Article

Ankle fractures are the most common type of lower extremity fractures. The objective of our study was to analyse the changes of temporal and spatial gait
parameters and functional outcomes in patients with bimalleolar fractures who
followed surgery and rehabilitation compared to healthy controls. 49 patients
with ankle fractures and 21 age-matched healthy volunteers were recruited. There
were two assessments for the study group: T1 - once weight-bearing was allowed
and T2 - twelve weeks after exercise-based rehabilitation programme. Each
evaluation consisted in a functional questionnaire (Olerud-Molander Ankle
Score-OMAS) and temporal and spatial gait parameters analysis. The gait
parameters were analysed using a Zebris FDM platform. 30 patients completed the
final assessment and their data were analysed. In T1 assessment there were
significant differences in all temporal and spatial gait parameters between the
patients group and controls. In T2 evaluation step time in affected ankle and
non-affected ankle, swing time and stance time on affected ankle, stride time and
cadence showed no significant differences in patients compared with controls. The
within-group analysis showed significant differences in all temporal and spatial
gait parameters except for single support time on non-affected ankle after
rehabilitation. The OMAS improved significantly from T1 to T2 in all subscales
except for squatting. Median value of OMAS improved from 60 (35-90) to 95
(55-100). Our study revealed significant improvements of all temporal and spatial
gait parameters, as well as of the functional outcome in patients with surgically
treated ankle fractures after twelve-week rehabilitation.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS