Kinematic Analysis of Gait in Patients with Juvenile Hallux Valgus Deformity

Abstract

The juvenile form of hallux valgus (JHV) develops during the growth period of children and adolescents. The purpose of our study was to investigate the kinematic changes of the lower extremity segments during gait in subjects with and without JHV. Subjects diagnosed with JHV (n = 27, age = 20.5 ± 1.2 yrs, mass = 61.2 ± 10.1 kg) were compared to a healthy controls (n = 11, age = 21.5 ± 1.3 yrs, mass = 66.6 ± 12.5 kg). Spatial parameters along with 3-D video motion kinematic data were collected from the pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle of both lower extremities as the subjects walked at self-selected speeds. Results were analyzed with a two-factor ANOVA followed by Fisher LSD post hoc test. Maximum hip extension was smaller in the JHV groups (p<0.05) compared to the control group and maximal flexion at the hip that was greater in the JHV groups than in the control group (p<0.01). The one-sided JHV group walked with a shorter stance due to lack of full hip extension, contributing to a smaller knee extension range (p<0.01) at the late stance. In the JHV group the larger step coupled with increased plantar-flexion (p<0.01) may result from the greater hip flexion found during the loading response. These data suggest the influence of the JHV deformation on the kinematic parameters of the lower extremities during gait.