Exercises for mechanical neck disorders: A Cochrane review update.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain (NP) is disabling and costly. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of exercise on pain, disability, function, patient satisfaction, quality of life (QoL) and global perceived effect (GPE) in adults with NP. METHODS: We searched computerised databases up to May 2014 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing exercise to a control in adults with NP with/without cervicogenic headache (CGH) or radiculopathy. Two reviewers independently conducted selection, data abstraction and assessed risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed to establish pooled standardised mean differences (SMDp). The Grade of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to summarise the body of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: The following exercises (27 trials) were supported by 'Moderate GRADE' evidence: For chronic NP, 1) cervico-scapulothoracic and upper extremity (UE) strengthening for moderate to large pain reduction immediately post treatment (IP) and at short-term (ST) follow-up; 2) scapulothoracic and UE endurance training for a small pain reduction (IP/ST); 3) cervical, shoulder and scapulothoracic strengthening and stretching exercise for a small to large pain reduction in the long-term (LT) (SMDp -0.45 [95%CI: -0.72 to -0.18]) and function improvement; 4) cervico-scapulothoracic strengthening/stabilisation exercises for pain and function at intermediate-term (IT) (SMDp -14.90 [95%CI: -22.40 to -7.39]). 5) mindfulness exercises (Qigong) for minor improved function but not GPE (ST). For chronic CGH, cervico-scapulothoracic strengthening and endurance exercises including pressure biofeedback for small/moderate improvement of pain, function and GPE (IP/LT). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Specific strengthening exercises of the neck, scapulothoracic and shoulder for chronic NP and chronic CGH are beneficial. Future research should explore optimal dosage.

Systematic review of radioguided surgery for non-palpable breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review examines whether radioguided localization surgery (RGL) (radioguided occult lesion localization - ROLL and radioguided seed localization - RSL) for non-palpable breast cancer lesions produces lower positive margin rates than standard wire-guided localization surgery. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature review to identify clinical studies using either ROLL or RSL. Included studies examined invasive or in situ BC and reported pathologically assessed margin status or specimen volume/weight. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and quality and abstracted relevant data on patient and surgical outcomes. Quantitative data analyses were performed. RESULTS: Fifty-two clinical studies on ROLL (n = 46) and RSL (n = 6) were identified. Twenty-seven met our inclusion criteria: 12 studies compared RGL to WGL and 15 studies were single cohorts using RGL. Ten studies were included in the quantitative analyses. Data for margin status and re-operation rates from 4 randomized controlled trials (RCT; n = 238) and 6 cohort studies were combined giving a combined odds ratio (OR) of 0.367 and 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.277 to 0.487 (p < 0.001) for margins status and OR 0.347, 95% CI: 0.250 to 0.481 (p < 0.001) for re-operation rates. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review of RGL versus WGL demonstrate that RGL technique produces lower positive margins rates and fewer re-operations. While this review is limited by the small size and quality of RCTs, the odds ratios suggest that RGL may be a superior technique to guide surgical resection of non-palpable breast cancers. These results should be confirmed by larger, multi-centered RCTs.

Medicinal and injection therapies for mechanical neck disorders.

BACKGROUND: Controversy persists regarding medicinal therapies and injections. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of medication and injections on primary outcomes (e.g. pain) for adults with mechanical neck disorders and whiplash. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched CENTRAL, MANTIS, CINAHL from their start to May 2006; MEDLINE and EMBASE to December 2006. We scrutinised reference lists for other trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials with adults with neck disorders, with or without associated headache or radicular findings. We considered medicinal and injection therapies, regardless of route of administration. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently selected articles, abstracted data and assessed methodological quality. When clinical heterogeneity was absent, we combined studies using random-effects models. MAIN RESULTS: We found 36 trials that examined the effects of oral NSAIDs, psychotropic agents, steroid injections, and anaesthetic agents. Trials had a mean of 3.1 on the Jadad Scale for methodological quality; 70% were high quality. For acute whiplash, administering intravenous methylprednisolone within eight hours of injury reduced pain at one week (SMD -0.90, 95% CI -1.57 to -0.24), and sick leave but not pain at six months compared to placebo in one trial. For chronic neck disorders at short-term follow-up, intramuscular injection of lidocaine was superior to placebo (SMD -1.36, 95% CI -1.93 to -0.80); NNT 3, treatment advantage 45% and dry needling, but similar to ultrasound in one trial each. In chronic neck disorders with radicular findings, epidural methylprednisolone and lidocaine reduced neck pain and improved function more than when given by intramuscular route at one-year follow-up, in one trial. In subacute and chronic neck disorders, muscle relaxants, analgesics and NSAIDs had limited evidence and unclear benefits. In participants with chronic neck disorders with or without radicular findings or headache, there was moderate evidence from five high quality trials that Botulinum toxin A intramuscular injections had similar effects to saline in improving pain (pooled SMD: -0.39, 95%CI -1.25 to 0.47), disability or global perceived effect. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The major limitations are the lack of replication of the findings and sufficiently large trials. There is moderate evidence for the benefit of intravenous methylprednisolone given within eight hours of acute whiplash, from a single trial. Lidocaine injection into myofascial trigger points appears effective in two trials. There is moderate evidence that Botulinum toxin A is not superior to saline injection for chronic MND. Muscle relaxants, analgesics and NSAIDs had limited evidence and unclear benefits.

WITHDRAWN: Physical medicine modalities for mechanical neck disorders.

BACKGROUND: Twenty-six to 71 percent of the adult population can recall experiencing an episode of neck pain or stiffness in their lifetime. The treatments that patients receive for neck pain are varied, as are the perceptions of the benefits of these treatments. In this age of increasing accountability, governmental agencies, third party payers and patients are demanding evidence-based practice performance. To track down the best estimate of efficacy of the various conservative management strategies for mechanical neck disorders, a four-part systematic review was prepared. Part two investigates and reports on the efficacy of physical medicine modalities. OBJECTIVES: Multiple physical medicine modalities are commonly included as part of therapeutic interventions for mechanical neck disorders (neck pain). The objective of this review was to assess the effects of physical medicine modalities for pain in adults with mechanical neck disorders. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched Medline, Embase, Chirolars, Index to Chiropractic Literature, Cinahl, Science Citation Index, Conference Proceedings Index, National Technical Information Services and reference lists of the retrieved articles from 1985 to December 1993 and we contacted content experts. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials and controlled trials of physical medicine modalities in adults with mechanical neck disorder. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three reviewers independently assessed trial quality and two reviewers independently extracted data. Investigators were contacted to obtain information or data that could not be found in the published reports. MAIN RESULTS: Thirteen trials were included. The overall quality of the included trials was generally good. Two trials using electromagnetic therapy produced a significant reduction in pain (p <0.01) with three to four weeks of daily (eight hours per day) therapy sessions; and three using laser therapy did not differ significantly from a placebo (p=0.20) for six to 10 sessions of treatment. Not enough scientific testing exists to clearly determine the effectiveness of other therapies. This includes treatments such as exercise, traction, acupuncture, heat / cold applications, electrotherapies, cervical orthoses and chronic pain / cognitive behavioural rehabilitation strategies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is little information available from trials to support the use of physical medicine modalities for mechanical neck pain. There is some support for the use of electromagnetic therapy and against the use of laser therapy with respect to pain reduction.

WITHDRAWN: Patient education for mechanical neck disorders.

