Outcomes of Corrective Surgery in Children with Foot Deformities Using Quantitative Gait Analysis

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to quantitatively define outcomes of corrective surgery in children with various foot deformities.

Methods. We used a retrospective, nonrandomized design. All pediatric patients who underwent pre and post-operative gait analysis and corrective surgery were included. Outcome measures included quantitative gait analysis with temporospatial and kinematic parameters, the Gait Deviation Index, Gillette FAQ, and Hoffer’s criteria.

Results. Five patients with neurogenic and idiopathic deformities underwent corrective surgery at the Philippine General Hospital from 2015 to 2017. Comparison of gait pre and postoperatively show promising outcomes, with improvement in GDI and FAQ levels, despite some of the patients’ need for braces.

Conclusions. Quantitative gait analysis is a suitable method for evaluating surgical outcomes for foot deformity correction. It can be used in combination with functional outcome measures and clinical examination to give an overall picture of a patient’s walking ability.