Causal influence of brainstem response to transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on cardiovagal outflow.

BACKGROUND: The autonomic response to transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has been linked to the engagement of brainstem circuitry modulating autonomic outflow. However, the physiological mechanisms supporting such efferent vagal responses are not well understood, particularly in humans. HYPOTHESIS: We present a paradigm for estimating directional brain-heart interactions in response to taVNS. We propose that our approach is able to identify causal links between the activity of brainstem nuclei involved in autonomic control and cardiovagal outflow. METHODS: We adopt an approach based on a recent reformulation of Granger causality that includes permutation-based, nonparametric statistics. The method is applied to ultrahigh field (7T) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data collected on healthy subjects during taVNS. RESULTS: Our framework identified taVNS-evoked functional brainstem responses with superior sensitivity compared to prior conventional approaches, confirming causal links between taVNS stimulation and fMRI response in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). Furthermore, our causal approach elucidated potential mechanisms by which information is relayed between brainstem nuclei and cardiovagal, i.e., high-frequency heart rate variability, in response to taVNS. Our findings revealed that key brainstem nuclei, known from animal models to be involved in cardiovascular control, exert a causal influence on taVNS-induced cardiovagal outflow in humans. CONCLUSION: Our causal approach allowed us to noninvasively evaluate directional interactions between fMRI BOLD signals from brainstem nuclei and cardiovagal outflow.

Sonographic measures and sensory threshold of the normal sciatic nerve and hamstring muscles.

PURPOSE: The sciatic nerve innervates the hamstring muscles. Occasionally, the sciatic nerve is injured along with a hamstring muscle. Detailed biomechanical and sensory thresholds of these structures are not well-characterized. Therefore, we designed a prospective study that explored high-resolution ultrasound (US) at multiple sites to evaluate properties of the sciatic nerve, including cross-sectional area (CSA) and shear-wave elastography (SWE). We also assessed SWE of each hamstring muscle at multiple sites. Mechanical algometry was obtained from the sciatic nerve and hamstring muscles to assess multi-site pressure pain threshold (PPT). METHODS: Seventy-nine asymptomatic sciatic nerves and 147 hamstring muscles (25 males, 24 females) aged 18-50 years were evaluated. One chiropractic radiologist with 4.5 years of US experience performed the evaluations. Sciatic nerves were sampled along the posterior thigh at four sites obtaining CSA, SWE, and algometry. All three hamstring muscles were sampled at two sites utilizing SWE and algometry. Descriptive statistics, two-way ANOVA, and rater reliability were assessed for data analysis with p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A significant decrease in sciatic CSA from proximal to distal was correlated with increasing BMI (p < 0.001). Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for CSA was moderate and poor, respectively. Elastographic values significantly increased from proximal to distal with significant differences in gender and BMI (p = 0.002). Sciatic PPT significantly decreased between sites 1 and 2, 1 and 3, and 1 and 4. Significant correlation between gender and PPT was noted as well as BMI (p < 0.001). Hamstring muscle elastographic values significantly differed between biceps femoris and semitendinosus (p < 0.001) and biceps femoris and semimembranosus (p < 0.001). All three hamstring muscles demonstrated increased PPT in males compared to females (p < 0.001). In addition, PPT of the biceps femoris correlated with BMI (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: High-resolution US provided useful metrics of sciatic nerve size and biomechanical properties. PPT for the normal sciatic nerve and hamstring muscles was obtained for future clinical application.

Baseball Injury Resulting in Type III Salter-Harris Fracture of the First Proximal Phalangeal Base: A Case Report.

Objective: The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical, radiographic, and diagnostic ultrasound findings in a patient who sustained a type III Salter-Harris fracture of the first proximal phalanx. Clinical Features: A 14-year-old male baseball player presented to a chiropractic clinic with a 2-day history of proximal thumb pain, which began following a forceful hyperabduction injury while sliding into base. Thenar swelling was evident on clinical examination, and both active and passive thumb motions were painful in all directions. Radiography revealed a type III Salter-Harris fracture of the first proximal phalangeal base. Additionally, diagnostic ultrasonography demonstrated a probable high-grade ulnar collateral ligament sprain. No further displacement of the fracture fragment was visualized with radial deviation stress. Intervention and Outcome: The patient was referred to a pediatric hand orthopedic specialist for consultation and treatment. Conclusion: Salter-Harris III fractures of the thumb base warrant special attention to various clinical and imaging features, which may affect patient outcomes. Fracture characterization with radiography is essential in determining the proper management. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in the evaluation of concomitant soft tissue injuries, as demonstrated in this case report.

