Sacroiliac Joint Ankylosis in Young Spondyloarthritis Patients Receiving Biologic Therapy: Observation of Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scans.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the temporal relationship between initiating biologic therapy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores of inflammation and structural damage in young patients with spondyloarthritis. METHODS: A local adolescent/young adult patient rheumatology database was searched for patients ages 12-24 years who had evidence of sacroiliitis on MRI and a clinical diagnosis of enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) with axial involvement or nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Patients treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy who had undergone a minimum of 1 MRI scan before and 2 MRI scans after starting TNFi therapy (over ≥2 years) were included. Images of the sacroiliac joints were scored for inflammation and structural abnormalities (including erosions, fat metaplasia, and fusion). The effects of TNFi therapy and of time since initiation of TNFi therapy on inflammation and structural abnormalities were assessed using a mixed-effects regression analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (ages 12-23 years) with ERA or nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis who underwent TNFi therapy were included. Inflammation scores were significantly lower in patients receiving TNFi treatment (P = 0.013), but there was no significant effect of time from TNFi initiation on inflammation (P = 0.125). Conversely, there was no significant effect of active TNFi treatment on fusion scores (P = 0.308), but fusion scores significantly increased with time from TNFi initiation (P < 0.001); a similar positive relationship between time since biologic start and fat metaplasia scores was observed. CONCLUSION: TNFi therapy failed to prevent the eventual development of joint ankylosis in this cohort of young patients with spondyloarthritis, despite a substantial reduction in inflammation with TNFi therapy.

Association between composites of selected motion palpation and pain provocation tests for sacroiliac joint disorders.

BACKGROUND: The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) has been implicated as a potential source of low back and buttock pain. Several types of motion palpation and pain provocation tests are used to evaluate SIJ dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between motion palpation and pain provocation tests in assessment of SIJ problems. DESIGN: This study is Descriptive Correlation. METHODS: 50 patients between the ages of 20 and 65 participated. Four motion palpation tests (Sitting flexion, Standing flexion, Prone knee flexion, Gillet test) and three pain provocation tests (FABER, Posterior shear, Resisted abduction test) were examined. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the relationship between results of the individuals and composites of these two groups of tests. RESULTS: No significant relationship was found between these two groups of tests. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that motion palpation tests assess SIJ dysfunction and provocative tests assessed SIJ pain which do not appear to be related.

Rich but poor: life in the Roman period with extreme rheumatoid arthritis.

In a Sidonian sarcophagus, from the Late Antique/early Christian period, skeletal remains of two persons were found. One of them, male, 30-50 years old, was found almost completely ankylosed, with highly osteoporotic bones and prominent erosion of joint surfaces. We diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis based on the eroded odontoid process, mandibular condyles, distal humerus, proximal and distal ulna, as well ankylosed hand and foot bones. Despite the fact that ankyloses of vertebrae and sacroiliac joint could point towards ankylosing spondylitis, the lack of typical vertebral ankyloses and new bone formation led to exclusion. In a practical sense, due to the advanced stage of the disease, the man was fixed in the supine position, on the left, with his head turned to the right. Apparently, he could not move and had problems with chewing and breathing. But, the high standard of provided healthcare probably enabled him to survive in advanced stages of the disease. This case shed light on the antiquity of the disease, its medical, and social context and provided the example of most extreme osteological changes reported in the paleopathological and medical literature.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain and Its Treatment.

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) as a source of symptoms has been controversial; however, as knowledge about the joint increased, its role as a pain generator in patients complaining of symptoms that are often attributed to spinal pathology has become better appreciated. The literature reports that the SIJ is the pain origin in as many as 30% of patients presenting with low back pain. Clinically, the SIJ can be challenging to evaluate; however, assessing pain location, patient posture/movement, and provocative manual testing are useful in making the presumptive diagnosis of SIJ disruption. The most definitive evaluation is image-guided injection of anesthetic solutions into the joint which is diagnostic if there is at least 75% symptom relief acutely. Treatment begins with nonoperative intervention including physical therapy and/or chiropractic care. If these fail, the next option is generally radiofrequency denervation (rhizotomy) of the joint. If this does not provide adequate relief, surgical intervention, in the form of minimally invasive SIJ fusion may be considered. The literature increasingly supports favorable results of SIJ fusion in appropriately selected patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current literature on the SIJ, with focus on its surgical treatment.

