Combining balneotherapy and health promotion to promote active and healthy ageing: the Balaruc-MACVIA-LR® approach.

Scaling up and replication of successful innovative integrated care models for chronic diseases is one of the targets of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA). MACVIA-LR® (MAladies Chroniques pour un VIeillissement Actif en Languedoc-Roussillon) is a Reference Site of the EIP on AHA. The main objective of MACVIA-LR® is to develop innovative solutions in order to (1) improve the care of patients affected by chronic diseases, (2) reduce avoidable hospitalization and (3) scale up the innovation to regions of Europe. The MACVIA-LR® project also aims to assess all possible aspects of medicine-including non-pharmacologic approaches-in order to maintain health and prevent chronic diseases. These approaches include hydrotherapy and balneotherapy which can be of great importance if health promotion strategies are considered. Balneotherapy at Balaruc-les-Bains focusses on musculoskeletal diseases and chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Each year, over 46,000 people attend an 18-day course related to a new falls prevention initiative combining balneotherapy and education. On arrival, each person receives a flyer providing information on the risk of fall and, depending on this risk, a course is proposed combining education and physical activity. A pilot study assesses the impact of the course 6 and 12 months later. This health promotion strategy for active and healthy ageing follows the FEMTEC (World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy) concept.

Pressure ulcer risk factors in persons with spinal cord injury part 2: the chronic stage.

INTRODUCTION: Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common complication following spinal cord injury (SCI). Prevalence for persons in the chronic SCI stage varies between 15 and 30%. The risk assessment scales used nowadays were designed on pathophysiological concepts and are not SCI-specific. Recently, an epidemiological approach to PU risk factors has been proposed for designing an SCI-specific assessment tool. The first results seem quite disappointing, probably because of the level of evidence of the risk factors used. OBJECTIVE: To determine PU risk factors correlated to the chronic stage of SCI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review of the literature. RESULTS: There are several PU risk factors for chronic SCI stage: socio-demographics, neurological, medical or behavioral. The level of evidence varies: it is quite high for the socio-demographics and neurological factors and low for behavioral factors. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Behavioral risk factors (relieving the pressure, careful skin monitoring, smoking) are probably the ones for which a preventive strategy can be established. It is important to develop specific assessment tools for these behavioral risk factors to determine their relevance and evaluate the effect of therapeutic educational programs on persons with SCI.

Risk factors of pelvic pressure ulcer recurrence after primary skin flap surgery in people with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Flap surgery for deep pelvic pressure ulcers (PPUs) has been found effective, but the recurrence rate remains high and few risk factors have been identified. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated risk factors for PU recurrence after primary flap surgery in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This observational retrospective study based on medical charts included all individuals with SCI who underwent primary flap surgery for a PPU in the Hérault department in France between 2006 and 2014. Overall, 100 biomedical, psychological, socioeconomic and care management factors were studied. The primary outcome was PPU recurrence (surgical site and/or other pelvic site). The secondary outcome was recurrence at the surgical site. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine associated factors, estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We included 85 patients. Half had a PPU recurrence, and in one-third, the recurrence was at the surgical site. On multivariate analysis, global PPU recurrence was associated with colostomy (HR=2.79) and living with a partner (HR=2.29). Non-traumatic SCI and sacral wound were associated with PPU recurrence (HR=3.39, HR=0.48) and recurrence at the surgical site (HR=3.3, HR=0.3). CONCLUSION: Risk factors of PPU recurrence are based on both biomedical and social models. After primary flap surgery, the risk of recurrence justifies regular follow-up and strict monitoring.

