Gait analysis of donor leg after free fibular flap transfer

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate gait disturbance after fibular flap transfer using preoperative and postoperative gait analysis. The gait performance of 20 patients was assessed at the Laboratory for Biomechanics, Seoul National University Hospital. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected simultaneously while walking on a 25-m walkway. One month postoperatively, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the time-distance parameter as well as a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the peak plantarflexion and dynamic range was seen. Only peak plantarflexion in swing was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased until 3 months postoperatively. On the basis of the gait analysis results, it was concluded that normalization of the patients' gaits would be expected within 3 months after the operation. There were no permanent pathological changes in the donor site.