Description

Abstract

Stiff knee gait is a common gait deviation observed after stroke and characterized by a decreased peak knee flexion during swing. Overactivity of the rectus femoris muscle is often related to this reduced peak knee flexion, and stiff knee gait is linked to limited walking speed, stumbling and falls. This symposium will include basic scientific research on the treatment options for stiff knee gait post-stroke with implementation of results into clinical practice.

The symposium will start with scientific research performed at Roessingh Research and Development and includes the results of a RCT on botulinum toxin injections in the rectus femoris after stroke, as treatment option for a stiff knee gait. Patient examples and clinical recommendations from this RCT will be discussed.

The symposium will continue with a stroke case from the clinical practice of Roessingh, Centre for Rehabilitation. The clinical gait analysis and treatment options will be discussed, including botulinum toxin injections and surgical intervention like rectus femoris transfer.

To conclude, we will present a special case study of the Roessingh Diagnostic Centre, concerning a young stroke patient that used to exercise at high level (triathlons) and requested for a rectus femoris transfer surgery to improve running. We will demonstrate the clinical decision making process of this case as, to our knowledge, no scientific evidence of such a surgical intervention to improve running post-stroke is available. The debate highlights the importance of including situations other than straight line walking in clinical decision making, related to the ambitions of the patient.

Statement of the objective / learning objectives

To get insight in the scientific evidence of treatment options of stiff knee gait post-stroke and to understand how this evidence is incorporated in clinical decision making of treating stroke patients presenting stiff knee gait.

Event Location

Tequila, Second floor