P. Gaston et al., Analysis of muscle function in the lower limb after fracture of the diaphysis of the tibia in adults, J BONE-BR V, 82B(3), 2000, pp. 326-331
Citations number
21
Categorie Soggetti
Ortopedics, Rehabilitation & Sport Medicine","da verificare
We examined the recovery of power in the muscles of the lower limb after fr
acture of the tibial diaphysis, using a Biodex dynamometer, Recovery in all
muscle groups was rapid for 15 to 20 weeks following fracture after which
it slowed. Two weeks after fracture the knee flexors and extensors have abo
ut 40% of normal power, which rises to 75% to 85% after one year, The dorsi
flexors and plantar flexors of the ankle and the inverters and evertors of
the subtalar joint are much weaker two weeks after injury, but at one year
their mean power is more than that of the knee flexors and extensors,
Our findings showed that age, the mode of injury, fracture morphology, the
presence of an open wound and the Tscherne grade of closed fractures correl
ated with muscle power. It is age, however, which mainly determines muscle
recovery after fracture of the tibial diaphysis.