Alessandro Baj1, Nicola Lovecchio2, Alessandro Bolzoni3, Andrea Mapelli4, Aldo Bruno Giannì5, Chiarella Sforza6. 1. Adjunct Professor, Maxillofacial and Odontostomatology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy. 2. Research Associate, Functional Anatomy Research Center, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy. 3. Maxillofacial Surgery Resident, Maxillofacial and Odontostomatology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy. 4. Postdoctoral Student, Functional Anatomy Research Center, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Postdoctoral Student, Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, and Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. 5. Professor and Unit Head, Maxillofacial and Odontostomatology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Biomedical Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy. 6. Professor and Department Head, Functional Anatomy Research Center, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy. Electronic address: chiarella.sforza@unimi.it.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate gait kinematic parameters during stair ascent and descent after fibula free flap removal for facial reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients who underwent facial reconstruction with fibula free flap removal ascended and descended 3 standard steps. Their movements were recorded by a motion analyzer; gait kinematic parameters were obtained and compared with those calculated in 8 control subjects. RESULTS: Stride time, percentage of swing, and support phases did not differ among healthy and operated limbs and control subjects (Kruskal-Wallis, P > .05). No significant differences were found for hip and knee movements, pelvis rotation and tilt, and body center of mass displacements. During stair descent, the patients had significantly larger pelvis inclinations than the control subjects (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: No functional limitations during stair performance were found. The only significant difference could indicate a minor control of the pelvis and should be used to define specific rehabilitative interventions.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate gait kinematic parameters during stair ascent and descent after fibula free flap removal for facial reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients who underwent facial reconstruction with fibula free flap removal ascended and descended 3 standard steps. Their movements were recorded by a motion analyzer; gait kinematic parameters were obtained and compared with those calculated in 8 control subjects. RESULTS: Stride time, percentage of swing, and support phases did not differ among healthy and operated limbs and control subjects (Kruskal-Wallis, P > .05). No significant differences were found for hip and knee movements, pelvis rotation and tilt, and body center of mass displacements. During stair descent, the patients had significantly larger pelvis inclinations than the control subjects (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: No functional limitations during stair performance were found. The only significant difference could indicate a minor control of the pelvis and should be used to define specific rehabilitative interventions.