Lower Limb Biomechanics Overview

Overview of Lower Limb Biomechanics

• Examination of lower extremity conditions and their management.
• Interconnection between CCHB421 (conditions) and CPPR421 (management).

Conditions of the Lower Limb

• Key condition elements include:
  • Definition
  • Clinical presentation
  • Diagnostic criteria
  • Orthopedic tests
  • Differential diagnoses
  • Pathogenesis
  • Mechanism of injury
  • Prognosis
  • Compensatory mechanisms
  • Related conditions

Treatment Approaches

• Treatment techniques encompass:
  • Manipulation (spinal, sacroiliac, extremity)
  • Dry needling (focus on muscles, tendons, bursae)
  • Soft tissue therapy (massage, cross friction)
  • Electrotherapy (ultrasound, IFC, TENS, shockwave)
  • Strapping (rigid, Kinesio-taping)
  • Bracing/orthotics
  • Referral to specialists (orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists)

Conditions of the Hip

• Common issues include:
  • Osteoarthritis of the hip
  • Femoral acetabular impingement syndrome
  • Trochanteric bursitis
  • Slipped femoral epiphysis

Conditions of the Thigh/Upper Leg

• Notable conditions consist of:
  • Hamstring strain/muscle tear
  • Hamstring tendonitis
  • Ischiogluteal bursitis
  • Quadriceps muscle strain
  • Adductor muscle strain
  • Iliotibial band syndrome
  • Acute compartment syndrome

Knee Conditions

• Common knee issues include:
  • Osteoarthritis of the knee
  • Patella femoral pain syndrome
  • Chondromalacia patella
  • Medial and lateral meniscus injuries
  • Ligament injuries (medial, lateral collateral ligaments, anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments)
  • Osteochondritis dissecans
  • Patella dislocation
  • Plica syndrome
  • Superior tibiofibular joint dysfunction

Conditions of the Lower Leg

• Significant conditions are:
  • Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
  • Compartment syndrome
  • Calcaneal/Achilles tendonitis
  • Calcaneal/Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures

Ankle/Foot Conditions

• Key issues include:
  • Sprained ankle
  • Heel spurs
  • Fat pad syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Pes planus (flat foot)
  • Pes cavus (high arch)
  • Cuboid syndrome
  • Medial tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Morton's neuroma
  • Sesamoiditis
  • Metatarsalgia
  • Hallux valgus and hallux rigidus
  • Tendonitis

Lower Limb Kinematic Chain

• Kinetic chains comprise a series of joints forming a complex motor unit.
• Each segment (foot, leg, thigh, pelvis) serves as a solid link; key joints include subtalar, ankle, knee, and hip.
• Open kinematic chain: free terminal movement (upper limb).
• Closed kinematic chain: fixed terminal movement (lower limb during weight bearing).
• Complex interaction among muscles and joints leads to compensatory mechanisms.

Importance of Anatomy in Treatment

• Understanding lower limb anatomy aids in:
  • Grasping the conditions affecting the limb
  • Preventing complications
  • Addressing the root cause of issues

The Hip Joint

• Serves as a crucial link between trunk and lower limb, facilitating weight transfer and stability.
• Normal anatomy includes:
  • Head of the femur articulating with acetabulum of the pelvis.
• Functions of the acetabular labrum:
  • Enhances joint stability, increasing containment of the femoral head.
  • Acts as a shock absorber and lubricant.
  • Distributes pressure, enhancing load distribution and joint stability.