Clinical and ultrasound findings of 'swimmer's shoulder' and its association with training history in elite Portuguese swimmers: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of shoulder injuries and ultrasound findings in elite Portuguese swimmers and their association with symptoms and personal or training-related factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Portuguese Open and Youth Swimming National Championships between 27 and 30th July 2022. Each athlete entered details regarding personal and training history into a questionnaire and underwent a physical and ultrasound shoulder examination. RESULTS: A total of 102 swimmers out of 662 Portuguese athletes were included in the study. Shoulder pain experienced during the previous season was reported by 42% of the athletes. A high prevalence of shoulder structural abnormalities was noted, specifically supraspinatus tendinosis (91%), tears (29%), and subacromial bursitis (29%). Specific training for injury prevention was associated with higher rates of infraspinatus tendinosis (p = 0.047), and supraspinatus tears were linked to greater swimming distances per week (p < 0.001) and practice (p < 0.001), more years of practice (p = 0.018), shoulder pain at the time of evaluation (p = 0.023), a higher number of missed competitions (p = 0.041), and shoulder injections (p = 0.009). Subacromial bursitis was associated with shoulder pain at the time of evaluation (p = 0.002) and during the previous season (p < 0.001), missed competitions (p < 0.001), and requirement for physical therapy (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of shoulder morphological changes was found in surveyed swimmers and there were several associations with training load, regardless of individual characteristics of each athlete. It is essential to understand the true impact of current injury prevention programs and to develop effective measures to protect swimmers' health.

Shoulder Spasticity Treatment With Botulinum Toxin: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey of Clinical Practices.

INTRODUCTION: Upper limb spasticity can be responsible for several complications (e.g., pain, spasms, contractures, deformity, decreased or lost motor control), which can have a negative impact on functional independence and the quality of life of patients. Chemodenervation with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is a first-line treatment of focal spasticity in the upper limb (UL). However, shoulder muscles were not included in the classical pivotal BoNT-A studies, leaving a knowledge gap regarding the application of intra-muscular BoNT-A in the spasticity management of this anatomical area compared with the arm and forearm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional nationwide online survey of the current Portuguese clinical practices for BoNT-A injections treating shoulder spasticity. Data were collected regarding the patient's spasticity cause, shoulder muscles treated, BoNT-A doses, guidance methods used, primary goal domains, treatment effectiveness, adverse effects, and recommendation of adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: A total of 33 physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians were surveyed. Most of the surveyed doctors (90.91%; n = 30) identified post-stroke spasticity as the major condition for the use of BoNT-A injections in their clinical practice. The most frequently injected muscles for patterns that included shoulder adduction and internal rotation were the pectoralis major (100%; n = 33), subscapularis (93.94%; n = 31), latissimus dorsi (54.55%; n = 18), and teres major (24.24%; n = 8). In patterns including shoulder extension, the posterior deltoid (75.76%; n = 25), the long head of the triceps brachii (66.67%; n = 22), and the latissimus dorsi (48.48%; n = 16) were the most frequently targeted muscles. The primary goals of treatments were improvements in passive function (96.97%; n = 32), pain (84.85%; n = 28), active function (45.45%; n = 15), and range of motion (39.39%; n = 13). The overall impression of therapeutic efficacy was "good" (60.61%; n = 20), and adverse drug reactions were considered "very rare" (84.85%; n = 28) and "mild" (93.94%; n = 31). Ultrasound was used "always" and "most times" in 66.67% (n = 22) of cases. The maximum BoNT-A doses per muscle were lower than those in previously reported studies. Conventional kinesiotherapy was "always" recommended as adjuvant therapy after BoNT-A by 66.67% (n = 22) of physiatrists. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first nationwide Portuguese description of "real-life" clinical practices concerning the use of BoNT-A for shoulder spasticity. The selection of goal domains aligned with international results, and the targeted muscles were relatively similar. The use of ultrasound was high, and the maximum BoNT-A doses per muscle were lower than those in other reported clinical practices. The providers reviewed indicated high safety satisfaction with using BoNT-A for shoulder spasticity. Further development of clinical guidelines to standardize practices may be useful.

