Predictive Factors for Pregnancy-Related Persistent Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP): A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: To identify the most frequently reported predictive factors for the persistency of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) at 3-6 months after childbirth in women with PPGP alone or PPGP in association with pregnancy-related lower back pain (PLBP). Methods: Eligibility criteria: Two authors independently selected studies excluding PPGP determined by a specific, traumatic, gynecological/urological cause or isolated PLBP and studies that did not include the presence/absence of PPGP as the the primary outcome. We, instead, included studies with an initial assessment in pregnancy (within 1 month of delivery) and with a follow-up of at least 3 months after delivery. Data sources: The research was performed using the databases of Medline, Cochrane, Pedro, Scopus, Web of Science and Cinahl from December 2018 to January 2022, following the indications of the PRISMA statement 2021 and the MOOSE checklist. It includes observational cohort studies in which data were often collected through prospective questionnaires (all in English). Study appraisal and risk of bias: Two independent authors performed evaluations of the risk of bias (ROB) using the quality in prognostic studies (QUIPS) tool. Synthesis of results: An in-depth qualitative analysis was conducted because, due to a high degree of heterogeneity in the data collection of the included studies and a lack of raw data suitable for quantitative analysis, it was not possible to carry out the originally planned meta-analyses for the subgroups. Results: The research process led to the inclusion of 10 articles which were evaluated using the QUIPS tool: 5 studies were evaluated as low ROB and 5 were evaluated as moderate ROB. High levels of pain in pregnancy, a large number of positive provocation tests, a history of lower back pain and lumbo-pelvic pain, high levels of disability in pregnancy, neurotic behavior and high levels of fear-avoidance belief were identified as strong predictors of long-term PPGP, while there was weak or contradictory evidence regarding predictions of emotional distress, catastrophizing and sleep disturbances. Discussion: The impossibility of carrying out the meta-analysis by subgroups suggests the need for further research with greater methodological rigor in the acquisition of measures based on an already existing PPGP core predictors/outcome sets.

The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy. A systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate if Extracorporeal Shock Wave therapy (ESWT) is effective in reducing pain and disability, in improving function, quality of life and complete resorption rate of calcification in patients with Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy. To investigate which modality of ESWT brings the greatest clinical improvements between High (HE)-SWT and Low Energy (LE)-SWT and between Focal (F)-SWT and Radial (R)-SWT. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL Database, and PEDro databases until February 2024 were searched. Study registers were further investigated. The Risk of Bias (RoB) was assessed with the Revised Cochrane RoB Tool (RoB 2). The certainty of evidence was rated with GRADE. RESULTS: Twenty-one randomized controlled trials were included. None was judged as overall low RoB. Comparing ESWT and Ultrasound Guided Needling Procedures (USGNP), the pooled results reported a significant difference favoring USGNP in pain at <24 and <48 weeks (MD = 1.17, p = 0.004, I2 = 59%; MD = 1.31, p = 0.004, I2 = 42%, respectively). Comparing ESWT and sham-ESWT, the pooled results reported a clinically significant difference favoring ESWT in pain and function at 24 weeks (MD = -5.72, p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%; Standardized Mean Difference = 2.94, p = 0.02 I2 = 98%, respectively). Comparing HE-SWT and LE-SWT, HE-SWT was statistically and clinically superior in pain and function at <24 weeks (MD = -1.83, p = 0.03, I2 = 87%; MD = 14.60, p = 0.002, I2 = 77%, respectively) and showed a significantly higher complete resorption rate of calcification at 12 weeks (Risk Ratio = 2.53, p = 0.001, I2 = 0%). F-SWT and R-SWT appear equally effective in reducing pain, improving disability and resorption rate. The certainty of evidence was rated as very low through GRADE approach. CONCLUSION: USGNP was statistically superior to ESWT in pain reduction at <24 and <48 weeks. ESWT was clinically better to sham-ESWT in pain reduction and function improvement at 24 weeks. HE-SWT was clinically more effective than LE-SWT in reducing pain, improving function at <24 weeks, and resolving calcific deposits at 12 weeks, while no differences between F-SWT and R-SWT were reported.

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome mimicking musculoskeletal shoulder pain: A case report during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic era.

