Cystic Hygroma in a Dental Hygienist Reporting With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: This purpose of this case report is to describe the chiropractic management of a patient who presented with symptoms of hand neuropathy. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 35-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of numbness and tingling in the first and second digits of the right hand. Visual inspection revealed a large golf ball-like mass in the patient's right lower neck region. Orthopedic assessment revealed a Tinel's sign at the right carpal tunnel, positive Allen's maneuver, present flick sign, and diminished right radial pulse strength. Advanced diagnostic imaging had been taken previously at the ages of 11 and 24 years, and showed the presence of cystic hygroma in the patient's right axilla and lower neck region. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was treated using manipulative therapy to the thoracic spine, myofascial release therapy, and therapeutic ultrasound over the right carpal tunnel. Active home care included postural relief exercises and education about work-related ergonomics. Several functional and subjective improvements were seen within the first 2 weeks of treatment. Symptoms of right-hand numbness resolved after 8 treatments. CONCLUSION: In this case, the chiropractor originally thought the patient's hand numbness was due to a cystic hygroma; however, this was later considered an incidental finding. The patient's symptoms seemed to respond to chiropractic management and reduced within 1 month.

Preclinical toxicity evaluation of JD5037, a peripherally restricted CB1 receptor inverse agonist, in rats and dogs for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

JD5037 is a novel peripherally restricted CB1 receptor (CB1R) inverse agonist being developed for the treatment of visceral obesity and its metabolic complications, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia. JD5037 was administered by oral gavage at 10, 40, and 150 mg/kg/day dose levels for up to 34 days to Sprague Dawley rats, and at 5, 20, and 75 mg/kg/day dose levels for 28 consecutive days to Beagle dogs. In rats, higher incidences of stereotypic behaviors were observed in 10 mg/kg females and 40 mg/kg males, and slower responses for reflex and sensory tests were observed only in males at 10 and 40 mg/kg during neurobehavioral testing. Sporadic minimal incidences of decreased activity (males) and seizures (both sexes) were observed in rats during daily clinical observations, without any clear dose-relationship. Male dogs at 75 mg/kg during treatment period, but not recovery period, had an increased incidence of gut associated lymphoid tissue hyperplasia and inflammation in the intestine. In both species, highest dose resulted in lower AUCs indicative of non-linear kinetics. Free access to food increased the plasma AUC∞ by ~4.5-fold at 20 mg/kg in dogs, suggesting presence of food may help in systemic absorption of JD5037 in dogs. Based on the study results, 150 mg/kg/day in rats, and 20 and 75 mg/kg/day doses in male and female dogs, respectively, were determined to be the no-observed-adverse-effect-levels (NOAELs).

Tumor M2-PK: A novel urine marker of bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: Bladder cancer is a "Warburg-like" tumor characterized by a reliance on aerobic glycolysis and expression of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). PKM2 oscillates between an active tetramer and an inactive dimer. We aim to further characterize PKM2, in particular PKM2 dimer, as a urinary biomarker of bladder cancer and a potential target for treatment. METHODS: HTB-9, HTB-5, and UM-UC3 bladder cancer cells were assessed for proliferation under differential glucose levels using the hexosaminidase assay. Western blot and Blue-native analysis was performed for protein expression of PKM2. Shikonin, an herb that is known to bind and inhibit PKM2, was utilized to determine if PKM2 has a role in glucose usage and cellular proliferation in bladder cancer cells by caspase activity assay. Institutional review board approval was obtained to collect healthy control and bladder cancer patient urine samples. The ScheBo M2-PK EDTA Plasma Test was performed on urine samples to assess urine Tumor M2-PK values. RESULTS: The three bladder cancer cell lines tested all demonstrate statistically significant increases in proliferation when exposed to higher level of glucose (200mg/dL). Similarly, low doses of glucose (25mg/dL) result in reduced proliferation. Increased cell growth in higher glucose concentration correlated with up-regulation of PKM2 protein expression. Shikonin, a PKM2 inhibitor, reduced cell proliferation and switched PKM2 isoforms from the dimer to tetramer. Lastly, dimer PKM2 (Tumor-M2PK) levels were assessed in the urine samples from bladder cancer (Bca) patients and healthy controls. Tumor M2-PK significantly correlated with the presence of BCa in our subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies demonstrate the potential of PKM2, specifically the dimer (Tumor-M2PK) as a target of drug therapy and as a urinary marker for bladder cancer.

