Gait Analysis: Data Review and Recommendation

Jo worked so hard for us; she gets to bring home
a new friend!

Team Approach to Gait Analysis

All of the data from your child’s tests are analyzed by The Children’s Hospital CGMA team shortly after your visit. Our team consists of a multi-disciplinary team of physical therapists, kinesiologists, orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, and engineers.

After the analysis has been performed, the team looks over all of the information gathered at a meeting called Data Review, and they make a recommendation for your child. Recommended treatments have included surgery, orthotics prescription, botox/phenol injections, physical therapy, and electrical stimulation. The team will not recommend intervention that does not work toward the child’s and their family’s goals of improving gait or movement function. There are circumstances when the current treatment plan will be sufficient and no new interventions will be recommended.

The final report is stored in a database so that if and when the patient returns for post-treatment assessment, comparisons are readily available in the new gait analysis. Many patients do follow up for an additional gait analysis within a year to evaluate the treatment and progress the child has made.

The entire process from scheduling the appointment to communication of these final results to your referring physician is generally a 6 week time period.

Family Conference

In some cases, the gait analysis and recommended treatment can be complex and confusing. While most families talk through the analysis and treatment plan with their referring physician, some families do need further explanation from the CGMA team. When necessary to clarify your child’s result, CGMA has done family conferences to provide answers to any additional questions and support in the family’s decision making.