Effects of lumbosacral and lumbopelvic fixation and fusion on hip joint motor function: a single-center prospective cohort study using gait analysis

Both lumbosacral and lumbopelvic fixation and fusion significantly impact hip joint motor function compared with healthy controls. However, the increased mobility of the femoral head relative to the acetabulum in these patients may elevate the risk of hip osteoarthritis and cartilage wear. Within the scope of parameters measured in this gait analysis, patients receiving lumbosacral fixation demonstrated superiority in specific gait parameters, including maximum stride length and hip flexion-extension range of motion, compared with those who underwent lumbopelvic fixation. This suggests that preserving sacroiliac joint mobility may be beneficial for certain aspects of walking function when clinically justified.