A comparison of weightbearing pressures in various postoperative devices

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Currently, there are a multitude of computerized gait analysis systems to evaluate weightbearing patterns in the foot. The following study utilizes the F-Scan System4 of foot pressure analysis. This system was applied to evaluate plantar pressures as they occur in various postoperative shoe gear and to determine which devices are most clinically beneficial in ambulatory surgery. A pressure sensor recorded plantar pressures in 20 feet wearing various types of postoperative shoe wear. Initially, a stockinette was used to simulate barefoot pressure, followed by a wooden postoperative shoe, a Darco5 postoperative shoe, a Darco closed postoperative shoe, a Darco “softie,” a Darco wedge, an Equalizer Premium Walker,6 an Equalizer Low Top Walker, and an Aircast.7 The results demonstrated that the Equalizer Premium Walker was most efficient in reducing forefoot pressures, while the postoperative surgical shoes had variable results, noticeably with several increases in pressure being recorded.

Key words

postoperative shoes
forefoot pressure management

Cited by (0)

4

From the Department of Podiatric Surgery, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

1

Co-Director of Boston City Hospital Problem Foot Clinic, Instructor of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine.

2

Submitted while second year resident.

3

Director of Podiatric Residency and Chief of Podiatry.