Attitudes Toward Medication Prescription Rights: A Survey of Chiropractic Students and Faculty at D'Youville College.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the general attitudes of students and faculty in the chiropractic department of D'Youville College, Buffalo, New York, toward the inclusion of medication prescription rights in the chiropractic scope of practice. METHODS: A 15-item questionnaire was adapted from a previous instrument used in assessing chiropractors' opinions toward medication prescription rights. Invitations were sent by e-mail to all 123 chiropractic students and faculty at D'Youville College in September 2018. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: A total of 113 questionnaires were completed for a 92% response rate. Ninety percent of respondents agreed that chiropractors should be authorized to prescribe medications such as over-the-counter and prescription-based analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants. Respondents were less in favor of chiropractors prescribing opioids or having full prescribing rights. Over half indicated that their knowledge of musculoskeletal medications was high, whereas a similar number indicated that their knowledge of nonmusculoskeletal medications was low. Most respondents indicated that further education in pharmacology should be necessary for those in the profession wishing to prescribe medications. CONCLUSION: Chiropractic students and faculty at D'Youville College endorsed expanding the chiropractic scope of practice to include limited medication prescription. Surveys and qualitative studies of students and faculty from other chiropractic educational institutions are warranted.

Criteria to Screen for Traumatic Cervical Spine Instability: A Consensus of Chiropractic Radiologists.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish consensus on a radiographic definition for cervical instability for routine use in chiropractic patients who sustain trauma to the cervical spine. METHOD: We conducted a modified Delphi study with a panel of chiropractic radiologists. Panelists were asked to rate potential screening criteria for traumatic cervical spine instability when assessing cervical spine radiographs. Items rated as important for inclusion by at least 60% of participants in round 1 were submitted for a second round of voting in round 2. Items rated for inclusion by at least 75% of the participants in round 2 were used to create the consensus-based list of screening criteria. Participants were asked to vote and reach agreement on the final screening criteria list in round 3. RESULTS: Twenty-nine chiropractic radiologists participated in round 1. After 3 rounds of survey, 85% of participants approved the final consensus-based list of criteria for traumatic cervical spine instability screening, including 6 clinical signs and symptoms and 5 radiographic criteria. Participants agreed that the presence of 1 or more of these clinical signs and symptoms and/or 1 or more of the 5 radiographic criteria on routine static radiographic studies suggests cervical instability. CONCLUSION: The consensus-based radiographic definition of traumatic cervical spine instability includes 6 clinical signs and symptoms and 5 radiographic criteria that doctors of chiropractic should apply to their patients who sustain trauma to the cervical spine.

Grade V acromioclavicular joint separation in a 57-year-old mountain biker.

Patients rarely present to a chiropractic office setting during the acute stage of a high-grade (i.e. Rockwood types IV-VI) separation of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. Moreover, such cases are non-existent in the peer-reviewed chiropractic literature. Some controversy exists over the optimal (surgical vs. non-surgical) treatment of severe AC joint injuries. Published reports of nonoperative management for grade V injuries of the AC joint are also scarce. This case review highlights the plain film imaging and conservative management of a 57-year-old patient diagnosed with an acute Rockwood type V AC joint separation. Radiographs with nine years of follow-up are presented.

Les patients se présentent rarement à une clinique de chiropratique pendant la phase aiguë d'une séparation de haut grade (c.-à-d., types IV à VI de Rockwood) de l'articulation acromio-claviculaire(AC). En outre, ces cas n'existent pas dans la littérature sur la chiropratique examinée par les pairs. Le traitement optimal (chirurgical vs non chirurgical) des lésions graves de l'articulation AC ne fait pas l'unanimité. Les rapports publiés sur la prise en charge non chirurgicale des lésions de grade V de l'articulation AC sont également peu abondants. Cet examen de cas met en lumière l'imagerie par radiographie et la prise en charge conservatrice d'un patient de 57 ans souffrant de séparation aiguë de l'articulation AC de type V de Rockwood. Les radiographies avec neuf ans de suivi sont présentées.

