Abstract
The purpose of this study was to observe the gait characteristics of patients who have undergone minor amputations, and establish how safe it is for them to continue walking. In this study, we analyzed foot contact information that we collected from research conducted on 23 patients who had undergone minor amputations in the Wound Care Center of Oita-Oka Hospital. The patients were barefoot and walked with their natural gaits. In our results, we observed significant differences in gait distance and time factor between the non-amputated and amputated limbs. We also found, in our results on plantar pressure distribution, that the highest level of plantar pressure was on the forefoot of the non-amputated limb. Therefore, patients who have undergone minor amputations may be at risk from plantar pressure problems in the non-amputated limb, because the damage to their foot may cause their gait configuration to change, resulting in left-right asymmetry. Therefore, we conclude that it is important to pay careful attention to the non-amputated limb, in addition to the amputated limb, when providing rehabilitation and orthotic treatment, to protect the feet and the walking ability of patients who have undergone minor amputations.
