Distribution of fractured bones among children: Experience with the Comprehensive Pediatric AO classification in a children's orthopedic hospital in Bogotá-Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures in children and adolescents are a public health issue. However, reliable epidemiological descriptions of the South American population must be improved. This study aims to present epidemiological data on fractures from a children's orthopedic hospital in one of the five largest cities in Latin America. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive epidemiological data from 2015 to 2019 were used to characterize children's fractures. Demographic variables, the number of fractured bones, high-energy trauma findings, fracture characteristics, fingertip injuries, and associated complications discriminated by the type of treatment are presented. Long bone fractures were classified according to the AO classification. All children less than 18 years of age were included. RESULTS: In a population of 3,616 children, 4,596 fractures were identified. More boys than girls sustain a fractured bone, with ratios as high as 6:1 around 15 years old. Distal forearm fractures were the most common (31.9%), followed by distal humerus (20.2%). Most of the complications were related to these two sites of fractures. The OR of complications between surgical and conservative management was 2.86. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological data of fractures from the authors' institution display the usual trending reported in most populations. Gender-related and age-related differences were relevant. Most fractures and complications are related to upper limb low-energy trauma. The most frequent are loss of ROM and loss of reduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III - retrospective cohort study.

Long-term Evaluation of Dentin Bonding Properties of the Photoinitiator System Contained in Universal Adhesives Used in Fiber-Post Luting Procedures.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the long-term push-out bond strength (PBS) and nanoleakage (NL) of universal adhesives with different photo-initiator systems in the root canals of teeth in which fiber posts were luted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred twenty endodontically treated human premolars were randomly divided into 12 groups based on the following factors: adhesives (Scotchbond Universal [SBU], Ambar Universal [AMB], and Ambar Universal APS [AMB-APS]); adhesive strategy (etch-and-rinse and self-etch), and time of testing (immediately vs after 2 years). The posts were cemented, sectioned into slices, tested for PBS at 0.5 mm/min, and examined for NL using scanning electron microscopy immediately thereafter or after 2 years of water storage. Data were evaluated using a four-way ANOVA (root thirds vs time vs universal adhesive vs adhesive strategies) and Tukey's test (α = 5%). RESULTS: For both evaluation times, AMB-APS demonstrated no significant difference in the PBS or NL when different radicular thirds were compared (p > 0.05). However, for SBU and AMB, the cervical third demonstrated higher PBS and lower NL than those of the apical third at both time points (p < 0.0001). AMB-APS exhibited higher PBS and lower NL in the apical third in comparison with SBU and AMB (p < 0.0001). SBU and AMB displayed a significant decrease in the PBS and increased NL after 2 years (p < 0.0001), whereas AMB-APS demonstrated no significant signs of degradation even after 2 years of water storage (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Independent of the root third evaluated, the universal adhesive containing APS photo-initiator system demonstrated bonding stability at the adhesive interface between the root canal and fiber posts, even after 2 years of water storage.

Effect of irradiance and exposure time on the adhesive properties of universal adhesives after 2 years of storage.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effects of exposure time and irradiance on the dentin bonding properties (microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and nanoleakage (NL)) of the Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (CUQ) adhesive and Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (SBU) immediately and after 2 years of water storage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hence, 128 human molars were randomly assigned to 16 groups based on adhesive strategy, irradiance/exposure times, and storage time for each universal adhesive tested. The adhesives were applied using the etch-and-rinse and self-etch strategies and were light-cured using four different irradiance/exposure times: 1400 mW/cm2 for 5 s (1400 × 5), 1400 mW/cm2 for 10 s (1400 × 10), 3200 mW/cm2 for 5 s (3200 × 5), and 3200 mW/cm2 for 10 s (3200 × 10). Then, each sample was restored and sectioned into a resin-dentin bonded stick to be tested for µTBS and NL (immediately and after 2 years of water storage). The mean µTBS and NL of all resin-dentin bonded sticks from the same hemi-tooth (factor time) were statistically analyzed using a three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (a = 0.05). RESULTS: Despite a significant decrease in the µTBS values for all groups after 2 years of water storage, the 3200 × 5 group showed higher µTBS values, whereas the 3200 × 10 group showed lower µTBS values for both universal adhesives tested. Although a significant increase in the NL values was observed for all groups after 2 years of water storage, the 3200 × 10 group showed higher NL values than the other groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that light-curing the adhesive layer with 14-16 J/cm2 led to an improvement in the stability of the resin-dentin adhesive interface. A longer exposure time (10 s) coupled with a higher irradiance (3200 mW/cm2) resulted in a greater degree of degradation of the adhesive interface. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: To guarantee better stability of the adhesive interface, clinicians could be preferred a light-cured universal adhesive layer with 14-16 J/cm2. Higher irradiances should be avoided.