Intra- and inter-observer reliability of the Cobb measurement by chiropractic interns using digital evaluation methods.

INTRODUCTION: It is important to create a body of evidence surrounding the reliability of certain diagnostic criteria. While the reliability of the Cobb measurement is well established with various licensed health care professionals, this study aims to determine the inter- and intra-observer reliability of the Cobb Measurement among chiropractic interns. METHODS: Fourteen chiropractic interns analyzed 10 pre-selected digital spinal radiographs on a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in two separate rounds of observation. The participants indicated their choice of end vertebra and Cobb Measurement in each round of observation. Agreement on vertebral levels selected was estimated using percentage agreement. Intra-observer reliability was estimated using the Pearson r correlation coefficient, and inter-observer correlation was estimated using the Inter-Class Coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The range of percentage agreement on vertebral level selection was 0.36 - 0.79. The Pearson r correlation coefficient for round 1 and round 2 was 0.79. The ICC (3,1) was 0.79 (round 1), and 0.70 (round 2). CONCLUSION: Less than optimal agreement on end vertebrae selection was found between observers. Intra- and inter-observer reliability of the Cobb Measurement was 'excellent' (round 1) and 'good' (round 2).

INTRODUCTION: Il est important de créer un ensemble de preuves sur la fiabilité de certains critères de diagnostic. Bien que la fiabilité de la mesure Cobb soit bien établie chez divers professionnels de la santé, cette étude vise à déterminer la fiabilité des observations individuelles et entre ces observations de la mesure Cobb parmi des stagiaires en chiropratique. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Quatorze stagiaires en chiropratique ont analysé 10 radiographies numériques de la colonne vertébrale sur un système d'archivage et de transmission d'image (PACS) en deux séances distinctes d'observation. Les participants ont indiqué leur choix de vertèbre limite et de mesure Cobb dans chaque observation. Un consensus sur les niveaux vertébraux sélectionnés a été établi en fonction du pourcentage de concordance. La fiabilité des observations individuelles a été estimée à l'aide du coefficient de corrélation de Pearson r, et la corrélation entre les observations des stagiaires a été estimée à l'aide du coefficient interclasse (ICC). RÉSULTATS: La fourchette de pourcentage de concordance sur la sélection de niveau vertébral était de 0,36 à 0,79. Le coefficient de corrélation de Pearson r pour la première séance et la deuxième séance d'observations était de 0,79. Le coefficient interclasse (3,1) était de 0,79 (séance 1), et de 0,70 (séance 2). CONCLUSION: Le consensus sur la sélection des vertèbres limites a été moins qu'optimal entre les observateurs. La fiabilité des observations individuelles et entre ces observations de la mesure Cobb a été « excellente ¼ (séance 1) et « bonne ¼ (séance 2).

Tuberculosis of the neuromusculoskeletal system: a review of two cases presenting as chiropractic patients.

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a major public heath problem world-wide, particularly in low-income countries. Increased number of immunocompromised patients and immigration from countries where tuberculosis is endemic has resulted in increased number of cases in high-income countries. Tuberculosis can affect any organ system, but is of particular interest to chiropractors when it affects the neuromusculoskeletal system. Patients with tuberculosis of the neuromusculoskeletal system can present with mechanical low back pain or with complex neurologic deficits. The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of considering a diagnosis of tuberculosis in susceptible populations and the devastating consequences of the disease. The epidemiology, clinical features and management of tuberculosis will also be presented to facilitate early diagnosis, appropriate referral and multidisciplinary care of these patients.

