Assessing Gait Abnormalities in Spine Pathology Patients by Formetric Scanning Method
摘要
The spinal column functions as both a protective casing for the spinal cord and a conduit through which peripheral nerves transmit control signals to muscles. These neuromuscular pathways exhibit coordinated, rhythmic interactions to generate synergistic movements. Abnormalities in the spine can significantly impact an individual's mobility. Treating spinal-related conditions is often time-intensive and costly. Traditional diagnostic tools such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans primarily offer structural evaluations, lacking objective functional insights. Moreover, X-ray imaging poses potential long-term health risks due to radiation exposure. This underscores the necessity for a safe alternative that reduces reliance on radiation-based diagnostic methods for structural assessments while providing objective functional evaluations. Functional assessments of the spine's impact can be effectively achieved through gait analysis, offering valuable insights for treatment. This study aimed to employ formetric scanning methods to analyze the gait of patients with spine pathologies. The findings reveal distinct anomalies, including diminished walking speed, prolonged ground contact time during various gait phases (stance phase, load response, pre-swing), reduced swing phase duration, and decreased single support time. Additionally, the study demonstrated a restricted range of motion in the hip, knee, pelvis, and spinal joints, coupled with an increased range of motion in dorsal and thoracic vertebral rotation. Specifically, during load response, hip flexion angles decreased, while knee angles exhibited variability among patients. This research highlights the significance of gait analysis as a valuable tool for assessing functional spinal impacts, providing critical insights for designing effective treatment strategies.