Terminal nerve entry points' locations to muscles of the thigh for selective peripheral neurectomy in the adult population: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: Spasticity is the result of a variety of lesions to the central nervous system and one of the most common causes of disability worldwide. Selective peripheral neurectomy (SPN) is a surgical procedure that permanently decreases focal spasticity. The authors' objective is to provide recommendations, in terms of probabilities, for locating terminal motor entry points to muscles of the thigh, as alternatives for proximal incision sites to SPN. METHODS: The femoral, obturator, and sciatic nerves, and its corresponding motor rami, were systematically dissected on cadaveric specimens, and terminal motor entry points to each muscle of the thigh were located and carefully measured, relative to the length of the thigh. Measurement distributions were obtained and normal transformations were used when necessary. RESULTS: In 23 adult cadaveric specimens, 779 motor rami were dissected. Entry points' locations are presented as a percentage of the length of the thigh in means and standard deviations, which roughly corresponds to 64 and 95% probability of finding a motor entry point. CONCLUSION: Alternative incisions directly over the motor entry points, for the muscles of the thigh, may be helpful when considering SPN as treatment for focal spasticity. A prior degree of certainty of the location of the nerve to be severed may simplify surgical approach.

Casting Without Reduction Versus Closed Reduction With or Without Fixation in the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures in Children: Protocol for a Randomized Noninferiority Trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute treatment for distal radius fractures, the most frequent fractures in the pediatric population, represents a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. Deciding on surgical restoration of the alignment or cast immobilization without reducing the fracture is a complex concern given the remodeling potential of bones in children. In addition, the lack of evidence-based safe boundaries of shortening and angulation, that will not jeopardize upper-extremity functionality in the future, further complicates this decision. OBJECTIVE: The authors aim to measure functional outcomes, assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Physical Function v2.0 instrument. The authors hypothesize that outcomes will not be worse in children treated with cast immobilization in situ compared with those treated with closed reduction with or without percutaneous fixation. The authors also aim to compare the following as secondary outcomes: ulnar variance and fracture alignment in the sagittal and coronal planes, range of motion, pressure ulcers, pain control, radius osteotomy due to deformity, pseudoarthrosis cure, and remanipulation. METHODS: This is the protocol of a randomized noninferiority trial comparing upper-extremity functionality in children aged 5 to 10 years, after sustaining a distal radius fracture, treated with either cast immobilization in situ or closed reduction with or without fixation in a single orthopedic hospital. Functional follow-up is projected at 6 months, while clinical and radiographic follow-up will occur at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 9 months. RESULTS: Recruitment commenced in July 2021. As of January 2022, 23 children have been randomized. Authors expect an average of 5 patients to be recruited monthly; therefore, recruitment and analysis should be complete by October 2024. CONCLUSIONS: This experimental design that addresses upper-extremity functionality after cast immobilization in situ in children who have sustained a distal fracture of the radius may yield compelling information that could aid the clinician in deciding on the most suitable orthopedic treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05008029; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05008029. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/34576.