Occult isolated fracture of the trapezoid diagnosed by ultrasonography.

PURPOSE: To describe a patient with an occult isolated trapezoid fracture of the wrist. Isolated trapezoid fractures are very difficult to detect without advanced radiological imaging, since the fragment displacement does not occur in the sagittal plane. A discussion regarding the investigation of trapezoid fractures utilizing multiple imaging modalities includes the first demonstration of its detection via ultrasonography (US). METHODS: A 26-year-old male presented to a chiropractic teaching clinic with pain involving the left wrist, after vaulting over the handlebars of his bicycle 2 days prior. The mechanism of injury was hyperflexion of the left wrist. Left wrist pain, reduced range of motion, and dorsal soft tissue edematous changes were identified at examination. Although the initial radiographic examination was negative, elevated clinical suspicion triggered an US examination 4 days later. The US exam demonstrated an isolated 1.8 mm dorsal trapezoid fracture, which was minimally displaced by 0.7 mm. RESULTS: Following the US diagnosis of an isolated trapezoid fracture, the wrist was immobilized. The patient elected to not pursue an orthopedic consultation. Conservative care included ice and Class IV therapeutic laser therapy. The patient reported complete alleviation of clinical symptoms after approximately 2 weeks of splinting and treatment. CONCLUSION: We emphasize the limitations of radiography in the diagnosis of this fracture. To our knowledge, this is the first case to describe the use of US in the diagnosis of an isolated trapezoid fracture.

Stimulus frequency modulates brainstem response to respiratory-gated transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic potential of transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) is currently being explored for numerous clinical applications. However, optimized response for different clinical indications may depend on specific neuromodulation parameters, and systematic assessments of their influence are still needed to optimize this promising approach. HYPOTHESIS: We proposed that stimulation frequency would have a significant effect on nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) functional MRI (fMRI) response to respiratory-gated taVNS (RAVANS). METHODS: Brainstem fMRI response to auricular RAVANS (cymba conchae) was assessed for four different stimulation frequencies (2, 10, 25, 100 Hz). Sham (no current) stimulation was used to control for respiration effects on fMRI signal. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated that RAVANS delivered at 100 Hz evoked the strongest brainstem response, localized to a cluster in the left (ipsilateral) medulla and consistent with purported NTS. A co-localized, although weaker, response was found for 2 Hz RAVANS. Furthermore, RAVANS delivered at 100 Hz also evoked stronger fMRI responses for important monoamine neurotransmitter source nuclei (LC, noradrenergic; MR, DR, serotonergic) and pain/homeostatic regulation nuclei (i.e. PAG). CONCLUSION: Our fMRI results support previous localization of taVNS afference to pontomedullary aspect of NTS in the human brainstem, and demonstrate the significant influence of the stimulation frequency on brainstem fMRI response.

Rectus abdominis muscle tear diagnosed with sonography and its conservative management.

PURPOSE: This is a rare case of a post-traumatic rectus abdominis muscle tear in an adolescent female diagnosed by ultrasonography (US). Conservative management is also described. METHODS: A 14-year-old female presented to a chiropractic clinic with extreme pain and tenderness in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) after post-plyometric power kneel box jumps. Movement aggravated her pain and she demonstrated active abdominal guarding with RLQ palpation. Ultrasonography revealed a subacute Grade 2 right rectus abdominis muscle tear, without evidence of hyperemia or a hematoma. Following the diagnosis of a right rectus abdominis muscle tear, she was treated with spinal manipulation and a course of musculoskeletal rehabilitation directed at truncal stabilization. RESULTS: After treatment, the patient was able to return to play 5 week post-injury without any pain or discomfort. A follow-up US at 3 months provided evidence of muscle healing without complications. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the diagnosis of a rare rectus abdominis muscle tear managed conservatively. To our knowledge, less than a dozen cases are reported using US in the evaluation and diagnosis of a rectus abdominis tear.

The influence of respiration on brainstem and cardiovagal response to auricular vagus nerve stimulation: A multimodal ultrahigh-field (7T) fMRI study.