[Influence of acute aggravations on the development of long-term handicap in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: a clinical study in 99 patients]. / Influence des poussées sur la survenue d'un handicap au long cours dans la sclérose en plaques de forme rémittente: étude observationnelle de 99 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Rate of relapse occurring during the first 5 years of MS-RR is a prognosis factor of occurrence of disability or secondary progressive (SP) phase. Progressive phase, related to chronic axonal loss, is mainly considered as the principal factor of disability progression. Influence of acute relapses during the relapsing-remitting phase on disability development is not known as a prognosis factor. OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of the exacerbations among patients with RR-MS after the second clinical event on the disability occurrence. METHODS: Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was established according to Poser's classification. Disability measurement was made with the use of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The patients included in the study were classified as clinically definite RR-MS, with an EDSS score500 m. The study began at the time of the second clinical event and ended when an EDSS score of 4.0 was reached or when a SP phase was beginning or at the last follow-up visit date if these two stages were not reached. The primary outcome measure was the comparison of the risk and the average time to reach an EDSS>or=4.0 or a SP form according to the annual exacerbation rate (AER) using Kaplan-Meier survival curve. RESULTS: Among the 238 ms patients of the database, 136 patients were classified as having a definite RR-MS. Among these 136 patients, 99 patients could be included in the study according to the inclusion criteria. The median follow up of the patients since the first clinical event was 9.8 years (range 4 to 44). The average EDSS score was 0.7 at the beginning of the study and 2.3 at the end. 20.2p.cent of patients (n=20) reached an EDSS score of 4.0 or a SP-MS. The median AER was 0.4 and the average 0.62 (range 0 to 6.1). The time to reach the primary end point for 25p.cent of the population was 17.8 years in group with an AER<0.4 (group A) and 6.9 years in group with an AER>0.4 (group B) (logrank; p<0.0001). The relative risk for patients of the group B compared to group A to reach an EDSS of 4.0 or a SP form was 8.01 (IC-95p.cent: 2.74-23.46; p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In spite of a limited number of patients, this study gives evidence that a high rate of acute exacerbations in RR-MS patients after the second clinical event may be an independent predictive factor of long-term residual disability progression. High relapse rate leads to a more frequent and faster SP or EDSS>4.0 occurrence.

[Camptocormia disclosing Parkinson's disease]. / Camptocormie révélatrice d'une maladie de Parkinson.

Camptocormia is characterised as an extreme bent-forward posture of the trunk that disappears in the recumbent position. On X-ray, trunk flexion appears without vertebral rotation as in scoliosis. The condition is a well-known complication of Parkinson's disease (PD) at the late stage. The authors present the case of a 77-year-old woman affected by severe camptocormia, which appeared and worsened in less than 6 months and hindered gait. Despite no signs of PD, neuro-imaging (DAT-Scan) showed an L-Dopa transducer decrease in putamens. A few weeks later, bradykinesia appeared and the clinical diagnosis of PD became more obvious. L-Dopa improved bradykinesia but did not change the bent-spine posture. A 1-year follow-up showed no other signs of PD other than bradykinesia, but the camptocormia was unchanged.

[Secondary screening for osteoporosis in patients admitted for hip fracture to a rehabilitation center. Results of a survey]. / Dépistage de l'ostéoporose après fracture de hanche en milieu de rééducation. Résultats d'une enquête.

GOALS: To determine prevalence, risk factors and treatment of osteoporosis in patients with hip fracture observed in a rehabilitation ward. BACKGROUND: Hip fractures are associated with up to 20% excess mortality in the first year after fracture and cause functional disability in most survivors. Despite available risk indices and physician information, osteoporosis is still underdiagnosed and undertreated. METHOD: We obtained history, clinical and biological data, and bone density (BD) data in 41 patients admitted with hip fracture to a rehabilitation care centre. RESULTS: Only 3 patients had known osteoporosis. Although 50% had at least 1 clinical risk factor, all patients showed osteopenic BD scores and 68% had osteoporotic scores; only one was correctly treated. DISCUSSION: As with international studies, our study shows that osteoporosis is underdiagnosed. Risk assessment tools allow for routine screening and preventive measures incorporated into standard care practice. The prevention of osteoporotic fracture can be promoted in rehabilitation centres.

[Exercise therapy in the treatment of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis: Is it useful?]. / La kinésithérapie dans le traitement de la scoliose idiopathique de l'adolescent : utile ou pas ?