La tuberculose causée par le bacille de Koch représente un problème de santé publique important dans le monde, surtout dans les pays à faible revenu. Le nombre grandissant de patients immunovulnérables et l'immigration provenant de pays où la tuberculose est endémique entraînent une hausse des cas de maladie dans les pays à revenu élevé. La tuberculose peut toucher n'importe quel système d'organe, mais les chiropraticiens s'y intéressent lorsqu'elle affecte le système neuromusculosquelettique. Les patients atteints de tuberculose du système neuromusculosquelettique peuvent souffrir de douleurs lombaires mécaniques ou de déficits neurologiques complexes. L'objectif du présent article est de souligner l'importance de prendre en considération la possibilité d'un diagnostic de tuberculose chez les populations à risque, et les conséquences dévastatrices de cette maladie. On présente également l'épidémiologie et les caractéristiques cliniques de la tuberculose, ainsi que la lutte contre celle-ci, afin de favoriser un diagnostic précoce, le choix de ressources appropriées et les soins multidisciplinaires donnés à ces patients.

Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Retrospective Case Study With 8-Year Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to describe a patient with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) who was initially misdiagnosed and treated for a hip flexor strain. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 36-year-old male patient presented with insidious onset of progressive anterior right hip and groin pain of 7 years' duration. He was diagnosed with a right-sided hip flexor muscle strain and was discharged from care 1 month later. The patient then returned to the office 8 years later for treatment of unrelated lower back pain. This time, the doctor of chiropractic learned that the patient was misdiagnosed years before. The patient's past radiographs in fact revealed FAI, including severe hip joint osteoarthritis on the right and mild osteoarthritis on the left. As a result, the patient had undergone right hip joint replacement surgery. Recent radiographs also revealed FAI in the contralateral hip. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: After investigating for FAI, the doctor of chiropractic was able to identify through symptomatology, history, physical examination, and radiographs the presence of FAI in the patient's left hip. An "active surveillance" approach is being taken. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the importance of an increasing awareness of FAI, as doctors of chiropractic are frequently the primary contact for patients with this condition.

Comminuted scapular body fractures: A report of three cases managed conservatively in chiropractic settings.

Fractures of the scapula are relatively uncommon. Fractures specific to the scapular body comprise 35-65% of these fractures. Currently, 99% of all isolated scapular body fractures are being treated nonoperatively with an immobilizing sling or brace and some form of manual therapy with an 86% success rate. We present the conservative management of three patients with comminuted fractures involving the scapular body that were managed in chiropractic settings. Residual disabilities in these three patients as measured by a standardized outcome tool were 2%, 5% and 23% after 3 years, 2 years, and 6 years respectively.

Les fractures de la scapula sont relativement communes. Les fractures spécifiques au corps de la scapula représentent entre 35 et 65 % de ces fractures. Actuellement, 99 % des fractures isolées du corps de la scapula se traitent sans intervention chirurgicale, simplement en immobilisant la partie concernée avec une écharpe ou un appareil orthopédique et à l'aide de thérapies manuelles, avec un taux de réussite de 86 %. Nous présentons la gestion conservatrice de trois patients touchés avec des fractures comminutives touchant le corps de la scapula, qui sont traités par manipulations chiropratiques. Les incapacités résiduelles de ces trois patients mesurées par un instrument standardisé sont de 2 %, 5 % et 23 % après 3 ans, 2 ans et 6 ans respectivement.

Quantifying the origins of population variability in cardiac electrical activity through sensitivity analysis of the electrocardiogram.

Altered function of ion channels in the heart can increase the risk of sudden arrhythmic death. Hundreds of genetic variants exist in these cardiac ion channel genes. The challenge is how to interpret the effects of multiple conductance perturbations on the complex multi-variable cardiac electrical system? In theory, sensitivity analysis can address this question. However, to date this approach has been restricted by computational overheads to analysis of isolated cells, which has limited extrapolation to physiologically relevant scales. The goal of this study was to extend existing sensitivity analyses to electrocardiogram (ECG) signals derived from multicellular systems and quantify the contribution of ionic conductances to emergent properties of the ECG. To achieve this, we have developed a highly parallelised simulation environment using unconventional high performance computing architectures to analyse the emergent electrical properties of a multicellular system. This has permitted the first systematic analysis of the molecular basis of the T wave amplitude, revealing important but distinct roles for delayed rectifier and inward rectifier K(+) currents. In addition to quantifying how interactions between multiple ion channels influence ECG parameters we show that these sensitivities are dynamic functions of heart rate. This study provides a significant advance in our understanding both of how individual ion conductances define ECG signals and of epistatic modification of cardiac electrical phenotypes. The parallelised simulation environment we have developed removes the computational roadblock that has limited this approach and so provides the framework for future analysis of more complex tissue and whole organ systems.