BACKGROUND: Brainstem-focused mechanisms supporting transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) effects are not well understood, particularly in humans. We employed ultrahigh field (7T) fMRI and evaluated the influence of respiratory phase for optimal targeting, applying our respiratory-gated auricular vagal afferent nerve stimulation (RAVANS) technique. HYPOTHESIS: We proposed that targeting of nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and cardiovagal modulation in response to taVNS stimuli would be enhanced when stimulation is delivered during a more receptive state, i.e. exhalation. METHODS: Brainstem fMRI response to auricular taVNS (cymba conchae) was assessed for stimulation delivered during exhalation (eRAVANS) or inhalation (iRAVANS), while exhalation-gated stimulation over the greater auricular nerve (GANctrl, i.e. earlobe) was included as control. Furthermore, we evaluated cardiovagal response to stimulation by calculating instantaneous HF-HRV from cardiac data recorded during fMRI. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrated that eRAVANS evoked fMRI signal increase in ipsilateral pontomedullary junction in a cluster including purported NTS. Brainstem response to GANctrl localized a partially-overlapping cluster, more ventrolateral, consistent with spinal trigeminal nucleus. A region-of-interest analysis also found eRAVANS activation in monoaminergic source nuclei including locus coeruleus (LC, noradrenergic) and both dorsal and median raphe (serotonergic) nuclei. Response to eRAVANS was significantly greater than iRAVANS for all nuclei, and greater than GANctrl in LC and raphe nuclei. Furthermore, eRAVANS, but not iRAVANS, enhanced cardiovagal modulation, confirming enhanced eRAVANS response on both central and peripheral neurophysiological levels. CONCLUSION: 7T fMRI localized brainstem response to taVNS, linked such response with autonomic outflow, and demonstrated that taVNS applied during exhalation enhanced NTS targeting.

Effort Thrombosis in 2 Athletes Suspected of Musculoskeletal Injury.

OBJECTIVE: This case series describes the clinical presentation of effort thrombosis and the utility of sonography in its diagnosis. CLINICAL FEATURES: Two young male athletes presented to separate chiropractic clinics with suspected musculoskeletal shoulder injury. The first complained of dull shoulder pain after pitching in a baseball game and had no other signs or symptoms. The second presented after performing a weighted plank exercise and had prominent edema and discoloration of the affected extremity. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: In the first patient, who had no physical signs to suggest thrombosis, a normal sonographic musculoskeletal shoulder exam prompted imaging in the abduction-external rotation position. This provided visualization of a thrombus in the axillosubclavian vein. Emergent referral followed, and treatment was initiated with thrombolysis and surgery, which resolved his condition. The second patient had physical signs consistent with effort thrombosis and was also referred to the emergency department, where sonography was performed and revealed thrombosis of the axillary and basilic veins. He responded to anticoagulants and thrombolysis and avoided surgery. CONCLUSION: Effort thrombosis has a variable presentation that can mimic common musculoskeletal disorders and has a poorly defined diagnostic pathway. Acute shoulder pain in an athlete, especially with extremity edema after repetitive exertion, warrants urgent imaging such as sonography and emergent referral. Clinicians should understand the importance of a timely evaluation and diagnosis of effort thrombosis and that imaging may include sonography as a first-line imaging tool.

Post-traumatic Scapholunate Advanced Collapse of the Wrist: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to describe a patient with scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) of the wrist. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 38-year-old man presented to a chiropractic teaching clinic with right wrist pain after falling off of the tailgate of a truck 7 years prior. The mechanism of injury was a fall on an outstretched hand. Ultrasonography and radiography were performed, which demonstrated abnormal lunate kinematics and scapholunate interval diastasis associated with a clenched-fist maneuver. These findings were consistent with SLAC. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Following the diagnosis of SLAC, the wrist was splinted. Conservative care consisting of physical therapy included paraffin dips, therapeutic ultrasound, and stretching. The patient received only minimal alleviation of pain, and a surgical consultation was obtained. The patient elected surgical intervention, utilizing the proximal row carpectomy procedure. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates a patient with chronic wrist pain, with progression to carpal instability, which ultimately manifested as SLAC. We demonstrate, utilizing multiple imaging modalities, both preoperative and postoperative findings. To our knowledge, this is the first case to describe the use of diagnostic ultrasonography in the evaluation of the proximal row carpectomy procedure.