Many practitioners, pediatricians, and general practitioners prescribe physical therapy when tracking scoliosis. However, has physical therapy alone proved its efficacy in the care of the scoliosis to slow down progression? Our purpose is to report the results of a literature review on the effectiveness of rehabilitation in idiopathic scoliosis. No current study presents sufficient scientific proof to validate the efficacy of isolated exercise therapy in scoliosis. Learned societies recognize, however, the efficacy of combining conservative therapy (brace+physiotherapy) in idiopathic scoliosis. Should we then still prescribe rehabilitation without brace treatment? Although physical therapy alone does not seem effective in treating scoliosis, it can limit potential painful phenomena and be beneficial for respiratory function. The physical therapist can also teach the teenager the classic principles of hygiene of the back. It may therefore be appropriate to prescribe physical therapy, but the principles and objectives must be explained to the patient and family in light of current evidence-based medicine.

Periprosthetic fracture in the elderly with anatomic modular cementless hemiarthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The use of an anatomic cementless stem in hemiarthroplasties for femoral intracapsular proximal fracture has been debated, notably because of bone weakness and/or morphological defects related to osteoporosis. We therefore conducted a retrospective study in subjects over 75 years of age who had received an anatomic stem partially coated with hydroxyapatite. The objectives were to determine: 1) the incidence of periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) and, 2) the influence of anatomic factors, including the Cortical Bone Ratio (CBR) (the relation between the endosteal and external diameter of the femoral diaphysis 10cm below the lesser trochanter). HYPOTHESIS: The risk of PPF with an anatomic cementless implant is greater than with cemented stems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 233 patients followed up for 5 years after their surgery. The stem used was an anatomic stem with a modular neck partially coated with hydroxyapatite. The risk factors examined were age, gender, history of osteoporotic fractures, diverse causes of secondary osteoporosis, and proximal bone stock according to various referenced radiological indices such as the CBR. RESULTS: Twenty patients (15%) were lost to follow-up, 74 had died (32%) but did not undergo revision for PPF, 15 of the 139 survivors at the last follow-up (10.8%) had had a PPF, five (3.6%; four females, one male) were early fractures (≤2 months after implantation), ten (7.2%; two females, eight males) were late fractures (>2 months). Male gender was protective for PPF occurrence (RR=0.129; 95%CI (0.04-0.39); P=0.0003), whereas secondary factors of osteoporosis (RR=2.035; 95%CI (1.11-3.72); P=0.0211), and CBR>0.49 (RR=227.42; 95%CI (1.072-48,226.76); P=0.0471) were found as risk factors of PPF. DISCUSSION: The PPF rate was greater than that related to cemented stems, requiring that morphological and clinical factors of bone weakness (collected with the patient history and related to osteoporosis) be taken into account. A CBR>0.49 requires caution on the use of this type of stem. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. Retrospective study.

MACVIA-LR (Fighting Chronic Diseases for Active and Healthy Ageing in Languedoc-Roussillon): A Success Story of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing.

The Région Languedoc Roussillon is the umbrella organisation for an interconnected and integrated project on active and healthy ageing (AHA). It covers the 3 pillars of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA): (A) Prevention and health promotion, (B) Care and cure, (C) and (D) Active and independent living of elderly people. All sub-activities (poly-pharmacy, falls prevention initiative, prevention of frailty, chronic respiratory diseases, chronic diseases with multimorbidities, chronic infectious diseases, active and independent living and disability) have been included in MACVIA-LR which has a strong political commitment and involves all stakeholders (public, private, patients, policy makers) including CARSAT-LR and the Eurobiomed cluster. It is a Reference Site of the EIP on AHA. The framework of MACVIA-LR has the vision that the prevention and management of chronic diseases is essential for the promotion of AHA and for the reduction of handicap. The main objectives of MACVIA-LR are: (i) to develop innovative solutions for a network of Living labs in order to reduce avoidable hospitalisations and loss of autonomy while improving quality of life, (ii) to disseminate the innovation. The three years of MACVIA-LR activities are reported in this paper.

[Spinal manipulation: survey of French medical physicians who graduated with the national diploma of osteopathy from Strasbourg University]. / Les manipulations vertébrales: enquête concernant la pratique des médecins formés dans le cadre du diplôme inter-universitaire de Strasbourg.