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome or neuralgic amyotrophy is a peripheral neuropathy typically characterized by an abrupt onset of pain, followed by progressive neurological deficits (e.g. weakness, atrophy, occasionally sensory abnormalities) that involve the upper limb, mainly the shoulder, encompassing an extensive spectrum of clinical manifestations, somehow difficult to recognize. This case report describes the proper management of a 35-year-old, bank employee and sports amateur who reported subtle and progressive upper limb disorder with previous history of neck pain. SARS-CoV-2 pandemic era made patient's access to the healthcare system more complicated. Nevertheless, proper management of knowledge, relevant aspects of telerehabilitation-based consultation for musculoskeletal pain, advanced skills, tools and technologies led the physiotherapist to suspect an atypical presentation of Parsonage-Turner Syndrome. Further, neurologist consultation and electromyography suggested signs of denervation in the serratus anterior and supraspinatus muscle. Therefore, an appropriate physiotherapist's screening for referral is conducted to correct diagnosis and thorough treatment.

Rehabilitation following shoulder arthroplasty: a survey of current clinical practice patterns of Italian physiotherapists.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) and Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (RTSA) is constantly increasing. As a result, the interest in post-surgical rehabilitation has grown, since it is crucial in order to achieve full recovery and successful outcomes. The first aim of this study is to investigate the Italian physiotherapists (PTs) clinical practice in the management of patients with TSA and RTSA and to compare it with the best evidence available in the literature. The second purpose of this study is to assess any existing difference between the survey answers and the different sample subgroups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional observation study was designed following the CHERRIES checklist and the STROBE guidelines. A 4-sections survey with a total of 30 questions was developed for investigating post-surgery rehabilitation management in patient with TSA and RTSA. The survey was sent to Italian PTs from December 2020 until February 2021. RESULTS: Six-hundred and seven PTs completed the survey regarding both TSA and RTSA; 43.5% of participants (n = 264/607) stated that TSA is more likely to dislocate during abduction and external rotation. Regarding reverse prosthesis, 53.5% (n = 325/607) affirmed RTSA is more likely to dislocate during internal rotation, adduction and extension. In order to recover passive Range of Motion (pROM), 62.1% (n = 377/607) of participants reported that they gain anterior flexion, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation up to 30°, with full pROM in all directions granted at 6-12 weeks. Regarding the active ROM (aROM), 44.2% (n = 268/607) of participants stated that they use active-assisted procedures within a range under 90° of elevation and abduction at 3-4 weeks and higher than 90° at 6-12 weeks, with full recovery at a 3-month mark. Sixty-five point seven percent of the sample (n = 399/607) declared that, during the rehabilitation of patients with TSA, they tend to focus on strengthening the scapular and rotator cuff muscles, deltoid, biceps and triceps. Conversely, 68.0% (n = 413/607) of participants stated that, for the rehabilitation of patients with RTSA, they preferably focus on strengthening the periscapular and deltoid muscles. Finally, 33.1% (n = 201/607) of participants indicated the instability of the glenoid prosthetic component as the most frequent complication in patients with TSA, while 42.5% (n = 258/607) of PTs identified scapular neck erosion as the most frequent post-RTSA surgery complication. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical practice of Italian PTs effectively reflects the indications of the literature as far as the strengthening of the main muscle groups and the prevention of movements, which may result in a dislocation, are concerned. Some differences emerged in the clinical practice of Italian PTs, regarding the restoration of active and passive movement, the starting and progression of muscle strengthening and the return to sport (RTS). These differences are actually quite representative of the current knowledge in post-surgical rehabilitation for shoulder prosthesis in the rehabilitation field. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Intracranial Epidermoid Cyst Mimics Musculoskeletal Shoulder Disease: Findings from a Case Report in Physiotherapy Clinical Practice.

Shoulder pain is often attributable to a musculoskeletal disorder, but in some instances, it may be linked to pathologies outside the physiotherapist's area of expertise. Specifically, some intracranial problems can cause pain and disability to the shoulder complex. This case report aims to describe the clinical presentation, history taking, physical examination, and clinical decision-making procedures in a patient with an intracranial epidermoid cyst mimicking a musculoskeletal disorder of the shoulder girdle. A 42-year-old man complained of pain and disability in his left shoulder. Sudden, sharp pain was reported during overhead movements, associated with intermittent tingling of the left upper trapezius and left scapular area. Moreover, the patient reported reduced hearing in his left ear and left facial dysesthesia. The physical examination led the physiotherapist to hypothesize a pathology outside the physiotherapist's scope of practice and to refer the patient to another health professional to further investigate the patient through imaging. It is essential for the physiotherapist to recognize when the patient's clinical condition requires a referral to another healthcare professional. Therefore, the physiotherapist must be able to, in a timely manner, identify signs and symptoms suggesting the presence of medical pathology beyond his expertise, through appropriate medical history collection and physical evaluation.