Impact of Scoliosis and Spinal Fusion Surgery on Lower Extremity Function: Gait and Deep Squat Analysis
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of scoliosis and surgery on female mobility. SUBJECTS: Three groups were compared: women with scoliosis scheduled for spinal fusion (SG), those with untreated scoliosis (NSG), and healthy controls (NG). In a separate study, the effects of scoliosis surgery on lower extremity movement in females were analyzed. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Stride length and walking speed were measured in the three groups of the first study. For the second study, joint angles were measured during gait and squatting before and after surgery. RESULTS: The SG group exhibited slower walking with reduced stride length compared to controls. Notably, the NSG group demonstrated similar joint motion to controls during both walking and squatting. However, the SG group exhibited significantly lower joint range of motion compared to both the NSG and controls, indicating that scoliosis severity restricts mobility. For the second study, gait analysis revealed minimal changes in joint angles and function. However, squatting after surgery resulted in increased flexion in the pelvis, hips, knees, and ankles. These findings suggest that surgery may not have a significant impact on walking, but it can improve flexibility during more demanding activities. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of non-surgical management in maintaining mobility. Furthermore, post-surgical rehabilitation should be customized to address specific limitations and enhance performance in activities such as squatting.
Impact of Scoliosis and Spinal Fusion Surgery on Lower Extremity Function: Gait and Deep Squat Analysis
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of scoliosis and surgery on female mobility. SUBJECTS: Three groups were compared: women with scoliosis scheduled for spinal fusion (SG), those with untreated scoliosis (NSG), and healthy controls (NG). In a separate study, the effects of scoliosis surgery on lower extremity movement in females were analyzed. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Stride length and walking speed were measured in the three groups of the first study. For the second study, joint angles were measured during gait and squatting before and after surgery. RESULTS: The SG group exhibited slower walking with reduced stride length compared to controls. Notably, the NSG group demonstrated similar joint motion to controls during both walking and squatting. However, the SG group exhibited significantly lower joint range of motion compared to both the NSG and controls, indicating that scoliosis severity restricts mobility. For the second study, gait analysis revealed minimal changes in joint angles and function. However, squatting after surgery resulted in increased flexion in the pelvis, hips, knees, and ankles. These findings suggest that surgery may not have a significant impact on walking, but it can improve flexibility during more demanding activities. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of non-surgical management in maintaining mobility. Furthermore, post-surgical rehabilitation should be customized to address specific limitations and enhance performance in activities such as squatting.