INTRODUCTION: The use of spinal manipulation (SM) is widespread, particularly in English-speaking countries, where many studies are published showing its popularity. However, no study exists of the demography and activity of the French medical profession. Our objective was to investigate the use of SM by French doctors in their daily practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We questioned 234 doctors, general practitioners and specialists who obtained the Inter-Academy of Manual Medicine and Osteopathy Diploma from Strasbourg University between 1985 and 2002. RESULTS: We obtained a response from 140 physicians: 110 (79%) practiced SM in their daily practice. They considered the technique efficient and used it as a first intention. Approximately one quarter of cases resulted in adverse effects on the back. Most of the doctors (77%) continued their education during their career. CONCLUSION: This first assessment of the practice of physicians trained in a university in manual medicine allows for confirming the respect of good medical practice with regular actualization of knowledge and reasonable outpatient care.

[Hemicontracture and facial myokimia as the first manifestation of multiple sclerosis]. / Hémicontracture et myokimies faciales continues révélatrices d'une sclérose en plaques.

Continuous facial myokimia (CFM) are characterized by a contracted facial appearance and vermicular movements that spread across a hemiface. Pontine lesions are their most frequent cause. Although their occurrence during the course of multiple sclerosis is not uncommun, CFM are rarely the first sign of the disease. We report two cases of CMF as first manifestation of multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is the first diagnosis to suspect in young people with CFM.

[Rhizarthrosis and orthotic treatment. Review of literature]. / Rhizarthrose et orthèse.Revue de la littérature.

OBJECTIVES: Trapeziometacarpal arthritis or rhizarthrosis is extremely frequent. Numerous treatments are available including drugs, physiotherapy, use of orthotic devices, surgery, etc. Few of these methods have been really evaluated. We propose a critical review of the literature on orthotic treatment in rhizarthrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of the results of hand splint used in rhizarthrosis from eight studies published over the last ten years. RESULTS: Resting hand splints offer lasting and significant pain relief with a satisfactory compliance. They should be applied early in treatment and evaluated with regular follow-up. The drop-out rate is about 10%. Working hand splints, either alone or associated with a resting splint are also efficient. These is no modification in either the force or the ranges of motion. The functional benefit is satisfactory if the follow-up allows some tolerance and thus an optimal compliance. CONCLUSION: The major interest of the use of splinting is analgesia. The pain releif obtained with splint is similar when used alone or with a working hand splint. Working hand splint can improve hand function during vocational and avocational activities.

[Complications following vertebral manipulation-a survey of a French region physicians]. / Evaluation de la fréquence des accidents liés aux manipulations vertébrales à partir d'une enquête rétrospective réalisée dans quatre départements français.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have emphasized the incidence and the general underestimation in literature of spinal manipulation (SM) linked accident. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency and the incidence of strokes, myelopathies, radiculopathies or osteoarticular accidents in a major French area. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We made a survey among 240 neurologists, neurosurgeons, rhumatologists and physicians concerning the number of accidents observed during the preceding two years. RESULTS: We obtained a response from 133 physicians and 93 cases of complication were reported. Most of these complications were radiculopathies (69%). Approximatively 50% occurred at the cervical level, less than 24 hours after SM with or without sligth aftereffects in 68%. The incidence of vertebro-basilar accidents was 30 times higher than in published series. CONCLUSION: Spinal manipulations should remain under very strict medical control. Physicians who practice SM should be able to choose the manual treatment and perform it themselves in order to minimize risks of complications, especially at the cervical level.

[Exertional compartment syndrome]. / Le syndrome de loge d'effort.

OBJECTIVES: To review the literature on chronic exertional compartment syndrome. METHODS: We searched the Medline database with use of the keys words compartment syndrome, exertional, chronic, pressure, and fasciotomy. RESULTS: Exertional compartment syndrome is characterized by pain on exertion, which recedes at rest, and by excessive increase in compartment intramuscular pressure. Intramuscular pressure measurement is the reference diagnostic tool, but it has not been standardized or evaluated. Pressure observed during the first 5 min after exertion stops is more often used in diagnosis. The first studies of noninvasive investigations (magnetic resonance imaging, thallium single-photon emission tomographic imaging, near infrared spectroscopy) revealed their inadequate diagnostic value. The pathophysiological features of exertional compartment syndrome remain unclear: increased muscle bulk, fascia thickness and stiffness, stimulation of fascial sensory stretch-receptors, poor venous return, micromuscular injuries, and small clinical myopathic abnormalities. Treatment includes decreased sport activity or fasciotomy with partial fasciectomy. Several authors have used endoscopically assisted fasciotomy, which retrospective studies have shown to be successful. Long-term outcome studies could investigate the persistence of exertional minor pain and recurrence of the compartment syndrome with this treatment. CONCLUSION: Further studies are required to understand the physiopathology, standardize the intramuscular pressure test and evaluate the pressure threshold values, evaluate noninvasive investigations and specify the long-term outcome of fasciotomy.