How the translucency of direct anatomic fiber posts affects the bond strength and microhardness of a self-adhesive luting agent in flared roots.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of the composite resin translucency used in direct anatomic fiber posts on the bond strength (BS) and microhardness (VHN) of a luting agent into flared roots. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The root canals of 70 single-rooted premolars were endodontically treated and prepared to simulate an oversized root canal. Prior to post cementation, composite resins with varying translucency (high translucent, HT; medium translucent, MT; high opacity, HO) were placed around the fiber posts to create anatomic fiber posts. The attenuation profile (%) of light passing either through the post or through the anatomic posts (n = 8) was obtained prior to the cementing procedures. A positive control group (PC) in which a prefabricated fiber post (PFP) with the diameter compatible with the root canal was cemented and a poorly adapted fiber post (negative control group, NC) were also evaluated. For both tests, the data were subjected to 2-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: A more severe light attenuation through the post at the cervical (P < .001) and medium (P < 0.001) thirds was noted when less translucent composite resin surrounded the anatomic post. HO groups showed lower BS (P = .009) and VHN (P < .001) values than the other groups, regardless of root third. No significant difference in BS values was noted between PC and HT groups. CONCLUSION: The use of a more translucent composite resin in anatomic fiber posts increased the microhardness and bond strength of a dual polymerization self-adhesive RLA compared to the use of MT and HO composite. A well-adapted PFP showed the highest adhesive and mechanical behavior. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians should choose more translucent composite resins to create direct anatomic fiber posts to be cemented in flared root canals. That choice may allow improved mechanical properties of self-adhesive RLA and higher bond strength to the root canal as a consequence.

Effects of microabrasion association to at-home bleaching on hydrogen peroxide penetration and color change.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to quantify the penetration of hydrogen peroxide (HP) inside the pulp cavity and color change with two different concentrations of HP to at-home bleaching associated or not with enamel microabrasion (MA). METHODS: Forty healthy premolars were randomly divided in four groups (n = 10): only HP4%, MA + HP4%, only HP10%, MA + HP10%. The concentration (µg/ml) of HP was assessed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The color change (ΔEab , ΔE00 and WID ) was evaluated before and one-week after bleaching. Data were evaluated for a two-way ANOVA and the Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The application of MA increased the amounts of HP inside the pulp chamber when compared to without MA, as well as PH10% when compared to PH4% (p < 0.0001). PH10% showed higher WID when compared to PH4%. No significant difference was observed when ΔEab , and ΔE00 were used. CONCLUSIONS: The enamel MA before at-home bleaching promotes greater penetration of HP, although this procedure did not significantly affect the color change. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Since greater penetration of HP into the pulp chamber was detected when home bleaching was applied immediately after MA, the clinician should not apply home bleaching gels in the same session when MA was performed.

Is the use of a potassium nitrate dentifrice effective in reducing tooth sensitivity related to in-office bleaching? A randomized triple-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to evaluate whether the use of a dentifrice containing 5% potassium nitrate (KNO3 ) prior to and during in-office dental bleaching reduces bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity and affects bleaching efficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight individuals were randomly distributed into two groups (n = 19). The experimental group performed toothbrushing using a dentifrice containing 5% KNO3 , one week before treatment and before the first and second bleaching sessions. In the control group, a placebo dentifrice without KNO3 was applied as described for the first group. Tooth sensitivity was recorded on visual analog scales (VAS) and numeric rating scales (NRS) immediately and up to 48 h after bleaching sessions. Color change at different time intervals, was evaluated with shade guide units (∆SGU) and a digital spectrophotometer (∆E CIELab 1976 and CIEDE2000) at baseline and 7, 15, and 30 days post-bleaching. Mann-Whitney test and t-test were used to evaluate TS intensity for NRS and VAS scales, respectively, and T-test was used for color difference evaluation. RESULTS: No significant difference in tooth sensitivity's absolute risk and intensity were observed between tested groups in any evaluated treatment time for NRS (p = 0.91) or VAS scales (p = 0.48). T-test showed no significant difference in both ∆E and ∆SGU tooth color among the experimental and control groups during the different evaluation times (p = 0.27). CONCLUSION: The use of a dentifrice containing 5% KNO3 does not prevent post-operatory tooth sensitivity but allows the same whitening efficiency as a regular dentifrice. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of a dentifrice-containing KNO3 did not prevent bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity when high-concentrated hydrogen peroxide was used for in-office bleaching.

Measurement properties of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire in subjects with neurophysiological confirmation of carpal tunnel syndrome: a Rasch analysis perspective.