BACKGROUND: To track down the best estimate of efficacy of the various conservative management strategies for mechanical neck disorders, a four-part systematic review was prepared. Part four investigates the efficacy of patient education strategies as the therapeutic intervention. OBJECTIVES: This review of patient education is one of four reviews of conservative management of mechanical neck disorders. The other reviews address manual, physical and drug therapies. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of patient education for pain in adults with mechanical neck disorders. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched Medline, Embase, Chirolars, Index to Chiropractic Literature, Cinahl, Science Citation Index, Conference Proceedings Index, National Technical Information Services from 1985 to December 1993, reference lists of the retrieved articles and we contacted experts in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials or controlled clinical trials of patient educational strategies for adults with mechanical neck disorders. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three reviewers independently assessed trial quality and two reviewers independently extracted data. Investigators were contacted to obtain data that could not be found in the published reports. MAIN RESULTS: Three trials were included. Their methodological quality varied from weak to strong. One trial did not find a significant reduction in pain using group instructional strategies (neck school) and exercise with or without psychological counselling compared to no treatment (standardised mean difference 0.07, 95% confidence interval -0.51 to 0.66, and -0.37, 95% confidence interval -0.95 to 0.22, respectively). Another trial did not find a significant reduction in pain using individualised patient education (advice), anti-inflammatories and analgesics compared with placebo (standardised mean difference 0.24, 95% confidence interval -0.58 to 1.07). The third trial found that advice which included demonstrated mobilization exercises, verbal and written instruction on posture correction, the use of a collar, heat sources, muscle relaxation and analgesics gave significant pain relief compared with general advice about mobilisation after a period of rest and use of analgesics at 4 weeks of treatment (standardised mean difference -0.62, 95% confidence interval -1.05 to -0.19) but at 6 weeks of treatment there was no longer any difference (s.m.d. -0.37, 95% confidence interval -0.8 to 0.05). The first two trials lacked statistical power and the third was methodologically weak. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Patient education utilising individualised or group instructional strategies has not been shown to be beneficial in reducing pain for mechanical neck disorders.

Perioperative use of the hands-free technique: a semistructured interview study.

OCCUPATIONALLY CONTRACTED bloodborne infections are preventable, but the use of many protective measures remains limited. THERE IS GROWING EVIDENCE that the use of the hands-free technique (HFT) to pass sharp items during surgical procedures is effective in protecting against sharps injury and bloody contamination. RESEARCHERS CONDUCTED in-depth telephone interviews to explore 20 health care providers' knowledge and use of the HFT. MOST OF THE INTERVIEWEES did not regularly use the HFT, and some were resistant to its use.

Acupuncture for neck disorders.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is one of the three most frequently reported complaints of the musculoskeletal system. Treatments for neck pain are varied, as are the perceptions of benefits. Acupuncture has been used as an alternative to more traditional treatments for musculoskeletal pain. This review summarizes the most current scientific evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture for acute, subacute and chronic neck pain. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of acupuncture for individuals with neck pain. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched CENTRAL (2006, issue 1) and MEDLINE, EMBASE, MANTIS, CINAHL from their beginning to February 2006. We searched reference lists and the acupuncture database TCMLARS in China. SELECTION CRITERIA: Any published trial using randomized (RCT) or quasi-randomized (quasi-RCT) assignment to the intervention groups, either in full text or abstract form, were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers made independent decisions for each step of the review: article inclusion, data abstraction and assessment of trial methodological quality. Study quality was assessed using the Jadad criteria. Consensus was used to resolve disagreements. When clinical heterogeneity was absent, we combined studies using random-effects meta-analysis models. MAIN RESULTS: We did not find any trials that examined the effects of acupuncture for acute or subacute pain, but we found 10 trials that examined acupuncture treatments for chronic neck pain. Overall, methodological quality had a mean of 2.3/5 on the Jadad Scale. For chronic mechanical neck disorders, there was moderate evidence that acupuncture was more effective for pain relief than some types of sham controls, measured immediately post-treatment. There was moderate evidence that acupuncture was more effective than inactive, sham treatments measured immediately post-treatment and at short-term follow-up (pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.61 to -0.12). There was limited evidence that acupuncture was more effective than massage at short-term follow-up. For chronic neck disorders with radicular symptoms, there was moderate evidence that acupuncture was more effective than a wait-list control at short-term follow-up. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate evidence that acupuncture relieves pain better than some sham treatments, measured at the end of the treatment. There is moderate evidence that those who received acupuncture reported less pain at short term follow-up than those on a waiting list. There is also moderate evidence that acupuncture is more effective than inactive treatments for relieving pain post-treatment and this is maintained at short-term follow-up.

