Relationship between Tissue Gliding of the Lateral Thigh and Gait Parameters after Trochanteric Fractures.

Trochanteric fractures lead to severe functional deficits and gait disorders compared to femoral neck fractures. This study aims to investigate gait parameters related to gliding between tissues (gliding) after trochanteric fracture (TF) surgery. This study implemented a cross-sectional design and was conducted amongst patients who underwent TF surgery (n = 94) approximately three weeks post-trochanteric fracture surgery. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) gliding between tissues; (2) lateral femoral pain during loading; (3) maximum gait speed; (4) stride time variability and step time asymmetry as measures of gait cycle variability; (5) double stance ratio and single stance ratio for assessment of stance phase, (6) jerk; and (7) Locomotor rehabilitation index as a measure of force changes during gait. The gliding coefficient was significantly correlated with lateral femoral pain (r = 0.517), jerk root mean square (r = -0.433), and initial contact-loading response jerk (r = -0.459). The jerk of the force change value during gait was also effective in understanding the characteristics of the gait in the initial contact-loading response in patients with trochanteric fractures. Additionally, gliding is related not only to impairments such as pain but also to disabilities such as those affecting gait.

Effects of Compression Intervention on the Thigh Using Elastic Bandage on Lateral Femoral Pain After Trochanteric Fractures: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

A trochanteric fracture is one type of hip fracture. Management of postoperative pain after trochanteric fracture that is caused by decreased gliding between tissues in the lateral thigh is not established. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of compression of the thigh using an elastic bandage on trochanteric fracture after surgery. Multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted in collaboration with the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (sub-acute rehabilitation Unit) in two hospitals. Eligible volunteers (n = 34) with trochanteric fractures after surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. In the treatment group, participants practiced standing and walking under compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage. The control group was blinded to the intervention and practiced standing and walking under non-compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage. Both groups underwent a standard physical therapy program 2 times a day, daily. Two-way repeated measures of ANOVA showed significant main effect between the groups for gliding between tissue (p < .001), lateral femoral pain (p < .001), subcutaneous tissue thickness (p = .044). Compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage significantly improved subcutaneous tissue thickness, gliding between tissues, lateral thigh pain. Gait velocity improved with these functional improvements.