PURPOSE: To perform a comprehensive psychometric analysis of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) by means of factor and Rasch analyses in subjects with neurophysiologic confirmation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Relationship between clinical severity assessed with the log-linear version of the BCTQ and neurophysiologic severity assessed with nerve conduction studies was further examined. METHODS: Five hundred and twenty-eight individuals completed the questionnaire. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were used to determine the latent structure of the BCTQ. Through Rasch methodology, a log-linear version was proposed given the latent structure of the questionnaire. Linear relationship between the proposed questionnaire and neurophysiologic findings was established. RESULTS: The BCTQ underlying structure comprises, at least, three factors that may be represented by Functionality, Paresthesia and Pain domains. Two log-linear subscales may be proposed: subscale 1 comprised of the Functionality factor and subscale 2 which incorporates the Paresthesia and Pain factors under a bifactor solution. Neurophysiologic and clinical severity classification system displays a very weak linear correlation. CONCLUSION: A log-linear version of the BCTQ, useful as an outcome tool in clinical and trial settings, is proposed. Neurophysiological data lack the ability to resemble changes in clinical status of individuals with CTS.

Effects of Dentine Pretreatment Solutions Containing Flavonoids on the Resin Polymer-Dentine Interface Created Using a Modern Universal Adhesive.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of several experimental pretreatment crosslinker solutions on the resin polymer-dentine interface created using a representative universal adhesive system, by means of microtensile bond strength testing (µTBS), nanomechanical properties and ultramorphology confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Five experimental solutions containing different flavonoids were applied as dentine pretreatment after acid etching. A control pretreatment group containing no flavonoid was also employed. A representative modern universal adhesive was then applied, followed by a 3 mm thick composite built up. Specimens were sectioned into sticks and submitted to a µTBS test or nanoindentation analysis along the interface (24 h or 25,000 thermocycles). The ultramorphology of the polymer-resin interface was also evaluated using CLSM. The results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test (α = 0.05). All flavonoids improved short- and long-term µTBS values (p < 0.01), while only some specific such solutions improved the nanomechanical properties (p < 0.05) and preserved the structural morphology of the interface after aging. Pretreatment of acid-etched dentine using specific flavonoid-containing solutions may be a promising approach to improve both the nanomechanical properties and the durability of modern universal adhesive systems.

Kinetics of polymerization shrinkage of self-adhesive and conventional dual-polymerized resin luting agents inside the root canal.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Information regarding the shrinkage kinetics and monomer conversion of dual-polymerized conventional and self-adhesive resin luting agents (RLA) in situ is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the shrinkage strain and ratio of 1 conventional and 1 self-adhesive RLA by using fiber optic sensors based on Bragg gratings and Vickers hardness in the root canal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The root canals of 34 single-rooted premolars were endodontically treated and assigned to 2 groups according to the RLA: RelyX ARC (ARC) and RelyX U200 (U200). Two Bragg grating sensors were attached to fiber posts (n=10), and both post and RLA were placed inside the root canal so that shrinkage strain and ratio values could be measured at the cervical and apical root thirds. For hardness analysis (n=7), two 1-mm-thick slices of each root-third (cervical and apical) were obtained, and 4 indentations were made on the RLA layer. The shrinkage strain and rate, as well as hardness data, were evaluated by using 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test when a significant interaction between factors was detected (α=.05). RESULTS: The shrinkage strain and rate values of both RLAs were higher at the cervical third than those at the apical third. ARC showed higher shrinkage strain than U200 at the cervical third. The highest hardness values were observed at the cervical third, while ARC showed the lowest hardness values at the apical third. CONCLUSIONS: The shrinkage kinetics profile and hardness of self-adhesive RLA may differ from those of conventional RLA depending on the root third.

Optimizing the composite resin stratification technique with prefabricated templates: a case report.

Direct freehand veneers with composite resin (CR) require high clinician ability and a long chair time. Although CR restorations remain the most-used technique for meeting high esthetic demands, and new technologies mean that materials are nowadays more similar to tooth structure, layering techniques for natural results are still considered difficult to achieve. Through advances in adhesive dentistry, systems of prefabricated veneers using conventional techniques have been launched onto the market as an option for the clinician. This case report presents complete step-by-step descriptions of two techniques using prefabricated templates for directly built-up veneers. Both maxillary lateral incisors were simultaneously reconstructed with direct CR veneers with different layering techniques to achieve esthetic results in a shorter chair time. Simple stratification techniques using prefabricated templates may allow clinicians to optimize both time and clinical outcome while obtaining predictable results.

Reliability of home-based, motor function measure in hereditary neuromuscular diseases.

