This prospective observational study examines objective gait analysis to assess outcomes after lumbar spine surgery, aiming to complement traditional patient questionnaires. 12 surgery patients and 24 healthy controls underwent gait analysis using a small wearable sensor and completed patient questionnaires, including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results show significant improvements in ODI scores and gait asymmetry and variability among patients postoperatively. Changes in gait metrics correlated strongly with ODI score changes. The study suggests that gait analysis with a single-point wearable sensor could be useful for routine pre- and postoperative assessments in clinic visits for lumbar spine surgery patients.
Publication Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2038-9582/13/1/4#
