Abstract:

Objective     To study the function of the foot with different types of toe injuries by the method of gait analysis. Methods    Forty post-operative patients  were followed-up for 2 to 8 years. They were divided into four groups: the partial distal hallux amputation group, the whole distal hallux amputation group, the second toe amputation group and the second caput ossis metatarsalis amputation group.  Plantar vito-dynamics were analyzed by the Footscan system and the normal foot of each patient was taken as the control. Results    Local pressure changes were observed in the partial distal hallux amputation group, the gravity center shifted back and the forefoot push-off-phase was shortened in the whole distal hallux amputation group, the plantar pressure shifted laterally in the second toe amputation group and the propodium′s pressure increased in the second caput ossis metatarsalis amputation group. Conclusion     Any kind of toe amputation may cause different influences to foot kinematics. Amputation of the distal hallux and second caput ossis metatarsalis may have significant impact on plantar vito-dynamics. It is worth trying to preserve the distal hallux and caput ossis metatarsalis as much as possible.

Key words: Toe；  Amputation； Gait analysis