header advert
Results 1 - 1 of 1
Results per page:
Applied filters
Content I can access

Include Proceedings
Dates
Year From

Year To
Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 90-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 229 - 229
1 Jul 2008
Costa M Kay D Donell S Robinson F
Full Access

One of the factors that influence the outcome after Achilles tendon rupture is gait abnormality. We prospectively assessed 14 patients with Achilles tendon rupture and 15 normal control subjects using an in-shoe plantar pressure measurement system. There was a significant reduction in peak mean forefoot pressure in the early period of rehabilitation (p < 0.001). There was a concomitant rise in heel pressure on the injured side (p=0.05). However, there was no difference in cadence, as determined by the duration of the terminal stance and pre-swing phases as a proportion of the total stance component of the gait cycle. The forefoot pressure deficit in the Achilles tendon rupture group was smaller when assessed six months after the injury but was still significant (p=0.029). Pedobarographic assessment of patients after Achilles tendon rupture confirms that there are marked abnormalities within the gait cycle. Rehabilitation programmes which address these abnormalities may improve outcome.