Skeletal deformities in the elderly and their effect on postural sway.

In a group of 151 elderly men and women (age range, 65-85+), postural sway was studied in relation to various physical attributes and skeletal deformities that might be contributory factors. Weight, loss of height (span-height), scoliosis, grip strength, and the knee angle, measured laterally with the subject erect, all proved to be correlated with postural sway. Kyphosis was related to loss of muscle power and other general indications of frailty. Scoliosis appeared to be related to joint disease in the pelvis and lower limbs.