Gait characteristics of patients after proximal femoral replacement for malignant bone tumour

We analysed the gait characteristics of 15 patients with prosthetic reconst ruction of the proximal femur after resection of a malignant bone tumour us ing stride analysis and measurement of oxygen consumption. Compared with no rmal volunteers their gait was slower, with less cadence and reduced stride length. The mean net energy cost of free walking was 141% of normal. The d egree of asymmetry of the single-limb support time correlated with the free -walking velocity and the net energy cost. If they used a single cane the s ubjects walked with less cadence, longer stride length, and prolonged singl e-limb support times. The net energy cost of walking and asymmetry of the s ingle-limb support time had a negative correlation with the strength of the hip abductor muscles. Their walking performance was better than that of si x subjects who had hip disarticulation.