Intra-articular osteoid osteoma in the femoral neck of an 18-year-old man: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: This case study presents the delayed diagnosis, surgical management, and postsurgical follow-up of an intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the left femoral neck in an 18-year-old male patient with special emphasis on discussing the confusing clinical and imaging characteristics of the lesion often associated with delayed diagnosis and increased morbidity. CLINICAL FEATURES: The patient initially complained of left knee and hip pain at which time conventional radiographs were reported as normal. In magnetic resonance imaging studies, the diagnosis of intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the femoral neck was suggested; however, working diagnoses also included old posttraumatic injury, hip infection, juvenile chronic arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis. The correct diagnosis was made 31 months after presentation based on computed tomography depiction of the lesion. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Pain associated with the tumor was alleviated after surgical removal with minimal loss of motion and muscle atrophy 19 months after tumor excision. CONCLUSION: Clinicians and radiologists should be aware of the potentially confusing clinical and imaging findings associated with intra-articular osteoid osteoma of the hip. Early correlation between juvenile joint pain and imaging abnormalities as well as the use of thin slice computed tomography imaging could reduce the time to diagnose the lesion and prevent unnecessary morbidity.

Adherence to radiography guidelines for low back pain: a survey of chiropractic schools worldwide.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes instruction provided at chiropractic schools worldwide on the use of spine radiography and compares instruction with evidence-based guidelines for low back pain. METHODS: Individuals responsible for radiology instruction at accredited chiropractic schools throughout the world were contacted and invited to participate in a Web-based survey. The survey included questions on the role of conventional radiography in chiropractic practice and instruction given to students for its use in patients with acute low back pain. RESULTS: Of the 33 chiropractic schools identified worldwide, 32 (97%) participated in the survey. Consistent with the guidelines, 25 (78%) respondents disagreed that "routine radiography should be used prior to spinal manipulative therapy," 29 (91%) disagreed that there "was a role for full spine radiography for assessing patients with low back pain," and 29 (91%) disagreed that "oblique views should be part of a standard radiographic series for low back pain." However, only 14 (44%) respondents concurred with the guidelines and disagreed with the statement that there "is a role for radiography in acute low back pain in the absence of 'red flags' for serious disease." CONCLUSIONS: This survey suggests that many aspects of radiology instruction provided by accredited chiropractic schools appear to be evidence based. However, there appears to be a disparity between some schools and existing evidence with respect to the role of radiography for patients with acute low back pain without "red flags" for serious disease. This may contribute to chiropractic overutilization of radiography for low back pain.

Glenoid hypoplasia: a report of 2 patients.

OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the imaging findings, clinical findings, and conservative chiropractic management of 2 patients with glenoid hypoplasia. CLINICAL FEATURES: Conventional radiographs of both patients revealed a hypoplastic glenoid bilaterally. Notch-like defects along with signs of degenerative disease were evident within the lower portion of the glenoid rims bilaterally in 1 patient and in the left glenoid rim of the other patient. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a degenerative cyst or cortical defect in one patient along the anterior humeral head. The second patient showed a small slightly lobulated cystic region just posterior to the glenoid rim, consistent with the appearance of a synovial or ganglion cyst. Computed tomography with 3-dimensional reconstruction in 1 patient confirmed the presence of large posterior and superior osteophytes arising from the significantly hypoplastic glenoid. These images also revealed a slight posterior subluxation of the humeral head, widening of the anterior glenohumeral joint space, and retroversion of the glenoid. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Treatment consisted of manual joint manipulation, soft tissue therapies, and therapeutic exercise for both patients. Both patients experienced improvements in symptoms, function, and physical examination findings. CONCLUSIONS: Glenoid hypoplasia is a developmental anomaly of the scapular neck which is predominantly bilateral and symmetric. Cross-sectional imaging studies should be considered in patients with symptoms that fail to improve over time. Conservative chiropractic care may be effective in managing symptoms in patients with glenoid hypoplasia.

