Gait Parameters In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis Before High Tibial Osteotomy

Ten female patients aged 45-63 years before high tibial osteotomy and ten age- and gender-matched controls participated in the study. Twenty passive reflective markers on the standard points of the trunk and lower extremities as viewed by the six opto-electronic cameras were digitized by the ELITE motion analyzer (BTS, Italy) during "free" and fast walking. The temporal and distance parameters of gait were analyzed. There was noted a prolongation (p < 0.001) of stance time in the involved leg of patients with knee OA as compared with the uninvolved leg (11.0%) and to controls (9.7 and 11.2% for right and left leg, respectively) during "free" walking. The double support time in patients was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) in the involved leg as compared with the uninvolved leg (1.2%) and to controls (1.8 and 1.5% for right and left leg, respectively). Patients demonstrated a prolongation (p < 0.05) of stride time for both legs and lengthening of step width (38.4%, p < 0.01) and a decrease of walking speed in comparison to controls during fast walking.