Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants

ISSN for PRINT: 1050-6934

For Online Access

Best Paper Award Selection - Editorial Board Site

2006, Volume16

Issue 3

70 pages

Issue price - $189.00

K. Zhang
Obesity Research Center, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, and Institute of Human Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY

A. Gorjian
University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA

D. K. Lester
University of California San Francisco-Fresno, Fresno, CA

Gait alterations of chronic knee arthritis before and after injection of local anesthesia was measured in the orthopedist's office area. A portable gait analyzer was used to evaluate gait characteristics before and after injection of local anesthesia in the chronically arthritic knee. Gait was analyzed during a 400-meter walk. Overall velocity and cadence increased 3.3% (p = 0.016) and 2.8% (p = 0.005). In-stance phase single and double support time (SLS and DLS) reduced 1.3% (p = 0.003) and 3.8% (p = 0.028). The ratio of SLS/DLS increased confirming a relatively increased duration in SLS as a percentage of the overall gait cycle. In swing phase the pulling power (initial swing), swing power (terminal swing) and ground impact increased 10.3% (p < 0.001), 6.8% (p = 0.003), and 4.2% (p = 0.003). Patients demonstrated fatigability at the end of walking measured as diminished velocity. Fatigability decreased after injection of the arthritic knee. The study demonstrates the specific gait phase changes afforded by injection of local anesthesia into the chronically arthritic knee. This study may serve as a benchmark for the measure of possible improvements afforded by different therapy for the patient suffering from chronic knee arthritis.

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