Results of bicondylar sledge prostheses with special consideration given to gait pattern

Aim: To establish whether the clinical results obtained with bicondylar sle dge prostheses correlate with clinical findings, and whether clinical resul ts influence gait pattern. Material and Methods: 15 patients with bicondylar sledge prostheses were co mpared with healthy controls. The clinical examination was documented using the HSS, Knee Society, Tegner, and patella scores, and the Visual Analogue Scale. Gait analysis was done with a three-dimensional motion analysis sys tem and force platforms. Results: A comparison of patients and controls showed significant differenc es in the clinical results, whereas the parameters gait function, muscle fo rce and pain did not. No significant differences were found between the ope rated and non-operated legs. In comparison with controls, patients showed s ignificant differences in the ground reaction forces. Discussion: The abnormal gait findings showed no correlation with clinical results, nor did such parameters as age, weight and duration of follow-up a ppear to have any influence. The non-operated leg adapted to the gait patte rn of the operated leg, to restore gait symmetry. Clinical relevance: Subjective complaints or clinical results show little r elationship to gait parameters in patients receiving a bicondylar sledge pr osthesis.