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Gait analysis in patients after Van Nes rotationplasty
F Catani1, R Capanna, M G Benedetti
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Van Nes rotationplasty (VNR) converts the ankle into a pseudo-knee, enabling acceptable gait function. Children treated with VNR showed differences in gait parameters compared to healthy peers but maintained coordinated movement.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Van Nes rotationplasty (VNR) is a surgical technique to reconstruct the lower limb.
- It converts the ankle joint into a functional pseudo-knee, aiming to improve limb length and function.
- VNR is often considered for limb deficiencies or deformities where traditional prosthetics or reconstructions are not ideal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional performance of children after Van Nes rotationplasty (VNR).
- To analyze gait through kinetic, kinematic, and temporal-distance parameters.
- To compare gait in VNR-treated children with a healthy control group.
Main Methods:
- Gait analysis was performed on ten children treated with VNR.
- Kinetic, kinematic, and temporal-distance parameters were assessed.
- Data were compared to ten healthy subjects.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in stride duration, stride length, cadence, velocity, and stance-swing ratio compared to controls.
- Ground-reaction forces showed distinct propulsive and acceptance phases on the prosthetic and sound sides, respectively.
- Some kinematic parameters also differed between the VNR group and healthy subjects.
Conclusions:
- Van Nes rotationplasty is biomechanically and functionally acceptable.
- The pseudo-knee created by VNR allows for active control, facilitating a smooth and coordinated gait pattern.
- VNR offers a viable option for improving functional outcomes in pediatric limb reconstruction.