Musculoskeletal symptoms and related factors in postacute COVID-19 patients.

AIM: There is a lack of an overview of the factors associated with postacute COVID-19 musculoskeletal symptoms. The aims of this study were as follows: 1- to evaluate the most frequent admission symptoms and the frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms in postacute COVID-19 patients; and 2- to determine the related factors with the postacute COVID-19 musculoskeletal symptoms. METHODS: A total of 280 postacute COVID-19 patients (183 females, 97 males) were enrolled and divided into two groups: 1- patients whose musculoskeletal symptoms initiated with or were aggravated by COVID-19 (n = 240); and 2- patients whose musculoskeletal symptoms did not change with COVID-19 (n = 40). The variables were demographic and treatment data, symptoms on admission, postacute COVID-19 symptoms, laboratory results (complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, ferritin and d-dimer), chest computed tomography findings and symptoms during acute COVID-19. RESULTS: Most of the patients have fatigue (71.8%), spine pain (70.7%) and myalgia (60.7%). The most common pain region was the back (30.4%). The frequency of dyspnoea was 30%, cough 18.5% and chest pain 10.7%. Having any chronic disease (P = .031), the duration of hospital stay (P = .016), frequency of back pain during acute COVID-19 (P = .018), tomography findings and d-dimer (P = .035) levels were significantly higher, and lymphocyte (P = .024) levels were significantly lower in the patients whose symptoms began with or were aggravated by COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Back pain was the most frequent symptom on admission. The most common postacute COVID-19 musculoskeletal symptoms were fatigue, spine pain and myalgia. Lower lymphocyte and higher d-dimer levels, the presence of COVID-19 findings in tomography and back pain during acute COVID-19 infection, higher duration of hospital stay and having chronic diseases were related to post-COVID-19 musculoskeletal symptoms.

Addiction of smartphones and related finger deformities: A case report.

Widespread and excessive use of smartphones is very common, and its overuse is associated with several health-related conditions. A 58-year-old man presented with a spontaneous swan-neck deformity of the third digit. On his physical examination, full passive range of motion of the finger was achieved, while active range of motion was limited due to pain. Laboratory test results were normal. Ultrasonographic imaging demonstrated digital extensor tenosynovitis of the second, third, fourth, and fifth digits. Plain radiographs of bilateral hands were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the affected hand revealed no mass lesion. He attended to the hand rehabilitation program. At the end of the program, his pain decreased, and he was easily able to do the finger range of motion exercises. In conclusion, smartphone addiction has an adverse influence on hand function and pinch strength. Youngsters should be aware of the harmful effects which may result from smartphone overuse.