Abnormalities of the gait occurring during recovery from fractures of the lower limb and their improvement during rehabilitation

Abstract

The gait patterns of 19 patients recovering from fractures of the lower limb were analysed using a metal track on which patients walked in shoes fitted with metal contacts. The technique demonstrated marked abnormalities of the gait when patients were admitted to a rehabilitation unit, with an overall reduction of the extent of these abnormalities during treatment. Marked improvements of gait occurred whilst the patients were walking with the aid of crutches. However, little improvement occurred whilst the patients walked with sticks, but when sticks were discarded further marked improvements occurred.