Gait change after local anesthetic of chronically arthritic knee.

Gait alterations of chronic knee arthritis before and after injection of local anesthesia was measured in the orthopedist's office area. A portable gait analyzer was used to evaluate gait characteristics before and after injection of local anesthesia in the chronically arthritic knee. Gait was analyzed during a 400-meter walk. Overall velocity and cadence increased 3.3% (p = 0.016) and 2.8% (p = 0.005). In-stance phase single and double support time (SLS and DLS) reduced 1.3% (p = 0.003) and 3.8% (p = 0.028). The ratio of SLS/DLS increased confirming a relatively increased duration in SLS as a percentage of the overall gait cycle. In swing phase the pulling power (initial swing), swing power (terminal swing) and ground impact increased 10.3% (p < 0.001), 6.8% (p = 0.003), and 4.2% (p = 0.003). Patients demonstrated fatigability at the end of walking measured as diminished velocity. Fatigability decreased after injection of the arthritic knee. The study demonstrates the specific gait phase changes afforded by injection of local anesthesia into the chronically arthritic knee. This study may serve as a benchmark for the measure of possible improvements afforded by different therapy for the patient suffering from chronic knee arthritis.