A stabilometric technique for evaluation of lower limb instabilities

Stabilometry is a technique designed to register postural equilibrium control. This investigation used a computerized strain gauge force plate to measure sway movements in the frontal plane with the patient standing on one leg. Fifty-five young healthy individuals were studied as a reference group and to determine the reproducibility of the method. The clinical population consisted of 14 patients with unilateral injuries to the lateral ligaments of the ankle. These were measured, both with and without an ankle brace. The different parameters used to describe the body sway could well discriminate between the injured and the uninjured leg. When the brace was used the effect was obvious and none of the parameters showed any significant difference compared to the uninjured leg.