Estimation of spatial-temporal gait parameters in level walking based on a single accelerometer: validation on normal subjects by standard gait analysis.

This paper investigates the ability of a single wireless inertial sensing device stuck on the lower trunk to provide spatial-temporal parameters during level walking. The 3-axial acceleration signals were filtered and the timing of the main gait events identified. Twenty-two healthy subjects were analyzed with this system for validation, and the estimated parameters were compared with those obtained with state-of-the-art gait analysis, i.e. stereophotogrammetry and dynamometry. For each side, from four to six gait cycles were measured with the device, of which two were validated by gait analysis. The new acquisition system is easy to use and does not interfere with regular walking. No statistically significant differences were found between the acceleration-based measurements and the corresponding ones from gait analysis for most of the spatial-temporal parameters, i.e. stride length, stride duration, cadence and speed, etc.; significant differences were found for the gait cycle phases, i.e. single and double support duration, etc. The system therefore shows promise also for a future routine clinical use.

Fishbone ingestion: two cases of late presentation as pediatric emergencies.

The authors report 2 cases of pediatric emergencies caused by fishbone ingestion. In the first case, 2 fishbones within the sac of an inguinal hernia were detected during an emergency operation for suspected testicular torsion; in the second case, a big fishbone was found in the omentum covering an inflammed appendix during an emergency appendicectomy. In some cases this three foreign bodies can be detected with a simple abdominal X-ray; the relationship between the fish species involved and the diagnosis is discussed.

[Thyroglossal duct cysts: a retrospective study]. / Le cisti del dotto tireoglosso. Studio retrospettivo.

BACKGROUND: Thyroglossal duct cysts are in second place after goitre as a cause of anterior neck mass in paediatric age. The essentially clinical diagnosis is made on the basis of the observation of an asymptomatic mass, in most cases between the ages of 3 and 5. In this study we re-examined the cases of thyroglossal duct cyst which underwent surgical correction at our Operative Unit in the last 25 years, with particular attention to the factors involved in the recurrences. METHODS: Patients studied numbered 76 with average age at the first operation of 5.3 years; diagnosis was based on clinical and echographic criteria. In 42% of patients one or more episodes of inflammation or suppuration characterised the clinical history. All operations were carried out according to Sistrunk's technique. Follow-up varied from 6 months to 25 years. RESULTS: The percentage of recurrences was 11.8%. The percentage of cysts with inflammation was similar in the group of recurrences and in that of non-recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in the presence of a radical surgical intervention, the existence of inflammation does not significantly influence the incidence of recurrence. This radicality should be understood both in the sense of depth (exeresis of the hyoid bone) and in the sense of laterality (removal of the lateral ramifications starting from the main residual duct).