Determining asthma treatment by monitoring sputum cell counts: effect on exacerbations.

One important goal of asthma treatment is to reduce exacerbations. The current authors investigated if the use of sputum cell counts to guide treatment would achieve this goal. A total of 117 adults with asthma were entered into a multicentre, randomised, parallel group-effectiveness study for two treatment strategies over a 2-yr period. In one strategy (the clinical strategy: CS) treatment was based on symptoms and spirometry. In the other (the sputum strategy: SS) sputum cell counts were used to guide corticosteroid therapy to keep eosinophils250 microg, and was due to fewer eosinophilic exacerbations. The cumulative dose of corticosteroid during the trial was similar in both groups. Monitoring sputum cell counts was found to benefit patients with moderate-to-severe asthma by reducing the number of eosinophilic exacerbations and by reducing the severity of both eosinophilic and noneosinophilic exacerbations without increasing the total corticosteroid dose. It had no influence on the frequency of noneosinophilic exacerbations, which were the most common exacerbations.

Effectiveness of alendronate and etidronate in the treatment of osteoporosis in men: a prospective observational study.

The prevalence of osteoporosis in men is higher than previously assumed; consequently, numerous therapies are being investigated to treat these patients. The Canadian Database of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia patients (CANDOO) was analyzed to examine changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in consecutively seen osteoporotic men administered alendronate, etidronate or no bone-active drugs (control) over 1 year. A total of 244 men attending six Canadian osteoporosis clinics were included in the study (42 alendronate, 102 etidronate and 100 control). Multiple imputation was used to model missing data to provide a more robust statistical model. The imputed datasets (five) were analyzed using multivariable linear regression to determine differences between groups in the percent change of lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) BMD from baseline to 1 year. Differences in the percent change in BMD from baseline were most notable at the LS in favor of alendronate (4.3%; 95% CI: 2.1, 6.6 ) and etidronate (2.1%; 95% CI: 0.3, 4.0) therapy when compared with controls. At the LS, alendronate therapy led to significantly greater (2.2%; 95% CI: 0.2, 4.2) gains in BMD as compared to etidronate therapy. Compared to controls, there were no significant differences in FN BMD with alendronate (2.1%; 95% CI: -0.4, 4.7) or etidronate therapy (0.9%; 95% CI: -1.1, 2.8), nor were there significant differences between bisphosphonate groups (1.3%; 95% CI: -1.1, 3.6, in favor of alendronate). While both alendronate and etidronate significantly increased LS BMD in osteoporotic men after 1 year in real-world settings, alendronate therapy resulted in significantly superior gains in LS BMD. The effect of these two bisphosphonates on fractures and FN BMD in osteoporotic men is likely positive, but requires further study.

