The University of Oslo arranges all public defences digitally this semester, thus the disputation will be held as a video conference over Zoom.
The public defence will follow regular procedure as far as possible, hence it will be open to the public and the audience can ask ex auditorio questions when invited to do so.
Click here to participate in the public defence
Digital Trial Lecture – time and place
Adjudication committee
- First opponent: Consultant, Visiting Professor Matthew Solan, London Foot and Ankle Centre Hospital of St. John and St. Elizabeth, United Kingdom
- Second opponent: Senior Consultant Tero Klemola, Department of Orthopaedics, Oulu University Hospital, Finland
- Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Associate Professor Hilde Stendal Robinson, University of Oslo
Chair of the Defence
Professor II Pål Aksel Næss, University of Oslo
Principal Supervisor
Senior Consultant Kjetil Hvaal, Oslo University Hospital
Summary
Several case series report on the connection between isolated tightness of the m. gastrocnemius and different foot overload conditions. However, insufficient data exist to describe the diagnostic method, as well as expected clinical and biomechanical outcomes after the procedure.
The aims of the thesis were to assess patient reported results after gastrocnemius recession for patients with different foot and ankle condition. Further to evaluate the properties of the clinical Silfverskiöld test and a new device developed for the purpose, by testing and retesting patients and healthy participants. Another aim was to evaluate the clinical and biomechanical results for patients with chronic heel pain. A randomized controlled trial was conducted and patient related outcome measures as well as tests for Achilles function, ankle motion and plantar foot pressures were evaluated.
The clinical Silfverskiöld test had a low inter- and intrarater reliability, but the new ankle motion device demonstrated good properties.
Patients with chronic heel pain that were operated by gastrocnemius recession scored better on all outcome scores than the control group receiving stretching exercises. Ankle motion increased and plantar foot pressures also increased. No differences regarding strength or endurance could be observed between the groups at follow up and no serious complications were observed.
Gastrocnemius recession effectively relieve symptoms for patients with chronic heel pain with a low risk of complications and preserved strength.
Additional information
Contact the research support staff.