Acupuncture and postpartum pyogenic sacroiliitis: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Pyogenic sacroiliitis, a rare form of septic arthritis, occurs in patients following trauma, intravenous drug use, genitourinary infections and pregnancy. Here we report a rare case where both acupuncture and pregnancy served as predisposing risk factors to the development of this infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old white woman received several sessions of acupuncture treatment during her gestation at the site of her sacroiliac joint for sciatica; she developed biopsy-confirmed sacroiliitis with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus during the immediate postpartum period. The diagnosis, medical management and treatment course are described. CONCLUSIONS: Low back and pelvic pain are common conditions during pregnancy and postpartum. Acupuncture is a common modality of medication-free treatment used by many patients. Recognition of the potential complications of such therapies can lead to early diagnosis, accurate treatment, decreased morbidity and increased chances for a successful outcome.

An atypical limping teenager.

A 13-year-old boy presented with a 5-day history of left-sided limp of gradual onset. There was no history of trauma. He developed a fever and rigours a few days before presenting to the paediatric emergency department. On examination, he was tender on palpating the left gluteal area on active mobilisation of the left hip and could not weight bear on the left leg. Pelvic X-rays and ultrasound of the left hip were normal. The blood results showed raised inflammatory markers and normal white cell count. The blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. On day 2, a left hip MRI was performed as well as CT-guided drainage. Diagnosis of left sacroiliac septic arthritis was made. After an initial lack of improvement under intravenous ceftriaxone, a drain was inserted and left in situ for 8 days with double intravenous antibiotic therapy instituted. The patient made a full recovery.

Technical Note: Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Pain with Peripheral Nerve Stimulation.

INTRODUCTION: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain affects older adults with a prevalence of up to 20% among patients with chronic low back pain. While pain medication, joint blocks and denervation procedures achieve pain relief in most patients, some cases fail to improve. Our goal was to determine the effectiveness of SIJ peripheral nerve stimulation in patients with severe conservative therapy-refractory SIJ pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here we present 12 patients with severe conservative therapy-refractory pain receiving an SIJ peripheral nerve stimulation. Patient satisfaction, pain, and quality of life were evaluated by means of the International Patient Satisfaction Index (IPSI), visual analog scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index 2.0 (ODI) using standard questionnaires. For stimulation we placed an eight-pole peripheral nerve electrode parallel to the SIJ. RESULTS: Two weeks postoperatively, our patients reported an average ODI reduction from 57% to 32% and VAS from 9 to 2.1. IPSI was 1.1. After six months, the therapy was rated as effective in seven out of eight patients reporting at that period. The average ODI was low at 34% (p = 0.0006), while the VAS index rose to 3.8 (p < 0.0001) and IPSI to 1.9. Twelve months after stimulation, six out of seven patients considered their treatment a success with an average ODI of 21% (p < 0.0005), VAS 1.7 (p < 0.0001), and IPSI 1.3. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that SIJ stimulation is a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of intractable SIJ pain. Further studies are required to determine the precise target group and long-term effect of this novel treatment method.

Why reservations remain: a critical reflection about the systematic review and meta-analysis "Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back pain" by Licciardone et al.

In 2005 John Licciardone, Angela Brimhall, and Linda King published a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with the title: Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back pain. The conclusions of systematic review and meta-analysis depend highly on the right search strategy, the quality of the included studies (internal validity), and the error-free, unbiased and transparent evaluation of the review. As illustrated by the following article Licciardone's review includes elements that could lead to biased results. It is concluded that Licciardone et al. focused too much on the statistical significance, and overlooked that the problem of the review lay not in the calculations but in the quality and compilation of the studies.

Applied kinesiology: distinctions in its definition and interpretation.

