Evaluation of gait characteristics of cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients by a portable gait analyzer / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Gait deviations are the important diagnosis criteria and surgical indications of cervical myelopathy. Conventional three-dimensional gait laboratory failed to apply in clinics due to complex operations and time consuming. In recent years, a portable gait analyzer based on the micro-sensors is emerging and developing, it has been verified by clinical practice, al owing gait analysis in the ward. OBJECTIVE:To quantitatively analyze gait characteristics of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) by a portable gait analyzer. METHODS:From March 2013 to November 2013, 15 CSM patients and 30 healthy subjects were enrol ed in the study. The involved patients were accompanied by gait abnormalities. A portable gait analyzer was used for gait analysis. Subjects walked on a 30-meter corridor back and forth for 120 meters. Total y 12 gait parameters were involved in this study, including seven common parameters (single limb support, double limb support, gait cycle, speed, cadence, step length and stride length) and five new parameters (pul ing acceleration, swing power, ground impact, foot fal , and pre-swing angle). Three patients underwent cervical decompression surgery. The gait characteristics were re-evaluated one week later, carrying neck support. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The double limb support and gait cycle duration of CSM group were significantly longer than control group (P0.05). after cervical decompression surgery, the mean remission rate of Japanese Orthopedics Association scores was 32.5%and lower limb acceleration was improved obviously in the graph one week after surgery. Varying degree of correlation was seen between Japanese Orthopedics Association scores and the detected 12 gait parameters in CSM patients. The portable gait analyzer can effective measure the pathological gait deviation in CSM patients with abnormal gaits, and assists to evaluate the lower limb functions.