Medicinal and injection therapies for mechanical neck disorders.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal therapies and injections are commonly recommended for neck pain, yet controversy persists over their effectiveness. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of medicines and injections on pain, function/disability, patient satisfaction and range of motion in participants with mechanical neck disorders (MND). SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched CENTRAL (Issue 4, 2002), and MEDLINE, EMBASE, MANTIS, CINHAL from their start to March 2003. We scrutinized reference lists for other trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials with adults with MND, with or without associated headache or radicular findings. We considered medicinal and injection therapies, regardless of route of administration. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently selected articles, abstracted data and assessed methodological quality using the Jadad criteria. Consensus was used to resolve disagreements. When clinical heterogeneity was absent, we combined studies using random-effects meta-analysis models. MAIN RESULTS: We found 32 trials that examined the effects of oral NSAIDs, psychotropic agents, injections of steroids, and anaesthetic agents. Overall, methodological quality had a mean of 3.2/5 on the Jadad Scale. For acute whiplash, administering intravenous methylprednisolone within eight hours reduced pain at one week, and sick leave but not pain at six months compared to placebo. For chronic MND at short-term follow-up, intramuscular injection of lidocaine was superior to placebo or dry needling, but similar to ultrasound. In chronic MND with radicular findings, epidural methylprednisolone and lidocaine reduced neck pain and improved function at one-year follow-up compared to the intramuscular route. In subacute/chronic MND, we found conflicting evidence of pain reduction for oral psychotropic agents compared to placebo or control. Single trials of eperison hydrochloride and tetrazepam showed positive results. Results for cyclobenzaprine were mixed. Diazepam did not show benefit. Other treatments including NSAIDS and nerve blocks had unclear or limited evidence of benefit. In participants with chronic MND with or without radicular findings or headache, there was moderate evidence from five high quality trials showing that Botox A intramuscular injections were not better than saline in improving pain (pooled SMD: -0.39 (95%CI: -1.25 to 0.47), disability or global perceived effect. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Intra-muscular injection of lidocaine for chronic MND and intravenous injection of methylprednisolone for acute whiplash were effective treatments. There was limited evidence of effectiveness of epidural injection of methylprednisolone and lidocaine for chronic MND with radicular findings. Oral psychotropic agents had mixed results. There was moderate evidence that Botox A intramuscular injections for chronic MND were no better than saline. Other medications, including NSAIDs, had contradictory or limited evidence of effectiveness.

Effectiveness and safety of repeat courses of hylan G-F 20 in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and safety of repeat treatment with hylan G-F 20 based on data from a randomized, controlled trial [Raynauld JP, Torrance GW, Band PA, Goldsmith CH, Tugwell P, Walker V, et al. A prospective, randomized, pragmatic, health outcomes trial evaluating the incorporation of hylan G-F 20 into the treatment paradigm for patients with knee osteoarthritis (Part 1 of 2): clinical results. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2002;10:506-17]. The hypotheses tested were whether the single-course and repeat-course subgroups would be superior to appropriate care and not different from each other. METHOD: A total of 255 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to "appropriate care with hylan G-F 20" or "appropriate care without hylan G-F 20". The hylan G-F 20 group was partitioned into two subgroups: (1) patients who received a single course of hylan G-F 20; and (2) patients who received two or more courses of hylan G-F 20. RESULTS: For the primary effectiveness measure, change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score as a percent of baseline, the single-course subgroup improved by 41%, the repeat-course subgroup by 35%, and the appropriate care group by 14%. Both subgroups improved significantly more than the appropriate care group (P<0.05), and were not statistically significantly different from each other (70% power to detect a 20% difference). Secondary effectiveness measures showed similar results. In the repeat-course subgroup, no statistically significant differences were found in the number of local adverse events, the number of patients with local adverse events, or arthrocentesis rates between the first and repeat courses of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although the study was neither designed nor powered to examine repeat treatment, this a posteriori analysis provides support for a favorable effectiveness and safety profile of hylan G-F 20 in repeat course patients.

