retropulsion

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A tendency to step or walk backwards involuntarily, especially as a symptom of…

   A tendency to step or walk backwards involuntarily, especially as a symptom of parkinsonism.

   • Retropulsion most often occurs when you are trying to reach for something higher than sholder level.
   • For patients prone to retropulsion, wearing shoes with high heels may diminish or prevent the backward stepping.
2. 2

   The pushing or forcing of something to move backwards or inwards.

   • Retropulsion of the eye slackens the rectus muscle and, if forced ductions improve with retropulsion, then the restriction is secondary to a tight rectus muscle.
   • Spinal CT or MRI reveals violation of the posterior cortex of the vertebral bodies (burst fracture) with retropulsion of bone into the spinal canal.
   • The goal of retropulsion is to expand the diameter of the urethra with fluid to suspend the obstructing substance in a fluid column that will carry it back into the bladder.
3. 3

   Transfer of a disease from an external source to an internal organ.

   • The arthritic blepharoblenorrhœa and ophthalmoblenorrhœa appear only as a real metastasis of gout, having always followed its retropulsion in the great toe, from the application of cold moisture.
   • And hence dry asthma, like the preceding, as thus diversified by its occasional causes, may be contemplated under the following varieties: ... From retropulsion of some acrid humour from the surface of the body.

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