Abstract

Introduction. It is estimated that more than 50% of patients who functioned well before the proximal femoral fracture were unable to return to pre-injury activity. Moreover, mortality in this group of patients is estimated at over 21% within the first year of fracture, and in the next 5 years this number increases to 59%. The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of the fracture of the proximal part of femur treated surgically on selected gait parameters.

Material and methods. 51 people were examined, including 40 women and 11 men. The average age of the respondents was 73 years. The youngest person in the study group was 51 years old and the oldest 92 years old. The following research tools were used in the study: interview, analysis of medical documentation and gait assessment on the tensometric platform. Results. In the age group 50-64 years, the walking cycle time among the examined people was on average 1.51 sec in women and 1.35 sec in men. In the age group 65-80 years, among women and men is 1.37 sec. Conclusions. The gait pattern of people after a fracture of the proximal femur is changed and deviates from the norm. In the study group, the length of the walk cycle in both women and men in the age group 50 -64 years old, as well as 65-80 years old, is significantly shorter compared to the assumptions of the standard. The study did not show significant differences in step length on the operated and non-operated side in all age groups, both in women and men. Walking cycle times (stride time) in the 54-64 age group and 65-80 years of age among the surveyed men is within the upper limit of the norm. On the other hand, among the surveyed women in these age groups, the walking cycle time significantly exceeds the upper limit of the norm.

Key words:

gait pattern, proximal femur fractures, gait disorders, elderly people