Evaluation of WOMAC 20, 50, 70 response criteria in patients treated with hylan G-F 20 for knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: A secondary analysis of a previously conducted one year randomised controlled trial to evaluate the capacity of responder criteria based on the WOMAC index to detect between treatment group differences. METHODS: 255 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomised to "appropriate care with hylan G-F 20" (AC+H) or "appropriate care without hylan G-F 20" (AC). In the original analysis, two definitions of patient response from baseline to month 12 were used: (1) at least a 20% reduction in WOMAC pain score (WOMAC 20P); (2) at least a 20% reduction in WOMAC pain score and at least a 20% reduction in either WOMAC function or stiffness score (WOMAC 20PFS). For this analysis, a responder was identified using 50% and 70% minimum clinically important response levels to investigate how increasing response affects the ability to detect treatment group differences. RESULTS: The hylan G-F 20 group had numerically more responders using all patient responder criteria. Increasing the response level from 20% to 50% detected similar differences between treatment groups (25% to 29%). Increasing the response level to 70% reduced the differences between treatment groups (11% to 12%) to a point where the differences were not significant after Bonferroni adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence for incorporating response levels (WOMAC 50) in clinical trials. While differences at the highest threshold (WOMAC 70) were not statistically detectable, an appropriately powered study may be capable of detecting differences even at this very high level of improvement.

Non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive physical treatments are often used to treat common types of chronic/recurrent headache. OBJECTIVES: To quantify and compare the magnitude of short- and long-term effects of non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headaches. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the following databases from their inception to November 2002: MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, CINAHL, Science Citation Index, Dissertation Abstracts, CENTRAL, and the Specialised Register of the Cochrane Pain, Palliative Care and Supportive Care review group. Selected complementary medicine reference systems were searched as well. We also performed citation tracking and hand searching of potentially relevant journals. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headaches to any type of control. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two independent reviewers abstracted trial information and scored trials for methodological quality. Outcomes data were standardized into percentage point and effect size scores wherever possible. The strength of the evidence of effectiveness was assessed using pre-specified rules. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-two studies with a total of 2628 patients (age 12 to 78 years) met the inclusion criteria. Five types of headache were studied: migraine, tension-type, cervicogenic, a mix of migraine and tension-type, and post-traumatic headache. Ten studies had methodological quality scores of 50 or more (out of a possible 100 points), but many limitations were identified. We were unable to pool data because of study heterogeneity. For the prophylactic treatment of migraine headache, there is evidence that spinal manipulation may be an effective treatment option with a short-term effect similar to that of a commonly used, effective drug (amitriptyline). Other possible treatment options with weaker evidence of effectiveness are pulsating electromagnetic fields and a combination of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS] and electrical neurotransmitter modulation. For the prophylactic treatment of chronic tension-type headache, amitriptyline is more effective than spinal manipulation during treatment. However, spinal manipulation is superior in the short term after cessation of both treatments. Other possible treatment options with weaker evidence of effectiveness are therapeutic touch; cranial electrotherapy; a combination of TENS and electrical neurotransmitter modulation; and a regimen of auto-massage, TENS, and stretching. For episodic tension-type headache, there is evidence that adding spinal manipulation to massage is not effective. For the prophylactic treatment of cervicogenic headache, there is evidence that both neck exercise (low-intensity endurance training) and spinal manipulation are effective in the short and long term when compared to no treatment. There is also evidence that spinal manipulation is effective in the short term when compared to massage or placebo spinal manipulation, and weaker evidence when compared to spinal mobilization. There is weaker evidence that spinal mobilization is more effective in the short term than cold packs in the treatment of post-traumatic headache. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: A few non-invasive physical treatments may be effective as prophylactic treatments for chronic/recurrent headaches. Based on trial results, these treatments appear to be associated with little risk of serious adverse effects. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of non-invasive physical treatments require further research using scientifically rigorous methods. The heterogeneity of the studies included in this review means that the results of a few additional high-quality trials in the future could easily change the conclusions of our review.

Manipulation and mobilisation for mechanical neck disorders.

