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THE EFFECT OF USING A CRUTCH DURING PEDOBAROGRAPH MEASUREMENTS

Orthopaedic Research Unit, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, L9 7AL

Introduction: Pedobarograph systems are used to measure foot pressure characteristics during gait. These measurements help clinicians diagnose pathology and assess treatment outcome. While most patients can walk across the Pedobarograph footplate unaided, some patients ask if they can use their crutch.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of using a crutch on pedobarograh measurements.

Materials and Methods: A Musgrave Pedobarograph system was used to measure the foot pressure characteristics of twenty feet in ten normal subjects. The group’s mean age and weight were 31 years (SD=6) and 78 kg (SD=12), respectively. Each subject had each of their feet measured 3 times as they walked across the foot plate unaided. These measurements were then repeated with the subject using a crutch on the contralateral side to that being measured. The force through the crutch was recorded using a set of scales to ensured consistency between measurements.

Results: The main foot pressure characteristics are listed below. The table shows the mean value of the normal parameter, along with the percentage difference of the mean values when the crutch was used. The results of a paired-t test are also given to indicate the statistical significance of the change.

In addition to the above quantitative changes, qualitative assessment of the data showed an alteration in the loading pattern with reduced push off forces. However, eighteen of the twenty feet showed no alteration in the pattern of pressure distribution.

Conclusion: These results show that a crutch affects normal gait by generally increasing the time parameters and reducing the load and pressure parameters. The only parameters not significantly affected by the crutch were "Push off duration" and "Time to peak heel strike pressure".

Correspondence should be addressed to Dr Carlos Wigderowitz, Honorary Secretary of BORS, Division of Surgery & Oncology, Section of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School Tort Centre, Dundee, DD1 9SY.