New Motion Analysis Clinic Provides Better Orthopedic Outcomes for Patients

Seattle Children’s recently opened a new Motion Analysis Clinic (MAC) within its Kirkland Orthopedics Clinic, with advanced technology that goes beyond normal MRI and CT scans and offers the chance to identify the underlying cause and optimal treatment plan for many orthopedic issues.

“MRI and CT scans show us the ‘what’ in terms of seeing detailed anatomy pictures documenting what’s injured, but our new Motion Analysis Clinic offers valuable insights into why a gait problem or movement disorder is happening and how we can best address the underlying cause,” said Dr. Burt Yaszay, chief of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. “Through advanced cameras and sensors, we collect precise personalized data that informs evidence-based treatment plans aimed at improving each patient's mobility. The MAC is another important tool for providing customized treatment plans that maximize a patient’s functional outcome to help achieve their life goals.”

MAC cameras enable the capture of segmental motions and joint kinematics; data from force plates combined with the motion data calculates the loads at each joint (kinetics); and electromyography (EMG) tracks the muscle activities used to drive motion. While the technology is often used for gait analysis for complex conditions like cerebral palsy and limb deformities, the team is expanding its scope into other clinical areas such as spine kinematics and sports medicine.

Following each study, the quantitative data is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team including orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, physical therapists, orthotists and a biomechanical engineer. This group analyzes the results from both clinical and biomechanical perspectives to identify the most effective treatment regimen, whether that involves surgical intervention, custom orthotics or targeted rehabilitation.

In addition to treating neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), and Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, the MAC has helped inform care plans for patients with foot disorders (flat feet, clubfoot) and various gait disorders as well.  

To learn more, visit the Seattle Children’s Motion Analysis Clinic webpage.  

How to Refer Patients

For community providers with patients who may benefit from the Motion Analysis Clinic, the first step is to visit the Seattle Children’s Orthopedics Refer a Patient page and submit a referral for an initial screening consultation (note that patients can also self-refer for orthopedic appointments if they prefer). Once the screening is completed, patients will be referred to the Motion Analysis Clinic if appropriate.