Modification of the motor system in assessing and treating as well as understanding one of the causes of musculoskeletal dysfunctions is a topic of growing importance in healthcare. Applied kinesiology (AK) addresses this interest in that it is a system which attempts to evaluate numerous aspects of health (structural, chemical, and mental) by the manual testing of muscles combined with other standard methods of diagnosis. It leads to a variety of conservative, non-invasive treatments which involve joint manipulations or mobilizations, myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition and dietary management, counseling skills, evaluating environmental irritants, and various reflex techniques. The effectiveness of these ancillary treatments is believed to be consistent with the expanded construct validity of the manual muscle test (MMT), as described, although this assertion has primarily been tested in outcome studies. AK and its adjunctive procedures (challenge and therapy localization) are highlighted in this review providing details of its implementation as prescribed by an International College of Applied Kinesiology's Board of Examiners, cited for its scholarly and scientific activities. Because these procedures are believed to identify specific articular, soft tissue, biochemical, or emotional issues underlying muscle function, the applicability of this diagnostic method for all clinicians treating muscle imbalance disorders is described. As of yet, MMT efficacy in therapy localization and challenge techniques has not been established in published, peer-reviewed research. A variety of challenges likewise remain for professional AK to establish itself as an emerging science, with numerous gaps in the literature and testable hypotheses enumerated. Of particular concern are a multiplicity of derivatives of AK that have been described in the literature, which should be greeted with caution in light of the fact that they lack one or more of the essential attributes of AK as described in this report. The validity of these studies which have been critical of applied kinesiology appears in many instances to be no greater than several of the randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case control studies, and case studies found in this communication to support various aspects of applied kinesiology.

The need for lumbar-pelvic assessment in the resolution of chronic hamstring strain.

A lumbar-pelvic assessment and treatment model based on a review of clinical and anatomical research is presented for consideration in the treatment of chronic hamstring strain. The origin of the biceps femoris muscle attaches to the pelvis at the ischial tuberosity and to the sacrum via the sacrotuberous ligament. The biomechanics of the sacroiliac joint and hip, along with lumbar-pelvic stability, therefore play a significant role in hamstring function. Pelvic asymmetry and/or excessive anterior tilt can lead to increased tension at the biceps origin and increase functional demands on the hamstring group by inhibiting its synergists. Joint proprioceptive mechanisms may play a significant role in re-establishing balance between agonists and antagonists. An appreciation of neuromuscular connections as well as overall lumbar-pelvic structural assessment is recommended in conjunction with lumbar-pelvic strengthening exercises to help resolve chronic hamstring strain.

Paradigm for assessment and treatment of SIJ mechanical dysfunction.

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is an integral part of both the lumbar spine and the pelvic girdle. It is frequently the source of low back pain and pelvic girdle pain. Recent research has permitted a deeper understanding of its function and assessment. The mechanical assessment of the SIJ as a transmitter of load between trunk and lower limbs, and as a means to absorb torsion stresses of the pelvis absorber of torsion is examined; history, clinical examination and imaging modalities are explored and the role of exercise and some interventional therapies are described in general terms.

Sacroiliitis infected with group A streptococcus in a child presenting with confusion and combativeness.

Group A streptococcus-associated severe invasive infection (streptococcal toxic shock syndrome) has been described. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome occurs when the infecting strain of group A streptococcus produces superantigens. Confusion and combativeness are well known as the common symptoms of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. We encountered a child who suffered from pyogenic sacroiliitis, with confusion and combativeness. Group A streptococcus was isolated from the patient's blood culture. However, his disease did not fulfill the criteria of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Pyogenic sacroiliitis in children is rare, but patients with pyogenic sacroiliitis due to group A streptococcus infection could show confusion and combativeness as clinical signs, similar to the signs in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Osteoarthritis of the sacroiliac joint complicating resection of the pubic symphysis. Interest of a rehabilitation programme.