SARcopenia Assessment in Hypertension: The SARAH Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and renin-angiotensin system-related disorders and to explore the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers on muscle mass/function and physical performance. DESIGN: This multicenter, cross-sectional study was performed using ISarcoPRM algorithm for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. RESULTS: Of the 2613 participants (mean age = 61.0 ± 9.5 yrs), 1775 (67.9%) were hypertensive. All sarcopenia-related parameters (except chair stand test in males) were worse in hypertensive group than in normotensive group (all P < 0.05). When clinical/potential confounders were adjusted, hypertension was found to be an independent predictor of sarcopenia in males (odds ratio = 2.403 [95% confidence interval = 1.514-3.813]) and females (odds ratio = 1.906 [95% confidence interval = 1.328-2.734], both P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, we found that all sarcopenia-related parameters (except grip strength and chair stand test in males) were independently/negatively related to hypertension (all P < 0.05). In females, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors users had higher grip strength and chair stand test performance values but had lower anterior thigh muscle thickness and gait speed values, as compared with those using angiotensin II receptor blockers (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension was associated with increased risk of sarcopenia at least 2 times. Among antihypertensives, while angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors had higher muscle function values, angiotensin II receptor blockers had higher muscle mass and physical performance values only in females.

Rehabilitation and Exercise in Dermatomyositis: A Case Report and Narrative Review of the Literature.

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy most commonly characterized by proximal, progressive, symmetrical muscle weakness, as well as specific dermatological manifestations. The presence of nuclear matrix protein 2 (NXP-2) autoantibodies is predominantly associated with joint contractures and calcinosis. A 19-year-old female was diagnosed with DM with positive anti-NXP-2 autoantibodies. She had severe joint involvement of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and ankles, and the presence of calcinosis was documented on radiographs. Concomitantly, she presented with heliotrope erythema on the eyelids and Grotton's papules on the interphalangeal joints of the hands. After performing a diagnostic investigation and beginning targeted therapy, the patient was transferred to an inpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department to carry out a rehabilitation program. The patient had a favorable outcome, with improved range of motion and muscle strength, with a Manual Muscle Testing 8 at the time of admission of 73/150, and at discharge from the hospital of 94/150. Regarding the functional scales, she had a Functional Independence Measure at the time of admission of 87/126 and a Barthel Index of 50/100, with an objective improvement at the time of discharge to 118/126 and 90/100, respectively. DM is an insidious chronic disease with multisystemic involvement and can lead to a great loss of independence. Most patients with DM do not recover their previous muscle function, which leads to a negative impact on their quality of life. The institution of an early rehabilitation program seems to have beneficial effects on the functionality and independence of these patients. Its treatment is based on a multidisciplinary approach, and the established rehabilitation program must be individualized and directed to the deficits and limitations of each patient.

Ultrasound-Guided Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Refilling Method for Management of Spasticity in a Complex Clinical Case.

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) administration is a common method in managing spasticity. The location of the reservoir fill port (RFP) is identified manually in most cases. However, it can be difficult due to a variety of factors, such as the formation of excess subcutaneous cellular tissue and scar formation overlying the RFP and rotation or inversion of the pump. Consequently, multiple failed attempts accessing the reservoir increases pain and risk of fatal complications (e.g., infection and withdrawal syndrome from pocket filling). We describe a successful ultrasound-guided pump refilling case after multiple failed attempts by the conventional method. This groundbreaking instrument assists this minimally invasive procedure while limiting iatrogenic injury in the treatment of spasticity. The presentation of this case shows the utility of ultrasound as an important tool to guide the procedure and prevent adverse events in a spasticity management consult.

The Effects of Intra-articular Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review.

Platelet-rich plasma injections have been a therapeutic option with exponential growth in several pathologies in the last decades, particularly musculoskeletal for their effect on improving pain and functionality. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic joint disease, which involves inflammation of the synovial membrane with cartilage and juxta-articular bone destruction. Conventional and biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatoid drugs are the cornerstone of the treatment of this disease. However, the use of intra-articular glucocorticoids is often necessary and the role of platelet-rich plasma injections in these patients remains uncertain. A literature review was carried out through the PubMed database, Cochrane and Google Scholar for the search terms "rheumatoid arthritis" and "platelet-rich plasma". Eleven studies have been included in this review: two of these are in vitro studies, five are animal studies, one case report, two case series and one randomized controlled trial. Most of the studies demonstrated a decrease in pain and inflammatory mediators and improvement of functional outcomes, with no severe adverse effects reported. However, the quantity and quality of literature about the effects and safety of plasma-rich plasma injections in rheumatoid arthritis patients are still scarce. It is essential that well-designed randomized controlled trials are made on this topic to understand if platelet-rich plasma may be useful as a coadjuvant therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Impact of bruxism on craniomandibular morphology: A cone-beam computed tomographic study.

OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this work was to address craniomorphological characteristics of patients with bruxism when compared to those without bruxism using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. METHODS: Seventy CBCT images of an equal number (n = 35) of orthodontic patients with and without bruxism (age range, 18-44 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Sagittal evaluation, mandibular shape, and skeletal asymmetry were systematically assessed in both groups. RESULTS: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between groups for Right Articular Fossa (AF) - Axial Plane (AP) and Left AF - AP (B > NB), Right Gonial Angle (GA), Left GA, Sella-Nasion and Occlusal Plane (B < NB). Age (13%), Condyle-Gonion (18%), AF to AP (67%), and Mental-AP (16%) had the greatest impact on bruxers. CONCLUSION: In this study, the CBCT 3D image showed significant differences in craniofacial morphology, particularly in the mandibular structure of bruxers compared with non-bruxers.

Multidisciplinary oral rehabilitation in partially edentulous adult patients with malocclusion: A cross-sectional survey study.

BACKGROUND: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to gather information regarding the opinion of Brazilian specialists in both orthodontics and implantology on multidisciplinary oral rehabilitation in partially edentulous patients with malocclusion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 305 specialists participated in a telephone survey and answered an ad hoc 10-item questionnaire, including the request of total skull cone-beam tomographies (CBCT) and the use of 3D digital planning software, the best moment of treatment to place dental implants, and the integration of orthodontics in implantology. RESULTS: Most participants did not request CBCT (90.8%) or 3D digital planning software images (92.3%) to diagnose and plan multidisciplinary oral rehabilitation. By contrast, 91.1% of participants would use an already dental implant as anchorage for orthodontics, 73.8% had already used implants for this purpose, 47.9% selected 4 months as the waiting time between implant placement and its use as anchorage, and 58.4% had already placed dental implants having in mind using them as anchorage for orthodontics and anticipating the oral rehabilitation process. Moreover, 93.4% of participants stated to avoid applying orthodontic forces in implants with unfavourable prognosis. A total of 67.9% of participants got the degree of specialist in Orthodontics before that of specialist in Implantology. The main reason for obtaining the other specialty degree was to be able to thoroughly exercise the two specialties. CONCLUSIONS: The use of technological advances, such as CBCT and 3D digital planning software was limited. Most dental specialists would wait the osseointegration recommended time before applying orthodontic forces and thus using them as anchorage for orthodontics. The majority of interviewed dentists sought the other specialty to acquire multidisciplinary knowledge. Key words:Cross-sectional study, orthodontics, implantology, partially edentulous, malocclusion, oral rehabilitation.

Impact of dental asymmetries on the perception of smile esthetics.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of anterior tooth asymmetries on the perception of smile esthetics. METHODS: Three pleasant female smiles were digitally altered to simulate several degrees of asymmetry of the gingival margin of a maxillary central incisor, wear of a maxillary canine cusp, and a dental midline shift. Three groups of 50 raters--laypersons, orthodontists, and prosthodontists--evaluated the original and the altered images and used a visual analog scale to score smile esthetics. RESULTS: The threshold of the orthodontists and the prosthodontists for asymmetry of the gingival margin of a maxillary central incisor was 0.5 mm; the threshold for laypersons, who were less perceptive, was 2.0 mm. Wear of a maxillary canine cusp had no esthetic impact for any group of raters. Midline shifts became perceptible when equal to or greater than 1.0 mm for orthodontists and 3.0 mm for prosthodontists; laypersons saw no alteration. CONCLUSIONS: Laypersons, orthodontists, and prosthodontists have different perceptions of attractiveness when evaluating gingival margin height of a maxillary central incisor and a dental midline shift. These findings might help dental specialists to consider the patient's esthetic expectations when planning treatment.

Correção da classe III esquelética em pacientes jovens - ertty gap III® / Correction of skeletal class III in young patientes - ertty gap IIII®

As más oclusões de Classe III são consideradas desafiadoras no tratamento ortodôntico, por apresentarem um componente genético forte. O retrognatismo maxilar, o prognatismo mandibular e a combinação dessas discrepâncias caracterizam os problemas esqueléticos. A terapia ortodôntica mais recomendada, usualmente, para o tratamento da Classe III em fase de crescimento é a protração maxilar, associada ou não à disjunção da sutura palatina mediana. Vem sendo muito considerada, também, uma técnica com auxílio de miniplacas. Entretanto existem desvantagens nessas técnicas, quanto à colaboração do paciente, à possível instabilidade na fixação das miniplacas devido à faixa etária, dentre outras considerações que estimularam o desenvolvimento de outro sistema para o tratamento da Classe III em pacientes jovens, o Ertty Gap III®. O objetivo desse artigo foi apresentar essa nova forma de tratamento da Classe III em indivíduos jovens. O novo sistema é composto, na dentição mista, por um Hyrax invertido na arcada superior, Placa Lábio Ativa e Barra Lingual Fundida na arcada inferior e por elástico de Classe III. Em casos de dentadura permanente, o elástico de Classe III é colocado no bráquete do canino inferior. Foi alcançado um excelente resultado clínico no caso ilustrado, pois se obteve melhora no perfil facial, correção dentoalveolar da Classe III e redirecionamento do crescimento maxilomandibular. Sendo assim, o Ertty Gap III® é uma técnica viável de ser aplicada. Além disso, é um sistema estético de baixo custo e apresenta uma mecânica ortopédica e/ou ortodôntica simples, que o torna de fácil entendimento e domínio profissional durante sua aplicação (AU)

