STUDY DESIGN: Comparative cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: We measured the vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) of the hip, knee, and ankle joints during normal gait in normal patients, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients with a Cobb angle < 40° and in AIS patients with spinal fusion. We aimed to investigate whether vGRF in the aforementioned joints is altered in these three groups of patients. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: vGRF of the lower limb joints may be altered in these groups of patients. Although it is known that excessive force in the joints may induce early arthritis, there is limited relevant information in the literatures. METHODS: We measured vGRF of the hip, knee, and ankle joints during heel strike, early stance, mid stance, and toe-off phases in normal subjects (group 1, n=14), AIS patients with Cobb angle < 40° (group 2, n=14), and AIS patients with spinal fusion (group 3, n=13) using a gait analysis platform. Fifteen auto-reflective tracking markers were attached to standard anatomical landmarks in both the lower limbs. The captured motion images were used to define the orientations of the body segments and force exerted on the force plate using computer software. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test and analysis of variance to examine differences between the right and left sides as well as those among the different subject groups. RESULTS: The measurements during the four gait phases in all the groups did not show any significant difference (p>0.05). In addition, no significant difference was found in the vGRF measurements of all the joints among the three groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A Cobb angle < 40° and spinal fusion did not significantly create imbalance or alter vGRF of the lower limb joints in AIS patients.
Adolescent ; Ankle Joint ; Ankle ; Arthritis ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Gait ; Heel ; Hip ; Humans ; Joints ; Knee ; Lower Extremity ; Scoliosis ; Spinal Fusion ; Strikes, Employee

Intramedullary nailing is the preferred method of closed shaft fracture fixation of long bones. One of the most dreaded complications to occur following internal fixation of a lower limb fracture is pseudo- or false aneurysm which can lead to the loss of the limb due to acute ischemia. This diagnosis is made by contrast angiogram of the limb. Pointers to the diagnosis include absent distal limb pulsation as well as other signs of acute ischemia post trauma or surgery. We present a case of development of pseudo-aneurysm in an elderly patient following open reduction and internal fixation of a femoral fracture. This case report outlines a prompt multidisciplinary approach of management in a rare case of pseudoaneurysm post fixation of long bone.