Diagnostic imaging guideline for musculoskeletal complaints in adults-an evidence-based approach-part 2: upper extremity disorders.

PURPOSE: To develop evidence-based diagnostic imaging practice guidelines to assist chiropractors and other primary care providers in decision making for the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging for upper extremity disorders. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the English and French language literature was conducted using a combination of subject headings and keywords. The quality of the citations was assessed using the Quality of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS), the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE), and the Stroke Prevention and Educational Awareness Diffusion (SPREAD) evaluation tools. The Referral Guidelines for Imaging (radiation protection 118) coordinated by the European Commission served as the initial template. The first draft was sent for an external review. A Delphi panel composed of international experts on the topic of musculoskeletal disorders in chiropractic radiology, clinical sciences, and research was invited to review and propose recommendations on the indications for diagnostic imaging. The guidelines were pilot tested and peer-reviewed by practicing chiropractors and by chiropractic and medical specialists. Recommendations were graded according to the strength of the evidence. Dissemination and implementation strategies are discussed. RESULTS: Recommendations for diagnostic imaging guidelines of adult upper extremity disorders are provided, supported by over 126 primary and secondary citations. The overall quality of available literature is low, however. On average, 44 Delphi panelists completed 1 of 2 rounds, reaching over 88% agreement on all 32 recommendations. Peer review by specialists reflected high levels of agreement and perceived ease of use of guidelines and implementation feasibility. CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines are intended to be used in conjunction with sound clinical judgment and experience and should be updated regularly. Future research is needed to validate their content.

Diagnostic imaging practice guidelines for musculoskeletal complaints in adults-an evidence-based approach-part 3: spinal disorders.

PURPOSE: To develop evidence-based diagnostic imaging practice guidelines to assist chiropractors and other primary care providers in decision making for the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging for spinal disorders. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the English and French language literature was conducted using a combination of subject headings and keywords. The quality of the citations was assessed using the Quality of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS), the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE), and the Stroke Prevention and Educational Awareness Diffusion (SPREAD) evaluation tools. The Referral Guidelines for Imaging (radiation protection 118) coordinated by the European Commission served as the initial template. The first draft was sent for an external review. A Delphi panel composed of international experts on the topic of musculoskeletal disorders in chiropractic radiology, clinical sciences, and research were invited to review and propose recommendations on the indications for diagnostic imaging. The guidelines were pilot tested and peer reviewed by practicing chiropractors, and by chiropractic and medical specialists. Recommendations were graded according to the strength of the evidence. RESULTS: Recommendations for diagnostic imaging guidelines of adult spine disorders are provided, supported by more than 385 primary and secondary citations. The overall quality of available literature is low, however. On average, 45 Delphi panelists completed 1 of 2 rounds, reaching more than 85% agreement on all 55 recommendations. Peer review by specialists reflected high levels of agreement, perceived ease of use of guidelines, and implementation feasibility. Dissemination and implementation strategies are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines are intended to be used in conjunction with sound clinical judgment and experience and should be updated regularly. Future research is needed to validate their content.

Diagnostic imaging practice guidelines for musculoskeletal complaints in adults--an evidence-based approach: introduction.

