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Case Study Gait Assessment of A Patient With Ha 2024 International Journal
Case Study Gait Assessment of A Patient With Ha 2024 International Journal
Case report
Case study: Gait assessment of a patient with hallux rigidus before and after
plantar modification
Roberto Tedeschi *
Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T
Keywords: Introduction and importance: Hallux rigidus (HR) is a degenerative arthritis affecting the first metatarsophalangeal
Case report joint (MTP), leading to pain and functional impairment, particularly during the propulsive phase of walking. The
Baropodometric examination prevalence of HR is about 2.5 % in individuals over 50, but younger individuals can also be affected, as
Hallux limitus
demonstrated in this case.
Insole
Case presentation: We report the case of a 26-year-old patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 20.2, who has been
Motion sensors
suffering from HR for 5 years. The patient presented with walking difficulties, characterized by a limp and
impaired propulsion phase, and pain in the right foot due to HR. A comprehensive gait assessment was conducted
using a baropodometric platform and integrated smartphone motion sensors. Following the diagnosis, a non-
surgical intervention involving the application of a compressed cotton felt foot orthosis at the MTP plantar
area was initiated. This intervention aimed to alleviate pain and improve the functional mobility of the right big
toe. Post-treatment assessments showed an increase in the big toe’s mobility from 0 degrees to 35 degrees, as
measured by a digital goniometer.
Clinical discussion: The application of a soft support, such as compressed cotton felt, at the plantar area of MTP,
demonstrated a potential non-surgical therapeutic approach to improve gait and reduce discomfort in HR
patients.
Conclusion: This case study underscores the potential benefits of plantar modification in the management of HR.
* Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, Via Zamboni 33, 40126 Bologna,
Italy.
E-mail address: roberto.tedeschi2@unibo.it.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.109197
Received 9 November 2023; Received in revised form 19 December 2023; Accepted 20 December 2023
Available online 24 December 2023
2210-2612/© 2023 The Author. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IJS Publishing Group Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
R. Tedeschi International Journal of Surgery Case Reports 114 (2024) 109197
discussed in a case report. Overuse from activities that continually stress imaging, appeared to be a small osteophyte. When walking barefoot, a
the toes is also a contributing factor [9]. clinically apparent evasive limp with avoidance of the propulsive phase
Compressed cotton felt is available in various thicknesses, with the was observed. The patient was given a soft compressed cotton (felt)
most commonly used ranging from 2 mm to 5 mm. In this study, we used support to aid the MTP joint, aiming to make walking more functional
compressed cotton felt with a thickness of 5 mm. The aim of this study and alleviate pain. This type of support is commonly used in podiatry to
was to evaluate the effectiveness of adjusting a foot orthosis using temporarily relieve foot overload areas but is seldom used as a trial to
compressed cotton felt. We sought to determine if this simple and cost- evaluate a future orthopedic orthosis. The literature is lacking in this
effective method could improve functionality and alleviate pain in pa area, and this article is the first to evaluate the use of felt as evidence in
tients suffering from hallux rigidus, without having to wait for the this manner. She was assessed using a baropodometric platform
fabrication of a custom orthosis(Table 1). This research is especially (Figs. 2,3), with and without the soft support, to evaluate the foot’s
relevant given the lack of information in the literature on this topic. pressure parameters. Moreover, thanks to the ‘Health’ application in
tegrated into Apple smartphones, we were able to automatically monitor
the spatio-temporal walking parameters, such as speed, step length, and
1.1. Patient information double support, in the days before and after administering the support.
Table 1
Spatio-temporal parameters of walking measured with smartphone.
Parameter J-2 (October 20, 2022) J-1 (October 21, 2022) J0 (Visit - October 22, 2022) J + 1 (October 23, 2022) J + 2 (October 24, 2022)
Note: The days are indicated in relation to the visit (J0) when the cotton support was applied. J-2 and J-1 represent the days before the visit without the cotton support,
while J + 1 and J + 2 represent the days after the visit with the cotton support, SD: Standard Deviation, SE: Standard Error.
2
R. Tedeschi International Journal of Surgery Case Reports 114 (2024) 109197
1.5. Therapeutic intervention its peak the day after the application. The time spent in double support
also increased post-application, indicating a possibly more cautious gait.
The chosen intervention was a non-surgical method involving the Walking stability was generally maintained as ‘Appropriate’ throughout,
application of compressed cotton support, selected for its conservative with an exception on the day before the visit. These observations suggest
nature suitable for the young patient’s condition of hallux rigidus. The that the compressed cotton support might enhance mobility and comfort
intervention entailed applying the cotton support to the plantar area of for individuals with MTP1 joint issues.
the foot in a clinical setting. The application was carried out by an
experienced podiatrist, specializing in non-surgical foot treatments. 2. Follow-up and outcomes
Recent advancements in computational simulation have shown
promising potential in the field of medical investigation, particularly in After the application of the compressed cotton support under the
orthopedics. demonstrate Studies [20,21] the efficacy of computational head of the 1st metatarsal of the right foot, we reviewed her during the
models in assessing stress and wear in prosthetic joints under various follow-up about a week later. Her pain was 1/10 on the NPRS scale, and
conditions. she was prescribed orthotics with the same modification as the applied
support. A follow-up examination has not yet been conducted.
