The Effect of Gait Speed on Pre- and Postoperative Analysis of Gait Parameters after Total Knee Arthroplasty

The objective of the study is to analyse the effect of gait speed on pre- and postoperative gait parameters after the implantation of total knee arthroplasty. The second objective is to compare the gait pattern of patients with total knee arthroplasty to the gait pattern of healthy control subjects. 43 patients with symptomatic unilateral gonarthrosis had undergone a total knee arthroplasty with a midvastus surgical approach. Gait analysis with various gait speeds took place prior to, as well as 6 and 13 weeks after surgical intervention. The motion of the knee joint, the spatial-temporal parameters of the gait cycle and the vertical ground reaction forces of the operated knee are discussed. 13 weeks after surgery, cadence and gait speed display a significant increase. Single support does not change significantly 6 weeks after the operation, as a sign of the lasting reduction of the physical abilities. A significant increase of single support time occurs 13 weeks after the surgical intervention. 13 weeks after the total knee arthroplasty, knee joint motion in the sagittal plane shows a remarkable improvement of maximum flexion at swing phase. The follow-up shows that the loading rate of the operated side is simultaneously reduced after 13 weeks, and could be interpreted as a relieving posture. Influence on gait speed shows changes in kinetic and kinematic parameters. SF-36 questionnaire indicates significant improvement in dimension of bodily pain after inpatient treatment. The results of the age-matched control group were not yet achieved 13 weeks a er the total knee arthroplasty. Restrictions of knee joint motion and physical capacity after the total knee arthroplasty follow from long-standing relieving posture as a result of weakened muscles, shortened sinews and ligaments ("quadriceps avoided gait").