Yasser El Miedany, Samia Ashour Sally Youssef, Annie Mehanna and Fatma A. Meky
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the clinical manifestations of CTS with the outcome of the diagnostic tools (nerve conduction tests and ultrasonography), and its implication for clinical practice. All patients and controls completed a patient oriented questionnaire, were subjected to clinical testing for provocative tests for carpal tunnel syndrome (Tinel’s, Phalen’s, Reverse Phalen’s and carpal tunnel compression tests), nerve conduction testing as well ultrasonographic assessment of the carpal tunnel and median nerve. The results of this study revealed that Tinel’s, Phalen’s, Reverse Phalen’s and carpal tunnel compression tests are more sensitive, as well as being specific tests for the diagnosis of tenosynovitis of the flexor muscles of the hand, rather than being specific tests for carpal tunnel syndrome and can be used as an indicator for medical management of the condition.
Joint Bone Spine, June 2008, article in press
doi:10.1016/j.jbspin.2007.09.014
Link to article
Filed under: Assessment, Wrist
Raspe H.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To report and critically appraise the current state of managing chronic (and subacute) low back pain as reflected in recently published guidelines and results from latest trials.
SUMMARY: At present, an individualized clinical approach seems most appropriate. Patients and doctors are free to choose, according to their experiences and preferences, from recommended treatments.
Current Opinion in Rheumatology. 2008 May
DOI:10.1097/BOR.0b013e3282f94256
Link to abstract
Filed under: Lumbar spine
Kent A. Schnetzler, MD
Carpal tunnel syndrome is considered the most common of the chronic compressive neuropathies. Its cause is generally unknown. Acute carpal tunnel syndrome, which is much less common, is more often directly related to fractures and fracture-dislocations about the wrist, hemorrhagic conditions, and vascular disorders involving the wrist. Many rare and unusual causes have been described, including chronic conditions that may be associated with acute carpal tunnel syndrome, such as rheumatologic disorders and anomalous anatomy. In contrast to the more common chronic idiopathic form, the acute form of carpal tunnel syndrome requires urgent surgical intervention to avoid or diminish serious sequelae.
Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, May 2008, 276-282.
Link to original article
Filed under: Neurological, Wrist
This study evaluated the effects of exercise training on global well-being, selected signs and symptoms, and physical function in individuals with fibromyalgia (FM). Metaanalysis of 6 studies provided moderate-quality evidence that aerobic-only exercise training at ACSM-recommended intensity levels has positive effects on global well-being and physical function and possibly on pain and tender points. Strength and flexibility remain under evaluated; however, strength training may have a positive effect on FM symptoms.
Aerobic-only training has beneficial effects on physical function and some FM symptoms. Strength-only training may improve FM symptoms, but requires further study.
Journal of Rheumatology, 2008 May 1
Link to Abstract
Filed under: Arthritis, Exercise therapy
Bakhtiary AH, Fatemi E
This study was designed to compare the effect of straight leg raise (SLR) and semi-squat exercises on the treatment of patellar chondromalacia. 32 participants with patellar chondromalacia were randomly assigned to either SLR or semi-squat exercise. Both groups then followed a 3-week programme of quadriceps muscle strengthening exercises starting with 20 exercises twice a day and increasing each session by 5 exercises every 2 days. Reduced Q angle and crepitation, and an increase in the MIVCF of the quadriceps and thigh circumference were found in semi-squat group compared with SLR group. However, patellofemoral pain was decreased significantly in both groups.
The results of this study indicate that semi-squat exercises (closed kinetic chain) are more effective than SLR exercise (open kinetic chain) in the treatment of patellar chondromalacia.
British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2008, 42(2), 99-102
Link to Abstract
Filed under: Exercise therapy, Knee
The present paper examines gender differences and changes in prevalence of ankylosed sacroiliac joint (SIJ) with age. SIJs of 287 patients, aged 22-93 years, were examined for fusion, using 3-D CT images. Presence, side and location of the fusion along the joint borders were recorded. Fusion of the SIJ was found to be gender and age dependent; present in 27.7% of all males in contrast to only 3.0% in females. The phenomenon increased with age in the male population from 5.8% in the 20-39 age cohorts to 46.7% in the 80+ cohort.
As mobilization and/or manipulation of a dysfunctional SIJ are common procedures used by manual therapists, the effect that aging has on SIJ mobility requires therapists to alter or change their method with advancing age.
Manual Therapy, 2008, 13(2), 155-8
Link to Abstract
Filed under: Manual therapy, sacrum
