Gender differences in gait parameters during the healing of fractures of the lower leg and the upper ankle joint

Introduction Despite many similarities, men and women differ in many areas relevant to medical treatment due to genetic, hormonal and socio-economic differences. In recent years, gender differences in fracture healing and pain perception have become known, but many topics are still unexplored in this context. Aim The aim of this study is to ascertain whether there are gender differences in gait during the healing of fractures of the lower leg and upper ankle joint and to determine whether the rehabilitation process differs between men and women. Methods A total of 44 patients with fractures of the lower leg were included (25 men and 19 women). Each patient underwent gait analysis using a three-dimensional camera system and insoles equipped with sensors. The kinematic and kinetic gait parameters recorded included movement sequences and ground reaction forces. Measurements were taken six weeks, three months, and six months postoperatively. Results The results indicated that gait speed was higher in men than in women at the outset of the study and continued to increase. A comparable increase was observed in women, although gait speed was generally lower. The gait parameters did not permit the determination of differences in healing speed between men and women. Similarly, there was no gender-specific difference in pain perception. Conclusion Gender is a factor in the gait pattern during the healing of fractures of the lower leg and the ankle joint. Data analysis and interpretation must be gender-specific due to these differences.