The use of gait analysis in the treatment of pediatric foot and ankle disorders.

Abstract

Assessment of foot pathology during walking should form an integral part of the clinical evaluation of children. Simple observation and video recording have limitations and are not quantifiable. Three-dimensional analysis of foot motion during walking can provide invaluable information on the dynamic function of the foot and can contribute to clinical decision making. As motion analysis technology advances, the accuracy and reliability of the dynamic assessment of the foot during walking will increase further, allowing clinicians to rely confidently on this information during patient assessment and the study of treatment outcomes. It is logical to expect that objective and quantifiable assessment of gait should be undertaken before and after treatment that sets gait improvement as one of its aims.