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is an uncommon localisation of osteoarthritis. Instability of this joint is one of rare aetiologies. It can occur after resection of the pubic symphysis for whatever the reason. The biomechanical consequences on the SIJ are increasing shear forces and vertical restrain. This leads to secondary progressive SIJ osteoarthritis. There is no specific rehabilitation programme for this pathology. Here, we report the case of a patient who presents SIJ osteoarthritis 20 years after surgical resection of the pubic symphysis for osteochondroma. We proposed a rehabilitation programme based on the pelvic biomechanical characteristics. It included specific exercises of muscular strengthening (the transversely oriented abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles) and muscular stretching (the psoas major muscle). We obtained an improvement of pain and functional capacity in our patient.

Acute toxicity evaluation of proliferol: a dose-escalating, placebo-controlled study in swine.

Prolotherapy is one of the many treatments available for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. A commonly used drug contains dextrose 12.5%, glycerin 12.5%, phenol 1.0%, and lidocaine hydrochloride 0.25% in aqueous solution (recently termed Proliferol). For chronic low back pain, this is injected into lumbosacral ligaments to stimulate connective tissue repair. Despite generally positive clinical results, the toxicity of this drug is not well characterized and was assessed in 48 (24 male, 24 female) Yucatan miniature swine randomly assigned to low (1x), medium (5x), or high (10x) dose or saline placebo. Outcomes included clinical observations, clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, toxicokinetics, and full gross and microscopic histopathology after 24 hours or 14 days. Findings attributable to Proliferol after 24 hours included dose-response elevations in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase, which returned to normal after 14 days. There were no remarkable findings in hematology, coagulation, or urinalysis. Urine concentrations of lidocaine and phenol both peaked after 8 hours. Histopathology findings after 24 hours included hemorrhage, inflammation, necrosis, and vascular changes in the ligaments and adjacent soft tissues at the sites of injection. After 14 days, there was evidence of repair under way, with fibrosis and skeletal muscle regeneration at the injection sites.

Evaluation of sacroiliac joint interventions: a systematic appraisal of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The sacroiliac joint has been implicated as a source of low back and lower extremity pain. There are no definite historical, physical, or radiological features that can definitively establish a diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain. Based on the present knowledge, an accurate diagnosis is made only by controlled sacroiliac joint diagnostic blocks. The sacroiliac joint has been shown to be a source of pain in 10% to 27% of suspected patients with chronic low back pain utilizing controlled comparative local anesthetic blocks. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of diagnostic and therapeutic sacroiliac joint interventions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic sacroiliac joint interventions and the utility of therapeutic sacroiliac joint interventions. METHODS: The literature search was carried out by searching the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane reviews. Methodologic quality assessment of included studies was performed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) methodologic quality criteria for diagnostic accuracy and observational studies, whereas randomized trials were evaluated utilizing the Cochrane review criteria. Only studies with scores of 50 or higher were included for assessment. Level of evidence was based on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria. OUTCOME MEASURES: For diagnostic interventions, the outcome criteria included at least 50% pain relief coupled with a patient's ability to perform previously painful maneuvers with sustained relief using placebo-controlled or comparative local anesthetic blocks. For therapeutic purposes, outcomes included significant pain relief and improvement in function and other parameters. Short-term relief for therapeutic interventions was defined as 6 months or less, whereas long-term effectiveness was defined as greater than 6 months. RESULTS: The indicated level of evidence is II-2 for the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pain utilizing comparative, controlled local anesthetic blocks. The prevalence of sacroiliac joint pain is estimated to range between 10% and 38% using a double block paradigm in the study population. The false-positive rate of single, uncontrolled, sacroiliac joint injections is 20% to 54%. The evidence for provocative testing to diagnose sacroiliac joint pain is Level II-3 or limited. For radiofrequency neurotomy the indicated evidence is limited (Level II-3) for short- and long-term relief. LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this systematic review include the paucity of literature evaluating the role of both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and widespread methodological flaws. CONCLUSIONS: The indicated evidence for the validity of diagnostic sacroiliac joint injections is Level II-2. The evidence for the accuracy of provocative maneuvers in the diagnosing of sacroiliac joint pain is limited (Level II-3). The evidence for radiofrequency neurotomy is also limited (Level II-3).

