RADIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF SKIN DISPLACEMENT ERRORS IN THE FOOT AND ANKLE DURING STANDING

The accuracy of skin markers for the prediction of skeletal locations in the foot and ankle was assessed using radiographs. The relationship between skin and skeletal markers was examined for three weight-bearing positions of the Fight lower limb: a 10 degrees calcaneal inversion position, a neutral alignment, and a 5 degrees calcaneal eversion position. Significant discrepanices in the respective locations of skin and skeletal markers were observed; however, it was not possible from the results of this study to recommend the use of particular landmarks in preference to the other locations employed. Relevance Most analytical instruments used in the analysis of gait employ markers attached to the skin to estimate the positions of the underlying skeleton. In spite of the widespread application of this technique in conjunction with cinematographic, video, optical, and sonic devices, relatively little attention has been directed towards the determination of its accuracy.