1. Speed (m/s):Before Application (J-2, J-1): The speed was lower
before the visit, averaging 4.925 m/s. 3. Discussion
On the Day of Visit (J0): There’s an increase in speed to 5.45 m/s. Hallux rigidus (HR), characterized by stiffness and pain in the big toe
After Application (J + 1, J + 2): Post-application, the speed slightly joint, represents a significant challenge in foot pathology. This condition
decreased on J + 2 compared to J + 1, but both values are higher than arises from wear and tear on the joint over time or due to repetitive
the pre-application days. trauma or acute injury [23,24]. The symptoms, predominantly pain and
limited mobility, necessitate an early and accurate diagnosis to prevent
2. Stride Length (cm): Before Application: The stride length was shorter further degeneration and the need for surgical intervention [25].
before the application, with a noticeable decrease on J-1 (61.00 cm). Our study’s findings regarding the increase in plantar pressures from
120.4 kPa to 125.8 kPa post-treatment align with [26]. This improve
On the Day of Visit: It increased to 72.00 cm. ment indicates enhanced support in the forefoot, crucial for the effective
After Application: Post-application, the stride length increased management of HR. Despite the limitations of a case report format, our
further, peaking at 77.50 cm on J + 1. study provides valuable insight into symptom assessment and the
objective evaluation of joint stability, using methods like the NPRS scale
3. Double Support (sec): Before Application: The time spent in double and a baropodometric platform [27].
support was lower before the application. The multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing and treating the pa
tient in our study, especially considering the patient’s young age, em
On the Day of Visit: There was a slight increase to 27.25 s. phasizes the complexity and necessity of a comprehensive evaluation in
After Application: The time increased further on J + 1 and then HR cases [28]. The use of smartphone technology for patient follow-up,
slightly decreased on J + 2 but remained higher than pre-application particularly in tracking spatiotemporal parameters, is an innovative
values. aspect of this study. It highlights the potential of modern technology in
enhancing patient care [29].
4. Walking Stability: Before and After Application: Walking stability Interestingly, the application of soft compressed cotton support in
was noted as “Appropriate” on all days except for J-1, where it was the plantar area of the MTP joint suggests a promising non-surgical
“Inappropriate.” intervention. This approach not only improved foot function but also
limited compensations, raising questions about its mechanism of action
The data reflects changes in walking parameters following the on the accessory joint movements [30]. Our findings, though pre
application of compressed cotton support to the MTP joint. Notably, liminary, suggest that such interventions could lay the groundwork for
there was an improvement in both walking speed and stride length after accurate plantar orthosis prescriptions [31].
the support application. Speed increased from an average of 4.925 m/s The slight deterioration in patient outcomes on the second day post-
before the visit to 5.45 m/s on the day of the visit and remained higher intervention, potentially due to the material properties of the felt, un
post-application. Similarly, stride length showed an increase, reaching derlines the need for further research into the durability and long-term
3
R. Tedeschi International Journal of Surgery Case Reports 114 (2024) 109197
4
R. Tedeschi International Journal of Surgery Case Reports 114 (2024) 109197
Fig. 3. Dynamic Baropodometric Platform: plantar pressures during walking with support of the 1st MTP of the right foot [22].
3.2. Weaknesses of the case report: limited follow-up functionality, which positively impacted their daily activities and
overall quality of life. This patient feedback underscores the effective
One of the primary weaknesses of our case report is the insufficient ness of the treatment from the viewpoint of those directly experiencing
length of follow-up. While the initial outcomes post-intervention its benefits, adding a crucial dimension to the evaluation of the thera
showed promising results, the short-term nature of our observation peutic intervention.
period limits our ability to assess the long-term efficacy and sustain
ability of the treatment. A longer follow-up period would provide Ethical approval
valuable insights into the durability of the therapeutic effects, potential
long-term complications, and the need for ongoing interventions. Ethical approval is not a requirement at our institution for reporting
individual cases or case series.
3.3. Patient perspective
Funding
An important aspect of our case report is the patient’s own
perspective on the treatment received. In this instance, the patient There is no source of funding.
expressed significant satisfaction with the non-surgical intervention.
They reported a notable reduction in pain and an improvement in foot
5
R. Tedeschi International Journal of Surgery Case Reports 114 (2024) 109197
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