PURPOSE: Imaging technology can improve patient outcomes by allowing greater precision in diagnosing and treating patients. However, there is evidence that overuse, underuse, and misuse of imaging services occur. The purpose of this project was to develop evidence-based diagnostic imaging practice guidelines for musculoskeletal complaints for use by doctors of chiropractic and other primary health care professionals. METHODS: An electronic search of the English and French language literature (phase 1) was conducted on several databases. Cross references, and references provided by clinicians, were also used. Independent assessment of the quality of the citations used to support recommendations in the guidelines was performed using the QUADAS, the AGREE,and the SPREAD evaluation tools. A first draft of a diagnostic imaging practice guideline was produced, using the European Commission's Referral Guidelines for Imaging document as a template. Results were sent to 12 chiropractic specialists for a first external review. A modified Delphi process, including 149 international experts, was used to generate consensus on recommendations for diagnostic imaging studies. The reliability of proposed recommendations was further tested on field chiropractors and on a group of specialists both in chiropractic and in medicine in both Canada and the United States. All recommendations were graded according to the strength of the evidence. RESULTS: The research procedure resulted in the recommendations for diagnostic imaging guidelines of adult extremity and spine disorders supported by more than 685 primary and secondary citations. High levels of agreement among Delphi panelists were reached for all proposed recommendations. Comments received by specialists were generally very favorable and reflected high levels of agreement with the proposed recommendations, perceived ease of use of guidelines, and implementation feasibility. CONCLUSIONS: These evidence-based diagnostic imaging practice guidelines are intended to assist chiropractors and other primary care providers in decision making on the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging for specific clinical presentations. In all cases, the guidelines are intended to be used in conjunction with sound clinical judgment and experience. Application of these guidelines should help avoid unnecessary radiographs, increase examination precision,and decrease health care costs without compromising the quality of care. All guidelines are documents to be refined and modified regularly with new information and experience.

Diagnostic imaging practice guidelines for musculoskeletal complaints in adults--an evidence-based approach. Part 1. Lower extremity disorders.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop evidence-based diagnostic imaging practice guidelines to assist chiropractors and other primary care providers in decision making for the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging of lower extremity disorders. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the English and French language literature was conducted using a combination of subject headings and keywords. The quality of the citations was assessed using the Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS), the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE), and the Stroke Prevention and Educational Awareness Diffusion (SPREAD) evaluation tools. The Referral Guidelines for Imaging (Radiation Protection 118) coordinated by the European Commission served as the initial template. The first draft was sent for external review. A Delphi panel composed of international experts on the topic of musculoskeletal disorders in chiropractic radiology, clinical sciences, and research were invited to review and propose recommendations on the indications for diagnostic imaging. The guidelines were pilot tested and peer reviewed by field chiropractors, and by chiropractic and medical specialists. Recommendations were graded according to the strength of the evidence. RESULTS: Recommendations for diagnostic imaging guidelines of adult lower extremity disorders are provided, supported by more than 174 primary and secondary citations. Except for trauma, the overall quality of available literature is low. On average, 57 Delphi panelists completed 1 of 2 rounds, reaching more than 83% agreement on all 56 recommendations. Peer review by specialists reflected high levels of agreement, perceived ease of use of guidelines, and implementation feasibility. CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines are intended to be used in conjunction with sound clinical judgment and experience and should be updated regularly. Dissemination and implementation strategies are discussed. Future research is needed to validate their content.

A case of vertebral metastasis with pathologic c2 fracture.

OBJECTIVE: This report discusses a patient with a pathologic fracture of the C2 vertebra secondary to osteolytic metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. CLINICAL FEATURES: The patient was a 68-year-old man with a chief complaint of neck pain who was referred by his physician to a chiropractic office. The initial onset of neck pain began after a forceful sneeze that resulted in a sensation of "a twig snapping" in the neck. Radiographs revealed osteolytic destruction and pathologic fracture of the C2 spinous process. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was referred back to his primary care physician, who then referred him to an oncologist, who immediately initiated a course of radiation therapy and pain medication. Palliative care by the chiropractor consisted of soft tissue massage of the cervical spine musculature to treat associated muscle spasms and pain. The patient responded well to gentle myofascial therapy. However, the osteolytic destruction of the C2 posterior elements progressed, resulting in an unstable subluxation of C2 and associated cord compression. The spine was stabilized with a rigid collar, but the metastatic destruction progressed, eventually resulting in quadriplegia and subsequent death from respiratory distress. CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of cancer complaining of new onset of back or neck pain should be assumed to have vertebral metastasis until proven otherwise. Trivial trauma should be taken seriously in these cases and investigated with appropriate clinical, laboratory, and imaging examinations. Vertebral malignancies may be a contraindication to spinal manipulation; however, the chiropractic physician plays a significant role in early detection and diagnosis.