Neural Mobilization in a 54-Year-Old Woman With Postoperative Spinal Adhesive Arachnoiditis.

OBJECTIVE: This case report describes the clinical features, complications, imaging characteristics, and management of postoperative spinal adhesive arachnoiditis. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 54-year-old woman presented with right posterior thigh and leg pain after a lumbar spine fusion surgery to correct a degenerative spondylolisthesis of L3/4. Her pain was sharp and shooting and worsened with knee extension. A lumbar computed tomography myelogram demonstrated clumping and adhesion of the nerve rootlets in the cauda equina at the surgical fusion levels. Findings were consistent with spinal arachnoiditis. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was treated with 2 sets of neural mobilization of the sciatic nerve with 15 repetitions each. Treatment was provided 2× per week for 3 weeks. The patient used the neural mobilization exercises at home and performed to tolerance. The patient's Oswestry Questionnaire was reduced significantly by 19% with decreased pain intensity of 2 points on the verbal analogue scale. CONCLUSION: Neural mobilization was used successfully in the management of a patient with postoperative spinal arachnoiditis.

Chiropractic Care in the Management of Inactive Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: This report describes chiropractic management for 3 cases of inactive ankylosing spondylitis (AS). CLINICAL FEATURES: A 25-year-old woman presented with chronic, mechanical neck pain and stiffness that was ultimately diagnosed as AS. A 23-year-old man presented with chronic low back and left hip pain that was diagnosed as AS. A 31-year-old man with low back pain presented with a known diagnosis of AS. Physical examination in 2 cases failed to identify systemic findings associated with AS. In the third case, examination revealed a history of ulcerative colitis. Laboratory examination of case 2 yielded a positive HLA-B27, but cases 1 and 3 were HLA-B27 negative. The acute reactants were negative in all 3 patients, indicating an inactive phase of disease. All 3 patients underwent spinal imaging including sacroiliac joint radiography. In case 3, magnetic resonance imaging of the sacroiliac joints was performed. All 3 imaging examinations revealed bilateral, symmetric sacroiliitis. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOME: Patients were managed by both a medical rheumatologist and a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractic care ranged from instrument-assisted spinal manipulation to diversified spinal and soft tissue manipulation and Cox flexion-distraction. Patients were given home stretches and rehabilitation exercises. All 3 patients experienced some relief of their symptoms including pain reduction and improved activities of daily living. CONCLUSION: These 3 patients displayed differences and commonalities in clinical, laboratory, and imaging features. Chiropractic manipulation and rehabilitation seemed to be beneficial in reducing symptomatology and improving musculoskeletal function for these 3 patients. These findings suggest the potential for collaborative or integrative management in similar cases.

Non-Weight-Bearing and Weight-Bearing Ultrasonography of Select Foot Muscles in Young, Asymptomatic Participants: A Descriptive and Reliability Study.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to determine the reliability of diagnostic ultrasound imaging for select intrinsic foot muscles using both non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing postures. Our secondary aim was to describe the change in muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and dorsoplantar thickness when bearing weight. METHODS: An ultrasound examination was performed with a linear ultrasound transducer operating between 9 and 12 MHz. Long-axis and short-axis ultrasound images of the abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, and quadratus plantae were obtained in both the non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing postures. Two examiners independently collected ultrasound images to allow for interexaminer and intraexaminer reliability calculation. The change in muscle CSA and dorsoplantar thickness when bearing weight was also studied. RESULTS: There were 26 participants (17 female) with a mean age of 25.5 ± 3.8 years and a mean body mass index of 28.0 ± 7.8 kg/m2. Inter-examiner reliability was excellent when measuring the muscles in short axis (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.75) and fair to good in long axis (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.4). Intraexaminer reliability was excellent for the abductor hallucis and flexor digitorum brevis and ranged from fair to good to excellent for the quadratus plantae. Bearing weight did not reduce interexaminer or intraexaminer reliability. All muscles exhibited a significant increase in CSA when bearing weight. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report to describe weight-bearing diagnostic ultrasound of the intrinsic foot muscles. Ultrasound imaging is reliable when imaging these muscles bearing weight. Furthermore, muscle CSA increases in the weight-bearing posture.