Objective To evaluate the reliability of the motor function measure (MFM) scale in the assessment of disease severity and progression when administered at home and clinic and assess its correlation with the Paediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). Methods In this prospective study, two assessors rated children with hereditary neuromuscular diseases (HNMDs) using the MFM at the clinic and then 2 weeks later at the patients' home. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for the reliability of the MFM and its domains. The reliability of each item was assessed and the correlation between MFM and three domains of PODCI was evaluated. Results A total of 48 children (5-17 years of age) were assessed in both locations and the MFM scale demonstrated excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC, 0.98). Weighted kappa ranged from excellent to poor. Correlation of the home-based MFM with the PODCI domain 'basic mobility and transfers' was excellent, with the 'upper extremity' domain was moderate, but there was no correlation with the 'happiness' domain. Conclusion The MFM is a reliable tool for assessing patients with HNMD when used in a home-based setting.

An in situ evaluation of the polymerization shrinkage, degree of conversion, and bond strength of resin cements used for luting fiber posts.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The behavior and magnitude of the deformations that occur during polymerization and the behavior of the luting agents of glass fiber posts inside the root canal require quantification. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the in situ polymerization shrinkage, degree of conversion, and bond strength inside the root canal of resin cements used to lute fiber posts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty maxillary canines were prepared to lute fiber posts. The teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=15) according to the cementation system used, which included ARC, the conventional dual-polymerized resin cement RelyX ARC, and the U200 system, a self-adhesive resin cement, RelyX U200. Two fiber optic sensors with recorded Bragg gratings (FBG) were attached to each post before inserting the resin cement inside the root canal to measure the polymerization shrinkage (PS) of the cements in the cervical and apical root regions (µÎµ). Specimens were sectioned (into cervical and apical regions) to evaluate bond strength (BS) with a push-out test and degree of conversion (DC) with micro-Raman spectroscopy. Data were statistically analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc test (α=.05). RESULTS: The ARC and U200 system showed similar PS values (-276.4 ±129.2 µÎµ and -252.1 ±119.2 µÎµ, respectively). DC values from ARC were higher (87.5 ±2.7%) than those of U200 (55.9 ±9.7%). The cervical region showed higher DC values (74.8 ±15.2%) and PS values (-381.6 ±53.0 µÎµ) than those of the apical region (68.5 ±20.1% and -146.9 ±43.5 µÎµ, respectively) for both of the resin cements. BS was only statistically different between the cervical and apical regions for ARC (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The ARC system showed the highest PS and DC values compared with U200; and for both of the resin cements, the PS and DC values were higher at the cervical region than at the apical region of the canal root. BS was higher in the cervical region only for ARC.

[Validating and standardizing children's box and block test normal values]. / Validación y estandarización de valores normales de la prueba de caja y cubos en niños.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating gross motor skills forms part of a child's functional examination. The box and block test is a simple, useful method for evaluating upper limb functionality. This study was aimed at validating and standardising the test's normal values in 6 to 11 year-old Colombian children. METHODS: The test was used on 411 children from two schools in Bogotá catering for children different socioeconomic classes. A questionnaire directed towards parents and teachers was used for evaluating the children's performance on every-day life and school-related activities for validating the construct; correlation with the test was established. RESULTS: Data related to 386 children (55.4% male) was analysed; 67.9% of these children were attending a public school and 90.2% had right dominance. Average test score with the right hand was 60.9 and 57.8 with the left hand. DISCUSSION: Girls' average test scores were significantly higher. A table was constructed from (and showing) the average values, standard deviation and range of normality. A positive correlation was found regarding test result with age and every-day life activities and the teachers' appreciation of children's scholastic abilities. The test was reliable, having 0.84 intraclass correlation for the right hand and 0.83 for the left hand.

