ABSTRACT
A curved, oblique plantar incision in the proximal aspect in the medial longitudinal arch was used to release the plantar fascia in eight feet with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Seven feet became pain free and the eighth was 75% improved. Normal sensation to the heel was preserved in all cases. No painful scars or neuromas of the calcaneal branch of the posterior tibial nerve developed. This approach represents a significant improvement over previously reported surgical approaches.
Subject(s)
Fasciotomy , Foot/surgery , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Methods , Middle AgedABSTRACT
The forces and moments in the sagittal plane at the knee and hip were calculated using gait data collected during level walking. Accelerations were measured by accelerometers attached to the legs, and the force reactions at the foot were measured by a force plate. The recorded accelerations and the foot forces were used to determine the joint reactions through a Newtonian formulation modeling the leg as articulated, rigid links. Twelve normal subjects were included in this study along with nine lower limb amputees. Obvious differences were observed when comparing amputee data to normal data both at the knee and hip. Gait data obtained by this system can be readily used to form criteria for objective gait analysis and improved prosthesis design.
Subject(s)
Gait , Hip Joint/physiology , Knee Joint/physiology , Acceleration , Amputees , Biomechanical Phenomena , Humans , SoftwareABSTRACT
Electrical stimulation has been applied to sciatic nerves of patients to achieve sensory feedback after lower limb amputation for periods of up to six years. Patients used the sensory feedback device daily. Pain, infection and electrode displacement have not been problems. The immediate postoperative benefits are that pain is minimized after amputation and stump healing is improved. Furthermore, the stimulus affords the patient increased confidence when walking due to renewed awareness of the center of gravity. Improved ability to function in the dark and when walking up and down stairways makes the application of sciatic nerve stimulation after amputation very rewarding.