[Feedback-controlled weight bearing following osteosynthesis of the lower extremity]. 1996

T Perren, and P Matter
Chirurgische Abteilung, Spital Davos/AO-International.

Truly partial weight bearing by usual mode of mobilisation after an operation of the lower limb is not a realistic goal. Frequent and massive overloading could recently be shown in a series of patients with joint replacements. Significant improvements in the loading pattern could be demonstrated with the use of an acoustic feedback system. Our goal was to test the clinical application of this method by using a similar system in the form of an insole-installed device. In the same trial, data on the real weight bearing pattern with prescribed loading after osteosyntheses was to be collected with and without the feedback device. We measured weight bearing continuously in two groups of patients. The first group was mobilised in the usual manner whereas the second group was acoustically alerted to overloading when passing the limit of 15 kg by a sensor device in the insole. Our results showed that 40.8% of steps made by patients mobilised in the usual manner were massively overloaded whereas 12.7% of steps in the second feedback-group produced even minor overloading. Apart from certain technical difficulties, the method was well accepted by the patients. The usual method of progressive weight bearing is unreliable. The value of partial weight bearing after internal fixation of the lower limb remains to be evaluated. In cases in which partial weight bearing is recommended, more attention should be paid to observing the prescribed limits and a reliable system that alerts the patient of excessive weight bearing would be most useful. For routine use in clinics a technically more reliable PMT Feedback System has to be developed.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007869 Leg Injuries General or unspecified injuries involving the leg. Injuries, Leg,Injury, Leg,Leg Injury
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D005246 Feedback A mechanism of communication within a system in that the input signal generates an output response which returns to influence the continued activity or productivity of that system. Feedbacks
D005260 Female Females
D005593 Fracture Fixation, Internal The use of internal devices (metal plates, nails, rods, etc.) to hold the position of a fracture in proper alignment. Osteosynthesis, Fracture,Fixation, Internal Fracture,Fixations, Internal Fracture,Fracture Fixations, Internal,Fracture Osteosyntheses,Fracture Osteosynthesis,Internal Fracture Fixation,Internal Fracture Fixations,Osteosyntheses, Fracture
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000161 Acoustic Stimulation Use of sound to elicit a response in the nervous system. Auditory Stimulation,Stimulation, Acoustic,Stimulation, Auditory
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000368 Aged A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available. Elderly

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