Aided gait in rheumatoid arthritis following knee arthroplasty.

Abstract

A study is presented of a biomechanical comparison of two different aided gait patterns used by rheumatoid arthritis patients after knee joint surgery. Subjects using alternating and step-to gait patterns were compared when ambulating with forearm-support crutches. Data were collected via instrumented walking aids and 16mm cameras. Values were derived for load transmission through the crutches and for moments at the elbow and shoulder joints. The alternate gait was, on average, 87% faster than the step-to gait, and imposed average loads less than 80% of that in the step-to gait. Peak upper limb joint moments attained values approaching 12Nm at the shoulder joint in both gaits. Given the vulnerability of the upper limb joints in these patients, the load transmission through the upper limb may be unacceptably high in both aided gait patterns.