Which physical activities and sports can be recommended to chronic low back pain patients after rehabilitation?

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise is widely prescribed in rehabilitation programmes for low back pain (LBP). The LBP patient often asks whether this physical activity should be maintained and, in some cases, whether he/she should resume or take up a sport. PURPOSE: To answer these two questions by performing a review of literature on the efficacy and safety of post-rehabilitation physical activities and sport in LBP. METHOD: A systematic search of computerized databases from 1990 to 2011 was performed using grade 1 to 4 studies articles in English or French. RESULTS: Of the 2583 initially identified articles, 121 articles were analysed. Globally, physical activities like swimming, walking and cycling, practiced at moderate-intensity help to maintain fitness and control pain. Inconsistent results were found for avoiding recommendations according to the nature of PA. Sport activities, except ballgames, can be easily resume or take up as tennis, horse riding, martial arts, gymnastics, golf and running which can be performed at a lower intensity or lower competitive level. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Moderate but regular physical activity helps to improve fitness and does not increase the risk of acute pain in chronic LBP patients. The resumption of a sport may require a number of adaptations; dialogue between the therapist and the sports trainer is therefore recommended.

Education in the management of low back pain: literature review and recall of key recommendations for practice.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic patient education (TPE) is a continuous medical care process whose role in lower back pain (LBP) has yet to be well defined. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role and impact of TPE in the medical and surgical management of LBP. METHOD: A non-systematic literature review. RESULTS: Few formal TPE programmes have been rigorously evaluated in the context of LBP. In most cases, TPE tools have been combined with other interventional measures that vary according to the conceptual models used - thus limiting the extent to which the effect of TPE alone can be judged. Information that complies with the guidelines modifies knowledge and inappropriate beliefs. Whether formalized or not, TPE appears to modify (i) the physical disability and pain related to LBP and (ii) the patient's choice of therapy (e.g. surgery). The impact appears to be more marked in the (sub)acute phases. DISCUSSION: National and international guidelines suggest that TPE based on a biopsychosocial model has a positive impact on the patients' behaviour and treatment compliance. The cost/benefit ratio appears to be favourable. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic patient education appears to reduce the negative consequences of fear-avoidance behaviour and thus promotes treatment compliance in LBP patients, from the acute phase onwards.

Reproducibility of isokinetic peak torque assessments of the hip flexor and extensor muscles.

OBJECTIVES: Isokinetic assessment is currently the reference method for measuring dynamic muscle strength. We have sought to evaluate the reproducibility over time of isokinetic testing of the hip flexor (FI) and extensor (Ext) muscles and to establish whether there is a significant difference in peak torque (PT) between the left and right hips. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten adults were tested once a week for 3 weeks by the same investigator and according to the same protocol, with two velocities (60 degrees /s and 180 degrees /s) for the hip FI and Ext in concentric tests and one velocity (30 degrees /s) for the Ext only in eccentric tests. The reproducibility of the measured PT was analyzed by using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and a Bland and Altman plot. The difference in PT between the right and left hips was tested using Student's T test. RESULTS: The ICC for the observed PT values revealed very good reproducibility (with a value of between 0.75 and 0.96) for the hip FI and Ext measurements (regardless of the body side, test velocity or contraction mode). We did not observe any significant PT differences between the right and left hips. CONCLUSION: The isokinetic assessment of the concentric and eccentric PT values generated by the hip FI and Ext is highly reproducible. There is no difference between dominant and nondominant body sides, which enables the use of the contralateral limb as a reference.