Biomechanical Functional Evaluation of Plantar Pressures After Foot and Ankle Surgeries

The described surgical techniques for the treatment of foot and ankle pathologies are numerous. In order to objectively assess the outcomes of these procedures, evaluation methods are typically used, primarily considering pain symptoms, residual functionality, the correction of any deformities achieved, and radiographic parameters. Conversely, assessments of plantar pressures, as a potential indicator of functional and biomechanical recovery, are still not widely utilized. Biomechanical functional assessments examine specific variables, including gait analysis, stabilometry, kinematics and kinetics of joint movements, and the activation and strength of particular muscle groups. These assessments can be conducted by specialized personnel using dedicated equipment such as a baropodometric platform and inertial sensors.

This study aims to, for the first time in the literature, present the results related to plantar pressures from different surgical treatments of the foot and ankle