Gait Analysis in Forensic Medicine.
Larsen PK, Simonsen EB, Lynnerup N.
Laboratory of Biological Anthropology, Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
J Forensic Sci. 2008 Jul 3. [Epub ahead of print]

Recordings from video surveillance systems are used as evidence from crime scenes. It would be useful to perform comparisons between disguised perpetrators and suspects based on their gait. We applied functional anatomical and biomechanical knowledge to analyze the gait of perpetrators, as recorded on surveillance video. Using a structured checklist, which addresses the single body segments during gait, we were able to give a statement concerning the gait patterns. Characteristic parameters were, e.g., varus instability in the knee at heel strike, and larger lateral flexion of the spinal column to one side than the other. Based on these characteristic features, we are able to state with reasonable certainty whether the suspect could be the perpetrator, but it is not possible to identify the perpetrator positively. Nevertheless, we have been involved in several cases where the court has found that this type of gait analysis was a valuable tool.

click here for video to see the work of forensic podiatrist

further reading:
- Jones, S. (1998). Forensic Podiatry – fact or phooey?. In: Proceedings of the 18th Australian Podiatry Conference, 2, 103-108.
- Nguyen, N. (1996). Forensic methods and its relevance in podiatry. PM391 Podiatry Elective 3.
- Robbins, L. M. 1985. Footprints: Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation. Illinois: Charles C. Thomas.
- Vernon, D. W. (1995). The use of chiropody records in forensic and mass disaster identification. Journal of British Podiatric Medicine, 50(12), 196-200.
- Qamra, S. R., Sharma, B. R., Kaila, P. (1980). Naked Foot Marks – A preliminary study of identification factors. Forensic Science International, 16, 145-152.
- Bodziak, W. (1990). Footwear Impression Evidence. Elsevier, New York.
- Wells, W. A. N. (1994). Evidence and Advocacy. Butterworths, Sydney.
- Bennett, P., and Booth, C. (1995). Forensic podiatry: a case report. Australian Podiatrist, December, 95-97.

The ball keeps on bouncing, after a mad first year with 2 modules the MSc coordinator talked me in doing a 60 credit year instead of 30…which means i’m a fulltime student again… next to my teaching, private practice, diabetic foot clinic, some international highlights and last but not least my family…
On the menu this year:
Current developments in podiatry AND
Tissue Viability and the Lower limb at risk

I’ll keep you posted…

PJ was so kind to bring I-Fab to my attention.
I-FAB is an international collaborative activity which will have an important impact on the foot and ankle biomechanics community. It was launched on July 2nd 2007 at the foot and ankle session of the International Society of Biomechanics meeting in Taipei, Taiwan.  The steering group of this community consists of leaders in the field of biomechanics:

They have an online discussion forum! go and check it out!!

Paul Harradine, Simon Collins, Chris Webb & Lawrence Bevan published a good paper on a ‘new’ technique, based on the variations of the STJ axis described by K. Kirby.
the reference on the paper is:

Harradine P, Collins S, Webb C, Bevan L. A new method of increasing supinatory moments to a medially deviated subtalar joint axis – The Medial Oblique Shell Inclination. Podiatry Now. Vol 11, No. 3. 2008.a copy of the article and discussion can be found on the Arena!

A quick overview of Harradine’s publications over the last years:

Harradine P., Collins S, Webb C, Bevan L. A new method of increasing supinatory moments to a medially deviate dsubtalar joint axis – The Medial Oblique Shell Inclination. Podiatry Now. Vol 11, No. 3. 2008.

Harradine P. The role of plantar pressure foot pressure measurement within Podiatry. Podiatry now: Continuing Professional Development Supplement, October. 2006

Harradine P., Bevan L, Carter N. An overview of podiatric biomechanics theory and its relation to selected gait dysfunction. Physiotherapy. Volume 92, Issue 2, June 2006, Pages 122-127.

Harradine PD. Podiatry. Importance of the Foot. Positive Health Magazine. Issue 122, April 2006.

Bevan LS, Harradine PD, Durrant B: The effect of temporary immobilisation of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint upon in-shoe gait analysis parameters – a preliminary study. British Journal of Podiatry.7(2); 2004

Harradine PD, Bevan LJ, Carter N: Podiatric Biomechanics Part 1: Foot based Models. British Journal of Podiatry11(1); 2003

Carter N, Harradine PD, Bevan LJ: Podiatric Biomechanics Part 2. The role of proximal muscle balance. British Journal of Podiatry. 11(2); 2003

Harradine PD; Jarret J: Podiatric Biomechanics, the efficacy of a service within the NHS. The Foot. 11(1):2001 

Harradine PD, Herrington L, Wright R: The effect of low dye taping upon rearfoot motion before and after exercise. The Foot. 11(2):2001. p57-61

Harradine PD; Bevan LJ: The effect of rearfoot eversion upon maximum hallux dorsiflexion. Journal of the American Podiatric Medicine Association 9(90);2000