[Possibilities for quantitative gait analysis in evaluation of prosthesis fit]. / Möglichkeiten einer quantitativ begründeten Ganganalyse zur Beurteilung der Prothesenanpassung.

Nowadays, the fitting of a lower-limb prosthesis is done mainly on an empirical basis. The main aim of the present study was to provide objective data and presentations to support the subjective data. With the aid of a cybernetic statement, the process of fitting a prosthesis to a human subject was developed as a self-optimizing control cycle. Using this systematic scheme, the walking trial was identified as the process element of this control cycle in which the fitting proper took place. Starting with this systematic scheme, the characteristics of defined changes to the system human-prosthesis during walking were measured with the aid of a specially configured gait analysis system. For the estimation of the characteristics of the measured walking trial, a three stage parameter system based initially only on the angle, velocity and acceleration curves at the knee joint was developed. On the basis of pattern recognition routines, the parameter system permits a very high level of identification of the measurements. The identification of poor fittings not covered by the pattern recognition system is not yet satisfactory. However, with the incorporation of additional gait parameters, it will be possible to further improve the description of the gait, enabling better recognition of disturbances in the human-prosthesis system.

[The treatment of insertion desmopathy in the metatarsus of horses]. / Zur Behandlung der Insertionsdesmopathien am Mittelfuss des Pferdes.

Metacarpal or metatarsal exostoses were diagnosed in 112 horses used for sport purposes between January 1976 to December 1987. Fourteen of these patients were treated surgically by subperiosteal removal of the exostosis. All animals which could be followed up had returned to their original use. The average time of use after discharge from the clinic was 38.4 months. Surgery was successful in completely removing the exostoses in 58.3% of these horses. The indications for anaesthesia and resection of the ulnar nerve are discussed.