip adduction was reduced on both the affected (P < 0.05) and nonaffected (P < 0.01) sides. Maximum knee flexion was lower on the affected side than in healthy subjects (P < 0.01) and the nonaffected side (P < 0.05). Maximum ankle internal rotation was reduced bilaterally (affected side P < 0.05; nonaffected side P < 0.01), suggesting bilateral gait adaptations after ACL rupture.
Conclusion:
ACL rupture was associated with gait alterations involving both lower extremities, with bilateral hip and ankle kinematic changes and reduced maximum knee flexion mainly on the affected side.
Clinical Relevance:
Recognition of bilateral kinematic changes after ACL rupture may help clinicians assess both limbs and guide rehabilitation focused on restoring functional gait patterns.