Class III malocclusions are considered challenging in orthodontic treatment, because they present a strong genetic component. Maxillary retrognathism, mandibular prognathism and the combination of these discrepancies characterize skeletal problems. The most commonly recommended orthodontic therapy for the treatment of Class III in the growth phase is maxillary protraction, associated or not with the disjunction of the medial palatine suture. A technique with the aid of miniplates has also been greatly considered. However, there are drawbacks in these techniques, such as patient collaboration, possible instability in fixation of miniplates due to age, among other considerations that stimulated the development of another system for the treatment of Class III in young patients, the Ertty Gap III® . The aim of this article was to present this new form of Class III treatment in young individuals. The new system is composed, in the mixed dentition, by an inverted Hyrax in the upper arch, a Lip-Active Plate and a Fused Lingual Bar in the lower arch and by Class III elastic. In cases of permanent dentures, the Class III elastic is placed in the lower canine bracket. An excellent clinical result was achieved in the clinical case presented, as improvement in the facial profile, dentoalveolar Class III correction and redirection of the maxillomandibular growth were obtained. Therefore the Ertty Gap III® is a viable technique to be applied. In addition, it is an aesthetic system with low cost, and it presents simple orthopedic and/or orthodontic mechanics, which makes it easy for both understanding and professional domain during its application.(AU)

Ortodontia, Cirurgia e Estética: a importância da abordagem multidisciplinar / Orthodontics, Surgery and Cosmetic Dentistry: the importance a multidisciplinary approach

Introdução: a má oclusão de Classe II é caracterizada por um inadequado relacionamento maxilomandibular anteroposterior. Essa má oclusão maxilar e/ou mandibular pode ter origem esquelética e/ou dentoalveolar. Para corrigir a má oclusão esquelética de Classe II com retrognatismo mandibular em pacientes adultos, é necessária a realização de cirurgia ortognática, além do tratamento ortodôntico. Assimetrias dentárias, quando associadas a essa má oclusão, devem ser corrigidas no preparo ortodôntico pré-cirúrgico. Objetivo: apresentar um novo método de preparo ortocirúrgico ilustrado por um caso clínico de paciente com má oclusão de Classe II esquelética com retrognatismo mandibular, associada a assimetria dentária inferior. Métodos: miniplacas de titânio foram usadas como ancoragem temporária para obter maior controle durante a movimentação dos dentes nas arcadas dentárias. Resultados: a assimetria dentária inferior foi facilmente corrigida com a mecânica utilizada, em curto período de tempo e sem efeitos colaterais indesejados. Subsequentemente, o avanço mandibular e a mentoplastia foram realizados cirurgicamente. Após a finalização ortodôntica, executou-se a reanatomização dentária. Conclusão: esse caso clínico demonstra a importância das miniplacas e da abordagem multidisciplinar (Ortodontia, Cirurgia e Odontologia Estética) para obter sucesso no resultado final do tratamento.

Ertty System®: distalização segmentar / Erty System®: segment distalization

Introdução: o Ertty System® é um sistema intrabucal de forças biomecânicas para movimentação dentária no sentido anteroposterior. A aplicação de forças do sistema resulta na distalização do molar e de todo o segmento lateral do lado a ser distalizado, incluindo pré-molares e canino, com consequente remodelação óssea alveolar. O sistema é indicado para correção da má oclusão de Classe II dentária maxilar em dentição permanente, uni- ou bilateral, tanto em pacientes jovens quanto em adultos. É contraindicado em caso de assimetrias esqueléticas, biprotrusão dentária, Classe II esquelética e Classe II subdivisão com desvio da linha média dentária inferior. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o Ertty System® e apresentar dois casos clínicos de pacientes com má oclusão de Classe II, subdivisão, e desvio da linha média dentária superior tratados com esse sistema. Resultado: obteve-se um correto alinhamento e nivelamento, relação dentária de Classe I e correção da linha média superior. Conclusão: o sucesso e a estabilidade dos resultados confirmaram o correto diagnóstico e tratamento.