Project Details
Description
Surgical treatments is used to enhance the biomechanics of the foot affected by chronic conditions such as malalignment and osteoarthritis to the subtalar and hallux joints. Surgery is usually considered when conservative options such as footwear/orthotic prescription, injection treatments and podiatric musculoskeletal therapy have failed to alleviate pain, and impact on the patient’s physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL).
The main outcome of most research studies on the treatement of foot surgery is evaluation of complications such as infections. However, for most patients, the recovery of biomechanics (strength, range of motion and movement in dynamic tasks), PA and QoL levels is of importance.
There is little research to indicate how disease progression and surgery effect biomechanical variables or how these are associated with PA and QoL.
This project will take a quantitative research methods approach to quantify strength (dynamometry and clinical tests); range of motion (goniometer); movement in dynamic tasks including gait, step negotiation and changing direction (3D motion capture), to determine how these (i) change with disease progression (ii) change as a result of surgery and (ii) associate with PA and QoL.
The long-term aim is to determine the prognostic factors to decide when/if someone should undergo foot surgery to optimise their outcomes.
The main outcome of most research studies on the treatement of foot surgery is evaluation of complications such as infections. However, for most patients, the recovery of biomechanics (strength, range of motion and movement in dynamic tasks), PA and QoL levels is of importance.
There is little research to indicate how disease progression and surgery effect biomechanical variables or how these are associated with PA and QoL.
This project will take a quantitative research methods approach to quantify strength (dynamometry and clinical tests); range of motion (goniometer); movement in dynamic tasks including gait, step negotiation and changing direction (3D motion capture), to determine how these (i) change with disease progression (ii) change as a result of surgery and (ii) associate with PA and QoL.
The long-term aim is to determine the prognostic factors to decide when/if someone should undergo foot surgery to optimise their outcomes.
Layman's description
Foot surgery is relatively common when someone has pain which reduces their ability to walk, especially if there is osteoarthritis at the joints. Research is needed to know at what level of pain or disease progression is the best time to do the surgery. Research is also needed to know how effective the surgery is at changing how people walk. Finally, research is needed to know if the surgery allows them to move and have a better quality of life.
| Short title | Does foot surgery work? |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Effective start/end date | 7/07/22 → … |