Insertion of a pressure sensing arrayminimally affects hindfoot bone kinematics

Abstract

Abstract Background Understanding the development of ankle osteoarthritis (OA) is of high importance and interest; however its causality is poorly understood and several links to joint loading conditions have been made. One way of quantifying joint loading conditions is by measuring the intra‐articular pressure distribution during gait simulations performed by in‐vitro experimental set‐ups. However the effect of inserting a pressure sensing array in the ankle joint could potentially disturb the proper kinematics and therefore the loading conditions. Methods In this study, we performed in‐vitro gait simulations in 7 cadaveric feet, before and after inserting a pressure sensing array and quantified the effect on the joints range of motion (ROM). The gait was simulated with a stance phase duration of one second using a custom build cadaveric gait simulator (CGS). Results The results show a limited effect in the ROM for all the joints of the hind foot, not exceeding the variability observed in specimens without a sensor. However, no consistent direction (increase/decrease) can be observed. Conclusion The results suggest that even though the effect of inserting a pressure sensing array is minimal, it needs to be evaluated against the demands/requirements of the application.

Keywords

• In‐vitro gait simulations
• Ankle
• Pressure distribution
• ROM