Assessment of gait and balance in patients with spinal diseases using the leg reposition test

Orthopedics. 2005 Aug;28(8):790-2. doi: 10.3928/0147-7447-20050801-17.

Abstract

We devised a new leg reposition test, to assess gait and balance in patients with spinal diseases. This study included 344 patients who were scheduled to undergo spine surgery; 14 (4.1%) patients showed positive results. These 14 patients had worse gait status than leg reposition test-negative patients both preoperatively and postoperatively. The leg reposition test is a simple procedure, and requires no specialized equipment. This study showed that the leg reposition test has a strong relation with gait status, and therefore a high clinical significance regarding the assessment of preoperative gait and balance and prediction of postoperative gait status.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Female
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / diagnosis*
  • Gait Disorders, Neurologic / etiology
  • Gait*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orthopedic Procedures / adverse effects
  • Physical Examination / methods*
  • Postural Balance*
  • Preoperative Care
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Spinal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Spinal Diseases / surgery*
  • Spine / surgery