Shoulder Internal Derangement and Osteoarthritis in a 25-Year-Old Female Softball Athlete.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to describe osteoarthritis and internal derangement of the shoulder in a collegiate softball player. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 25-year-old female softball athlete presented with a history of chronic right shoulder pain. A thorough clinical examination and multiple imaging studies were performed. Osteoarthritis was demonstrated on radiographs, and ligamentous and rotator cuff tendon tears were displayed on magnetic resonance imaging. The patient's treatment plan included full spine manipulation, cold laser therapy, kinesiotaping, stretching, and neuromuscular reeducation of the right shoulder. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: The patient reported a decrease in symptoms after 1 month, although treatment was sporadic because of poor patient compliance. CONCLUSION: Osteoarthritis and internal derangement may occur in overhead-throwing athletes, and correct imaging is needed for timely and accurate diagnoses. Following a timely diagnosis, the young patient in this case had a good recovery with multimodal chiropractic care.

An Unusual Case of Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia in a 53-Year-Old Woman With Low Back Pain.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to describe the features of an unusual presentation of fibrous dysplasia. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 53-year-old woman had low back pain and numbness in the anterior upper left thigh that started 3 years earlier after a fall. She experienced pain during active lumbar flexion and extension range of motion. Radiographic examination demonstrated an oval geographic osteolytic lesion in the left ilium and abnormal trabecular architecture with variable-sized osteolytic lesions and both ill-defined and well-defined borders along the sacroiliac joint margin. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Because of the aggressive osteolytic appearance, magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis with gadolinium contrast was obtained for additional characterization of the lesions. There were 3 additional mixed signal lesions located within the left femoral neck and extending to the greater trochanter that enhanced with contrast. Because of the suspicion of malignancy, needle biopsy was performed. The pathologic findings in combination with the radiographic appearance confirmed the diagnosis of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrated a rare aggressive appearance of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia located in the left innominate and the left proximal femur that prompted a diagnostic imaging workup and biopsy for suspected skeletal malignancy. These lesions may require careful evaluation by an experienced team of physicians, radiologists, and pathologists to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Reference Values for the Scalene Interval Width During Varying Degrees of Glenohumeral Abduction Using Ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish reference values for the width of the interval between the anterior and middle scalene muscles using ultrasonography during varying degrees of glenohumeral joint (GH) abduction. Reliability and body mass index (BMI) data were also assessed. METHODS: Interscalene triangles of asymptomatic participants were scanned bilaterally in the transverse plane. Images were obtained at 0°, 90°, and 150° of GH abduction with the participant seated. Width measurements were taken between the anterior and middle scalene muscle borders by bisecting the C6 nerve root as it passed superficial to the posterior tubercle of the C7 transverse process. Intra- and interexaminer reliability and BMI correlation were studied. Statistical significance was defined as P ≤ .05. RESULTS: Images of 42 scalene intervals were included from 21 participants (11 female). Mean participant age was 25.3 ± 3.9 years; mean BMI was 25.4 ± 2.7 kg/m2. Scalene interval measurements at 0°, 90°, and 150° of GH abduction were 4.5 ± 0.5 mm, 4.6 ± 0.5 mm, and 4.4 ± 0.7 mm, respectively, without a significant difference (P = .07). Intraexaminer reliability was excellent (0°: intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.82; 90°: ICC = 0.89; 150°: ICC = 0.90). Interexaminer reliability was good to excellent (0°: ICC = 0.59; 90°: ICC = 0.85; 150°: ICC = 0.89). Body mass index was positively correlated only at 0° of GH abduction. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes previously unreported reference ultrasonography values for the width of the scalene interval. Intraexaminer reliability was excellent at all glenohumeral positions, and interexaminer reliability was determined to be good to excellent. Body mass index was positively correlated only at 0° of GH abduction.

Use of high-resolution ultrasound to measure changes in plantar fascia thickness resulting from tissue creep in runners and walkers.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to use high-resolution ultrasound to measure changes in plantar fascia thickness as a result of tissue creep generated by walking and running. METHODS: Independent samples of participants were obtained. Thirty-six walkers and 25 runners walked on a treadmill for 10 minutes or ran for 30 minutes, respectively. Standardized measures of the thickness of the plantar fascia were obtained in both groups using high-resolution ultrasound. RESULTS: The mean thickness of the plantar fascia was measured immediately before and after participation. The mean plantar fascia thickness was decreased by 0.06 ± 0.33 mm SD after running and 0.03 ± 0.22 mm SD after walking. The difference between groups was not significant. CONCLUSION: Although the parameters of this study did not produce significant changes in the plantar fascia thickness, a slightly higher change in the mean thickness of the plantar fascia in the running group deserves further investigation.

