retropulsion

Noun

retropulsion (countable and uncountable, plural retropulsions)

1. 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.1993, Abraham N. Lieberman, Parkinson's Disease: The Complete Guide for Patients and Caregivers, →ISBN, page 147
   • For patients prone to retropulsion, wearing shoes with high heels may diminish or prevent the backward stepping.2001, Roger C. Duvoisin, Jacob Sage, Parkinson's Disease: A Guide for Patient and Family, →ISBN, page 38
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.2007, Kenneth W. Wright, Color Atlas of Strabismus Surgery: Strategies and Techniques, →ISBN, page 213
   • Spinal CT or MRI reveals violation of the posterior cortex of the vertebral bodies (burst fracture) with retropulsion of bone into the spinal canal.2008, Michael Jeffrey Aminoff, Neurology and General Medicine, →ISBN, page 484
3. (obsolete) Transfer of a disease from an external source to an internal organ.
   • From this account, it will also be evident, that there can be no danger from the retropulsion, or rather the retiring of prickly heat, except what may arise from the cause that checked perspiration. Many absurd notions have been entertained on this subject, which have really proved prejudicial to...1797, Hector McLean, An enquiry into the nature and causes of the great mortality among the troops at St. Domingo
   • 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.1818, The Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, page 220