title: Stair ascent and descent in assessing donor-site morbidity following osteocutaneous free fibula transfer: a preliminary study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate gait kinematic parameters during stair ascent and descent after fibula free flap removal for facial reconstruction.
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baj
authors.affiliation: Research Associate, Functional Anatomy Research Center, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lovecchio
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bolzoni
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mapelli
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Aldo Bruno
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Giannì
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Chiarella
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sforza
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000637:transplantation*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010388:Pelvis / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D060053:Transplant Donor Site / Q000601:surgery*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology