Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic connective tissue disorder characterized by skeletal deformity and increased risk of fracture. Independent mobility is of concern for OI patients as it is associated with the quality of life. The present study investigates the variation of kinetic and kinematic gait parameters of type IV OI subjects and compares them with age-matched healthy subjects.
Materials and methods: Gait analysis is performed on five type IV OI patients and six age-matched normal subjects. Spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic data are obtained using Helen Hayes marker placement protocol.
Results: The results indicate an imprecise double-humped profile for vertical ground reaction force (GRF) with reduced ankle push off power and walking speed for OI subjects. Moreover, a comparison of vertical GRFs in OI subjects with that of healthy subjects suggests lower values for the former. The results encourage and motivate for further investigation with a bigger set of subjects.
Conclusion: This information may be useful in developing a better understanding of pathological gait in type IV OI subjects, which ultimately helps the design of subject-specific implants, surgical preplanning, and rehabilitation.
Keywords: Brittle bone disease; gait analysis; kinematics; kinetics; osteogenesis imperfecta.