Title of Submission
Degree Program
Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, MS
Major Advisor Name
Clare Fitzpatrick
Type of Submission
Scholarly Poster
Abstract
Crouch gait is a common gait deviation found in patients with cerebral palsy that is characterized by an excessive amount of flexion at the knee joint. This study aims to quantify the effect of corrective surgery on lower limb mechanics in order to determine the best procedure for a particular patient. Kinematic data were obtained from 11 patients who underwent surgical procedures to correct for crouch gait. A 3D finite element model of the lower extremity (including bone, cartilage, extensor mechanism, soft-tissue, and muscle) was developed in Abaqus/Explicit. The gait cycle of each patient was simulated both pre- and postoperatively.
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