Recognition of spontaneous vertebral artery dissection preempting spinal manipulative therapy: a patient presenting with neck pain and headache for chiropractic care.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to describe a patient who presented to a chiropractic physician for evaluation and treatment of neck pain and headache. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 45-year-old otherwise healthy female presented for evaluation and treatment of neck pain and headache. Within minutes, non-specific musculoskeletal symptoms progressed to neurological deficits, including limb ataxia and cognitive disturbances. Suspicion was raised for cerebrovascular ischemia and emergent referral was initiated. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Paramedics were immediately summoned and the patient was transported to a local hospital with a working diagnosis of acute cerebrovascular ischemia. Multiplanar computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging with contrast revealed vertebral artery dissection of the V2 segment in the right vertebral artery. Anticoagulation therapy was administered and the patient was discharged without complications after 5 days in the hospital. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the potential for patients with vertebral artery dissection to present with nonspecific musculoskeletal complaints. Neurological symptoms may not manifest initially, but their sudden onset indicates the possibility of an ischemic cerebrovascular event. We suggest that early recognition and emergent referral for this patient avoided potential exacerbation of an evolving pre-existing condition and resulted in timely anticoagulation treatment.

Ultrasonography and radiography to identify early post traumatic myosistis ossificans in an 18-year-old male: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to describe a patient with post traumatic myositis ossificans (PTMO) of the anterior thigh following blunt trauma and discuss the incidence, clinical presentation, management, and imaging findings. CLINICAL FEATURES: An 18-year-old male presented to a chiropractic clinic with a chief complaint of left knee pain and reduced range of motion after an impact injury to his left anterior thigh during hurdling 6 weeks earlier. Immediately after the injury, he presented to the emergency department where radiography of the left knee was negative and he was diagnosed with a muscle sprain. Follow-up radiography and ultrasonography of the left knee in a chiropractic radiology department revealed ossification consistent with PTMO within his vastus intermedius. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient underwent a course of rehabilitation for 2 months including ice, class IV cold laser and vibration applied to his anterior thigh, and myofascial release of his quadriceps musculature with targeted and progressive rehabilitative exercises. His left knee pain resolved within 2 weeks of care. He resumed sports participation (American football) pain-free, while wearing protective padding over the affected thigh, 1 month after presentation, which was approximately 2 1/2 months following his injury. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that ultrasonography may have the capability to detect early phases of PTMO approximately 2 weeks prior to radiographic evidence and to monitor progression throughout its course.

Sonography of occult rib and costal cartilage fractures: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case series is to describe the use of diagnostic ultrasound (US) in the detection of occult rib and costal cartilage fractures presenting as chest wall pain to a chiropractic clinic. CLINICAL FEATURES: Three patients presented with chest wall pain and tenderness. Two of the patients presented with acute chest wall injury and 1 carried a previous diagnosis of rib fracture after trivial trauma 2 months earlier. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOMES: Diagnostic US was selected as a non-ionizing imaging tool for these patients after negative digital radiography studies. All fractures were considered isolated as there was no associated injury, such as pneumothorax. Both of the acute cases were followed up to complete healing (evidence of osseous union) using US. All patients eventually achieved pain-free status. CONCLUSION: In these cases, US was more sensitive than radiography for diagnosing these cases of acute rib and costal cartilage fractures. Early recognition of rib injury could avoid potential complications from local manipulative therapy.

Conservative management of recurrent lumbar disk herniation with epidural fibrosis: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective case report of a 24-year-old man with recurrent lumbar disk herniation and epidural fibrosis is presented. Recurrent lumbar disk herniation and epidural fibrosis are common complications following lumbar diskectomy. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 24-year-old patient had a history of lumbar diskectomy and new onset of low back pain and radiculopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed recurrent herniation at L5/S1, left nerve root displacement, and epidural fibrosis. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOMES: The patient received a course of chiropractic care including lumbar spinal manipulation and rehabilitation exercises with documented subjective and objective functional and symptomatic improvement. CONCLUSION: This case report describes chiropractic management including spinal manipulative therapy and rehabilitation exercises and subsequent objective and subjective functional and symptomatic improvement.