BACKGROUND: Neck disorders are common, disabling, and costly. The effectiveness of manipulation and mobilisation remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether manipulation and mobilisation, either alone or in combination with other treatments, relieve pain or improve function/disability, patient satisfaction, and global perceived effect in adults with mechanical neck disorders (MND). SEARCH STRATEGY: Computerised bibliographic databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, MANTIS, CINAHL, and ICL, were searched without language restrictions from their respective starting dates to March 2002. SELECTION CRITERIA: The studies had to be randomised (RCT) or quasi-randomised and investigate the use of manipulation or mobilisation as a treatment for mechanical neck disorders. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two independent reviewers conducted citation identification, study selection, data abstraction, and methodological quality assessment. Using a random effects model, relative risk and standardised mean differences were calculated. The reasonableness of combining studies was assessed on clinical and statistical grounds. In the absence of heterogeneity, pooled effect measures were calculated. MAIN RESULTS: Of the 33 selected trials, 42% were high quality trials. Single sessions of manipulation or multiple sessions (3 to 11 weeks) of manipulation or mobilisation, or manipulation and mobilisation showed a nonsignificant benefit in pain relief when assessed against placebo, control groups or other treatments for acute/subacute/chronic MNDs with or without headache. There was strong evidence of benefit favouring multimodal care over a waiting list control for pain reduction [pooled SMD -0.85 (95% CI: -1.20 to -0.50)], improvement in function [pooled SMD -0.57 (95% CI: -0.94 to -0.21)] and global perceived effect [SMD -2.73 (95% CI: -3.30 to -2.16)] for subacute/chronic MND with or without headache. The common elements in this care strategy were mobilisation and/or manipulation plus exercise. There was moderate evidence of no difference in effect when multimodal care was compared to various other treatments. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal care has short-term and long-term maintained benefits for subacute/chronic MND with or without headache. The common elements in this care strategy were mobilisation and/or manipulation plus exercise. The evidence did not favour manipulation and/or mobilisation done alone or in combination with various other physical medicine agents; when compared to one another, neither was superior. There was insufficient evidence available to draw conclusions for neck disorder with radicular findings. The added benefit of exercise needs to be further explored. Factorial design would help determine the active treatment agent(s) within a treatment mix. Phase II trials would help identify the most effective treatment characteristics and dosages. Greater attention to methodological quality is needed.

The association between iliocostal distance and the number of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in women and men registered in the Canadian Database For Osteoporosis and Osteopenia (CANDOO).

BACKGROUND: The identification of new methods of evaluating patients with osteoporotic fracture should focus on their usefulness in clinical situations such that they are easily measured and applicable to all patients. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between iliocostal distance and vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in patients seen in a clinical setting. METHODS: Patient data were obtained from the Canadian Database of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia (CANDOO). A total of 549 patients including 508 women and 41 men participated in this cross-sectional study. There were 142 women and 18 men with prevalent vertebral fractures, and 185 women and 21 men with prevalent non-vertebral fractures. RESULTS: In women multivariable regression analysis showed that iliocostal distance was negatively associated with the number of vertebral fractures (-0.18, CI: -0.27, -0.09; adjusted for bone mineral density at the Ward's triangle, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, etidronate use, and calcium supplement use) and for the number of non-vertebral fractures (-0.09, CI: -0.15, -0.03; adjusted for bone mineral density at the trochanter, cerebrovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and etidronate use). However, in men, multivariable regression analysis did not demonstrate a significant association between iliocostal distance and the number of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The examination of iliocostal distance may be a useful clinical tool for assessment of the possibility of vertebral fractures. The identification of high-risk patients is important to effectively use the growing number of available osteoporosis therapies.

A prospective, randomized, pragmatic, health outcomes trial evaluating the incorporation of hylan G-F 20 into the treatment paradigm for patients with knee osteoarthritis (Part 1 of 2): clinical results.