Inflammatory sacroiliitis in a man with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory sacroiliitis associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) as an unusual cause of elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level has not been reported previously to our knowledge. OBJECTIVE: To represent a case of SCI associated with bilateral sacroiliitis causing ESR and CRP level elevation. METHODS: Case report of a man with T9 paraplegia. FINDINGS: ESR and CRP levels were high. Pelvic radiography was nearly normal, except for mildly blurred sacroiliac joints with normal margins. A 3-phase bone scan revealed bilateral sacroiliitis and heterotopic ossification at medial side of the left knee. Past history was significant for a recent urinary tract infection. Indomethacin and etidronate were prescribed. Significant decreases in ESR and CRP level were seen 1 month later. CONCLUSIONS: Sacroiliitis might be an unusual cause of elevated ESR and CRP levels in patients with SCI. Sensory and motor deficits may obscure the typical clinical presentation; therefore, imaging studies are essential for the diagnosis.

Dolor de la articulación sacroilíaca. Anatomía, diagnóstico y tratamiento / Sacroiliac joint pain. Anatomy, diagnosis and treatment

El dolor de la articulación sacroilíaca es una causa frecuente de dolor bajo de espalda, sin embargo el diagnóstico de artralgia sacroilíaca no es fácil de confirmar y la exploración física de la articulación es controvertido. Además este diagnóstico a menudo pasa inadvertido para el médico, por lo que la falta de consideración de esta posible causa de lumbalgia da lugar a tratamientos inapropiados e inadecuados. La articulaciones sacroilíacas, sinoviales del tipo anfiartrosico irregular, monoaxiales, en la cual se articulan las carillas articulares del sacro al ilion, Su innervación es cuestión de debate, pero las más recientes investigaciones refieren que deriva de L2-S2, L4-S2, L5-S2. La prevalencia del dolor de la articulación sacroilíaca no esta bien estudiado, hay numerosas etiologías para el dolor de articulación sacroilíaca, estas causas se pueden dividir en intraarticulares y extraarticulares. Para la exploración física se cuenta con una serie de 12 pruebas las cuales fueron emitidas por un comité de expertos y se concluye que encontrar 3 o más pruebas positivas es muy sugestivo de dolor de dicha. El tratamiento se puede dividir en conservador, intervencionista donde se puede utilizar desde la infiltración con anestésico local y esteroide hasta radiofrecuencia y por ultimo quirúrgico para casos seleccionados (AU)

The pain of the sacroiliac joint is a frequent cause of low back pain, however the diagnose of sacroiliac artralgia it is not easy to confirm and the physical exploration of the joint is controversial. Also this I often diagnose it happens inadvertent for the physician, for what the lack of consideration of this possible low back pain cause gives place to inappropriate and inadequate treatments. The sacroiliac joint is synovial of the type irregular anphiarthrosic, monoaxial, in which the sides joint are articulated from the sacrum one to the Ilion, Their innervation is debate question, but those but recent investigations refer that it derives of L2-S2, L4-S2, L5-S2. The prevalence of the pain of the sacroiliac joint not this well studied one, there is numerous etiology for the sacroiliac joint pain, these causes can be divided in intraarticular and extraarticular. For the physical exploration it is had a series of 12 tests which were emitted by a committee of experts and you concludes that to find 3 or but positive tests are very suggestive of pain of happiness. The treatment you can divide in conservative, interventionist where you can use from the infiltration with local anesthetic and steroid until radiofrequency and for finish surgical for selected cases (AU)

Ankylosing spondylitis in a patient with Turner syndrome: a case report.

Turner's syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder where phenotypic females have either a missing chromosome (45 X0) or a structural aberration of one of the chromosomes. It is possible for TS to accompany such autoimmune diseases as thyroid diseases, inflammatory intestinal diseases, diabetes mellitus, psoriatic arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Herein, we present an unusual case with Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and autoimmune thyroiditis associated with TS. We suggest that the possibility that TS patients may also develop such other diseases as AS apart from the already known accompanying autoimmune diseases should not be ruled out when monitoring TS patients.