Rheumatology 1999; 38: 1260-1268
© 1999 British Society for Rheumatology
A preliminary study determining the feasibility of electromagnetic tracking for kinematics at the ankle joint complex
Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Research Unit, University of Leeds, 36 Clarendon Road, Leeds LS2 9NZ,
1 Department of Podiatry, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH and
2 St Luke's Hospital, Little Horton Lane, Bradford BD5 0NA, UK
Correspondence to:
J. Woodburn, Rheumatology & Rehabilitation Research Unit, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, 36 Clarendon Road, Leeds LS2 9NZ, UK.
Objective. To determine the feasibility of using electromagnetic tracking (EMT) for quantifying three-dimensional kinematics at the ankle joint complex (AJC).
Methods. AJC kinematics were recorded in 10 normal healthy adults, and 10 rheumatoid arthritis patients presenting with AJC instability and deformity who were undergoing footwear and orthotic intervention.
Results. Kinematics in normal subjects had strong face validity, curve shape showing moderate (n=9), good (n=8) or excellent (n=4) agreement with data from seven published studies. The range of motion about the x-axis (15.2°) was similar to reference values (17.0°), but our technique underestimated rotations about the y- (8.1° vs 14.0°) and z-axes (7.7° vs 12.2°). In the rheumatoid arthritis pronated foot group, eversion and internal rotation during the stance phase of gait were between 2 and 5 times greater than for normal subjects. The use of a corrective foot orthosis in this group restored normal kinematics, reducing maximum eversion and internal rotation by 57 and 68%, respectively.
Conclusion. A new technique for measuring kinematics at the AJC is described. Based upon the findings of this pilot study, EMT may be useful for diagnosing AJC dysfunction and quantifying the mechanical efficacy of footwear and orthosis interventions.
KEY WORDS: Electromagnetic tracking, Ankle joint complex, Three-dimensional kinematics, Rheumatoid arthritis
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