OBJECTIVE: First, to assess the clinical effectiveness of hylan G-F 20 in an appropriate care treatment regimen (as defined by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1995 guidelines) as measured by validated disease-specific outcomes and health-related quality of life endpoints for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Second, to utilize the measures of effectiveness and costs in an economic evaluation (see accompanying manuscript). DESIGN: A total of 255 patients with OA of the knee were enrolled by rheumatologists or orthopedic surgeons into a prospective, randomized, open-label, 1-year, multi-centred trial, conducted in Canada. Patients were randomized to 'Appropriate care with hylan G-F 20' (AC+H) or 'Appropriate care without hylan G-F 20' (AC). Data were collected at clinic visits (baseline, 12 months) and by telephone (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months). RESULTS: The AC+H group was superior to the AC group for all primary (% reduction in mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scale: 38% vs 13%,P =0.0001) and secondary effectiveness outcome measures. These differences were all statistically significant and exceeded the 20% difference between groups set a priori by the investigators as the minimum clinically important difference. Health-related quality of life improvements in the AC+H group were statistically superior for the WOMAC pain, stiffness and physical function (all P< 0.0001), the SF-36 aggregate physical component (P< 0.0001) and the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) overall health utility score (P< 0.0001). Safety (adverse events and patient global assessments of side effects) differences favoured the AC+H group. CONCLUSION: The data presented here indicate that the provision to patients with knee OA of viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20 within an appropriate care treatment regimen provides benefits in the knee, overall health and health related quality of life at reduced levels of co-therapy and systemic adverse reactions.

A prospective, randomized, pragmatic, health outcomes trial evaluating the incorporation of hylan G-F 20 into the treatment paradigm for patients with knee osteoarthritis (Part 2 of 2): economic results.

OBJECTIVE: Viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20 has recently become registered for treatment of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in most parts of the world. The cost effectiveness and cost utility of this new therapeutic modality were determined as part of a Canadian prospective, randomized, 1-year, open-label, multicentered trial. DESIGN: A total of 255 patients were randomized to 'Appropriate care with hylan G-F 20' (AC+H) or 'Appropriate care without hylan G-F 20' (AC). Costs (1999 Canadian dollars) were collected from the societal viewpoint and included all costs related to OA of the knee and OA in all joints. Patients completed a number of outcomes questionnaires including the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3). Data were collected at clinic visits (baseline, 12 months) and by telephone (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 months). RESULTS: The AC+H group over the year had higher costs ($2125-$1415=$710, P< 0.05), more patients improved (69%-40%=29%,P =0.0001), greater increases in HUI3 (0.13-0.03=0.10, P< 0.0001) and increased quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) (0.071, P< 0.05). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $2505/patient improved. The incremental cost-utility ratio was $10000/QALY gained. Sensitivity analyses and a second cost perspective gave similar results. CONCLUSION: The cost-utility ratio is below the suggested Canadian adoption threshold. The results provide strong evidence for adoption of treatment with hylan G-F 20 in the patients and settings studied in the trial.

Randomised, blinded, placebo controlled trial of doxycycline for chronic seronegative arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether long term doxycycline improves symptoms in patients with chronic seronegative or reactive arthritis. METHODS: A randomised, triple blind, controlled clinical trial of three months' treatment with doxycycline or placebo of patients with chronic reactive or seronegative arthritis was conducted. The primary study end points were three month pain and functional status measured by a self administered Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales version 2 (AIMS2) quality of life questionnaire. Secondary end points were pain and functional status at 6-12 months, three month rheumatologist assessed joint count, pain, and arthritis activity, and treatment efficacy in those with previous exposure to chlamydia. RESULTS: Of 60 patients randomly allocated to receive doxycycline or placebo, results from 37 were evaluable at three months. Groups were well balanced for major prognostic variables. Doxycycline had no detectable effect at three months on pain change scores (mean difference 1.5, 95% CI -1.2 to 4.2, p=0.25) or composite functional change scores (mean difference 0.8, 95% CI -5.6 to 7.1, p=0.81). Furthermore, there were no differences in secondary study end points, and no apparent treatment effect in patients with previous chlamydia infection. CONCLUSION: Three months' treatment with doxycycline did not improve pain or functional status in patients with chronic reactive or seronegative arthritis.