GAIT ANALYSIS OF PATIENTS WITH LOW-BACK-PAIN BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY

Gait analysis could be a good objective and quantifiable assessment of function in patients with chronic low back pain. A study of the gait parameters of 20 normal subjects and 30 patients with low back pain, b efore and 2 years after surgery (mainly spinal arthrodesis) was undert aken. For the majority (67%) of patients, postoperative gait analysis confirmed their perception of pain and function. In a minority (33%) o f patients, there was an improvement in gait parameters, despite the p erception of continuing severe pain and poor physical functioning. It may be possible to reduce the number of patients experiencing symptoma tic failure with surgery if this discrepancy between gait and disabili ty due to pain can be discovered preoperatively. Then the advice again st surgery could be given when indicated.