Current applications of gait analysis after total knee arthroplasty: A scoping review

Effect of total knee arthroplasty on contralateral knee: A prospective comparative gait analysis of non-operated legs in the Indian population

Introduction

Biomechanics plays a crucial function in osteoarthritis. Changes in the biomechanical parameters of the contralateral knee following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may result in pain in the contralateral knee. The objective of this study was to examine preoperative and postoperative gait measurements on the contralateral leg following a TKA for a variety of gait measures at a self-selected normal gait pace in a similar speed population.

Method

There were 11 patients included in the study, and their average age was 68 (7 females and 4 males). Gait analysis was performed at a sampling frequency of 120 Hz using nine cameras Qualisys motion capture systems (Qualisys AB, Sweden). To process the kinematic data, Visual 3D C-Motion Software was used.

Results

Ankle plantar flexion (0.01), knee abduction during the terminal stance (0.002), and knee adduction during the initial swing (0.01) all showed a significant difference. In spatiotemporal data, walking speed (0.01), stance time (0.01), step length (0.005), and stride length (0.001) all showed significant differences. There were significant differences in knee flexion-extension (0.04) values.

Conclusion

A change in the contralateral knee's biomechanics as a result of TKA is strongly suggested by significant alterations in the knee's stance phase, joint angle, and MAP. The research may help to modify the stride of the contralateral leg to decrease the advancement of osteoarthritis.

Evaluation of gait recovery after total knee arthroplasty using wearable inertial sensors: A systematic review

PURPOSE

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the recent research output to present more evidence of the current clinical applications of wearable sensors to determine the change and the recovery in gait function pre- and post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

A systematic search of the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases was conducted in October 2022. Inclusion criteria consisted of applying acceleration wearable sensors for pre- and post-arthroplasty assessment of the gait cycle. Studies reporting gait analysis using wearable sensors in patients with knee osteoarthritis at any time after total or partial knee arthroplasty (KA) were also included. Each included study was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Quasi-Experimental studies.

RESULTS

Twelve articles were finally considered. The extracted data included essential characteristics of participants, KA studies and their characteristics, sensor technology characteristics and the clinical protocols, gait parameter changes, and various clinical outcome scores at different follow up times after KA. Postoperative examinations were performed from 5 days to 1 year after KA. Clinical outcome scores and gait variables for all patient groups, with or without postoperative rehabilitation, showed various recovery profiles. A variety of wireless sensor devices for gait analysis were recorded. Also, different types of KA were found in the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The study's findings showed that acceleration-based gait analysis has notable clinical use in monitoring patients after KA. This application provides objective information on the functional outcome beyond the use of clinical outcome scores. More extensive prospective studies are required to investigate gait function further with the help of wearable sensors in patients with knee osteoarthritis.