Effects of simulated trunk flexion contracture on the margin of stability during obstacle crossing in elderly individuals.

Background: Trunk flexion contracture is an abnormal posture in elderly individuals with lumbar kyphosis. It is unclear whether this posture affects locomotor stability (margin of stability [MoS]) during obstacle crossing, which is a common trigger for falls in elderly people.

Research Question: Does trunk flexion contracture negatively affect MoS during obstacle crossing in elderly people?

Methods: Ten healthy elderly individuals performed five trials of obstacle crossing using a comfortable speed under two experimental conditions, namely, with (FLEX) or without (NORMAL) a hard lumbar brace to simulate trunk flexion contracture.

One-stage umbilicus reconstruction after resection of urachal cyst.

Umbilical reconstruction after total excision of the umbilicus represents a challenging problem for reconstructive surgeons. We describe herein a new method for one-stage umbilical reconstruction after resection of a urachal cyst. This case series included 6 patients, with laparoscopic urachal cyst removal in 5 and conventional transcutaneous surgery in 1.