Abstract/Text: A limp may be defined as any asymmetric deviation from a normal gait pattern. The differential diagnosis of a limp includes trauma, infection, neoplasia and inflammatory, congenital, neuromuscular or developmental disorders. Initially, a broad differential diagnosis should be considered to avoid overlooking less common conditions such as diskitis or psoas abscess. In any patient with a complaint of knee or thigh pain, an underlying hip condition should be considered. The patient's age can further narrow the differential diagnosis, because certain disease entities are age-specific. Vigilance is warranted in conditions requiring emergent treatment such as septic hip. The challenge to the family physician is to identify the cause of the limp and determine if further observation or immediate diagnostic work-up is indicated.

Abstract/Text: Gait disorders are common and often devastating companions of ageing, leading to reductions in quality of life and increased mortality. Here, we present a clinically oriented approach to neurological gait disorders in the elderly population. We also draw attention to several exciting scientific developments in this specialty. Our first focus is on the complex and typically multifactorial pathophysiology underlying geriatric gait disorders. An important new insight is the recognition of gait as a complex higher order form of motor behaviour, with prominent and varied effects of mental processes. Another relevant message is that gait disorders are not an unpreventable consequence of ageing, but implicate the presence of underlying diseases that warrant specific diagnostic tests. We next discuss the core clinical features of common geriatric gait disorders and review some bedside tests to assess gait and balance. We conclude by proposing a practical three-step approach to categorise gait disorders and we present a simplified classification system based on clinical signs and symptoms.

Abstract/Text: A child who limps often presents a diagnostic challenge. The differential diagnosis is extensive. Although the most common cause is trauma, awareness of other potential causes is important. The age of the child and the pattern of the gait help narrow the differential diagnosis. In most cases, a diagnosis can be made from the history and physical examination. If the diagnosis is not obvious after a careful clinical evaluation, plain radiographs provide an excellent means of screening for fracture, joint effusion, lytic lesions, periosteal reaction, and avascular necrosis. Other tests should only be ordered when indicated.

Abstract/Text: Gait disorders are common and often devastating companions of ageing, leading to reductions in quality of life and increased mortality. Here, we present a clinically oriented approach to neurological gait disorders in the elderly population. We also draw attention to several exciting scientific developments in this specialty. Our first focus is on the complex and typically multifactorial pathophysiology underlying geriatric gait disorders. An important new insight is the recognition of gait as a complex higher order form of motor behaviour, with prominent and varied effects of mental processes. Another relevant message is that gait disorders are not an unpreventable consequence of ageing, but implicate the presence of underlying diseases that warrant specific diagnostic tests. We next discuss the core clinical features of common geriatric gait disorders and review some bedside tests to assess gait and balance. We conclude by proposing a practical three-step approach to categorise gait disorders and we present a simplified classification system based on clinical signs and symptoms.

Abstract/Text: Gait disorders are frequently accompanied by loss of balance and falls, and are a common cause of disability, particularly among the elderly. In many cases the cause is multifactorial, involving both neurologic and nonneurologic systems. Physical therapy and training, coupled with pharmacologic and surgical therapy, can usually provide some improvement in ambulation, which translates into better quality of life. More research is needed on the mechanisms of gait and its disorders as well as on symptomatic therapies. Better understanding of the pathophysiology of gait disorders should lead to more specific, pathogenesis-targeted therapies.

Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abstract/Text: Gait disorders are frequently accompanied by loss of balance and falls, and are a common cause of disability, particularly among the elderly. In many cases the cause is multifactorial, involving both neurologic and nonneurologic systems. Physical therapy and training, coupled with pharmacologic and surgical therapy, can usually provide some improvement in ambulation, which translates into better quality of life. More research is needed on the mechanisms of gait and its disorders as well as on symptomatic therapies. Better understanding of the pathophysiology of gait disorders should lead to more specific, pathogenesis-targeted therapies.

Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abstract/Text: Gait disorders are frequently accompanied by loss of balance and falls, and are a common cause of disability, particularly among the elderly. In many cases the cause is multifactorial, involving both neurologic and nonneurologic systems. Physical therapy and training, coupled with pharmacologic and surgical therapy, can usually provide some improvement in ambulation, which translates into better quality of life. More research is needed on the mechanisms of gait and its disorders as well as on symptomatic therapies. Better understanding of the pathophysiology of gait disorders should lead to more specific, pathogenesis-targeted therapies.

Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abstract/Text: The increased awareness of the importance of gait and postural control to quality of life and functional independence has led many research groups to study the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of these motor functions. In recognition of the increased awareness of the significance of this topic, the Movement Disorders journal is devoting this entire issue to gait and postural control. Leading research groups provide critical reviews of the current knowledge and propose future directions for this evolving field. The intensive work in this area throughout the world has created an urgent need for a unified language. Because gait and postural disturbances are so common, the clinical classification should be clear, straightforward, and simple to use. As an introduction to this special issue, we propose a new clinically based classification scheme that is organized according to the dominant observed disturbance, while taking into account the results of a basic neurological exam. The proposed classification differentiates between continuous and episodic gait disturbances because this subdivision has important ramifications from the functional, prognostic, and mechanistic perspectives. We anticipate that research into gait and postural control will continue to flourish over the next decade as the search for new ways of promoting mobility and independence aims to keep up with the exponentially growing population of aging older adults. Hopefully, this new classification scheme and the articles focusing on gait and postural control in this special issue of the Movement Disorders journal will help to facilitate future investigations in this exciting, rapidly growing area.

© 2013 Movement Disorder Society.

Abstract/Text: Deviations from a normal age-appropriate gait pattern can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. In most children, limping is caused by a mild, self-limiting event, such as a contusion, strain, or sprain. In some cases, however, a limp can be a sign of a serious or even life-threatening condition. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Examination of a limping child should begin with a thorough history, focusing on the presence of pain, any history of trauma, and any associated systemic symptoms. The presence of fever, night sweats, weight loss, and anorexia suggests the possibility of infection, inflammation, or malignancy. Physical examination should focus on identifying the type of limp and localizing the site of pathology by direct palpation and by examining the range of motion of individual joints. Localized tenderness may indicate contusions, fractures, osteomyelitis, or malignancy. A palpable mass raises the concern of malignancy. The child should be carefully examined because non-musculoskeletal conditions can cause limping. Based on the most probable diagnoses suggested by the history and physical examination, the appropriate use of laboratory tests and imaging studies can help confirm the diagnosis.

Abstract/Text: Deviations from a normal age-appropriate gait pattern can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. In most children, limping is caused by a mild, self-limiting event, such as a contusion, strain, or sprain. In some cases, however, a limp can be a sign of a serious or even life-threatening condition. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Examination of a limping child should begin with a thorough history, focusing on the presence of pain, any history of trauma, and any associated systemic symptoms. The presence of fever, night sweats, weight loss, and anorexia suggests the possibility of infection, inflammation, or malignancy. Physical examination should focus on identifying the type of limp and localizing the site of pathology by direct palpation and by examining the range of motion of individual joints. Localized tenderness may indicate contusions, fractures, osteomyelitis, or malignancy. A palpable mass raises the concern of malignancy. The child should be carefully examined because non-musculoskeletal conditions can cause limping. Based on the most probable diagnoses suggested by the history and physical examination, the appropriate use of laboratory tests and imaging studies can help confirm the diagnosis.

Abstract/Text: Gait disorders are common and often devastating companions of ageing, leading to reductions in quality of life and increased mortality. Here, we present a clinically oriented approach to neurological gait disorders in the elderly population. We also draw attention to several exciting scientific developments in this specialty. Our first focus is on the complex and typically multifactorial pathophysiology underlying geriatric gait disorders. An important new insight is the recognition of gait as a complex higher order form of motor behaviour, with prominent and varied effects of mental processes. Another relevant message is that gait disorders are not an unpreventable consequence of ageing, but implicate the presence of underlying diseases that warrant specific diagnostic tests. We next discuss the core clinical features of common geriatric gait disorders and review some bedside tests to assess gait and balance. We conclude by proposing a practical three-step approach to categorise gait disorders and we present a simplified classification system based on clinical signs and symptoms.