Changes in electromyographic results of patients with lumbar radiculopathy: a follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the neurophysiologic changes in a group of patients with lumbar radiculopathy 5 to 12 months after their first electromyographic examination. DESIGN: A prospective group of patients with a case definition of lumbar radiculopathy was reassessed between 5 and 12 months after their first clinical, functional, imaging, and neurophysiologic evaluation. Both the lumbar paraspinals (in which the mini-mapping technique was used) and the same lower limb muscles were explored in every patient. Relevant abnormalities were (1) positive sharp waves/fibrillation potentials, (2) polyphasic motor unit potentials, and (3) large-amplitude/long-duration motor unit potentials. Patients were sorted into 5 groups based on the type and distribution of neurophysiologic abnormalities: from 0 (no abnormalities) to 4 (denervation signs in 2 lower limb muscles and paraspinals). Patients' subjective perception of any improvement or worsening of their condition was also recorded. SETTING: A referral center for neurophysiologic evaluation. PARTICIPANTS: A consecutive sample of patients (N=91) with a clinical definition of lumbar radiculopathy (lumbar pain radiating down the leg and below the knee) referred for neurophysiologic assessment was selected for an initial clinical, functional, and neurophysiologic evaluation. Patients were called for a second evaluation (between 5 and 12mo). Thirty-eight (42% of the initial sample) were willing/eligible for the second evaluation. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in (1) electromyographic results; (2) patients' subjective perception of pain; and (3) quality of life, based on the Roland-Morris Questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores. RESULTS: Paraspinal muscles were most frequently affected. Neurophysiologic abnormalities had improved on reassessment. Clinical improvement was more significant for those patients with initially abnormal electromyographic results. CONCLUSIONS: There was clinical as well as electromyographic improvement in patients with lumbar radiculopathy within the first year of the initial diagnosis.

Validación y estandarización de valores normales de la prueba de caja y cubos en niños / Validating and standardizing children's box and block test normal values

Objetivo La evaluación de las destrezas motoras gruesas forma parte del examen funcional del niño. La prueba de caja y cubos es un método sencillo y útil en la valoración de la funcionalidad del miembro superior. El objetivo del estudio fue validar y estandarizar los valores normales de la prueba en niños de 6 a 11 años. Métodos Se aplicó la prueba a 411 niños de dos colegios de diferentes clases socioeconómicas en Bogotá. Para la validación de constructo se utilizó un cuestionario dirigido a padres y profesores evaluando el desempeño en actividades de la vida diaria y actividades escolares relacionadas y se estableció la correlación con la prueba. Resultados En total se analizaron los datos de 386 niños (55.4% de género masculino), de los cuales 67.9 % pertenecían a colegio público. 90.2% tenían dominancia derecha. La puntuación promedio de la prueba con la mano derecha fue 60.9 y con la mano izquierda 57.8. Discusión Los valores de las puntuaciones promedio de las niñas fueron significativamente más altos. Se construyó una tabla con los valores promedio, desviación estándar y rango de normalidad. Se encontró una correlación positiva del resultado de la prueba con la edad y con las actividades de la vida diaria y la apreciación de las habilidades escolares del niño por parte del profesor. La prueba fue confiable con una correlación intraclase de 0.84 y 0.83 para la mano derecha e izquierda, respectivamente.

Objective Evaluating gross motor skills forms part of a child's functional examination. The box and block test is a simple, useful method for evaluating upper limb functionality. This study was aimed at validating and standardising the test's normal values in 6 to 11 year-old Colombian children. Methods The test was used on 411 children from two schools in Bogotá catering for children different socioeconomic classes. A questionnaire directed towards parents and teachers was used for evaluating the children's performance on every-day life and school-related activities for validating the construct; correlation with the test was established. Results Data related to 386 children (55.4% male) was analysed; 67.9% of these children were attending a public school and 90.2% had right dominance. Average test score with the right hand was 60.9 and 57.8 with the left hand. Discussion Girls' average test scores were significantly higher. A table was constructed from (and showing) the average values, standard deviation and range of normality. A positive correlation was found regarding test result with age and every-day life activities and the teachers' appreciation of children's scholastic abilities. The test was reliable, having 0.84 intraclass correlation for the right hand and 0.83 for the left hand.

Factor analysis of carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire in relation to nerve conduction studies.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) structure and its relation to nerve conduction studies (NCS). METHODS: A total of 403 patients with clinical and/or electrophysiological definition of CTS were evaluated with the instrument. The structure of the questionnaire was assessed by means of factor analysis. Factors obtained were compared with NCS. RESULTS: Factor analysis showed that three factors represented nearly 60% of the variance of the instrument. Factor one is related to all the function domain questions and to the weakness and difficulty in grasping questions of the symptom domain; factor two to questions that assess numbness and tingling, and to the pain-awakening question of the symptom domain; and factor three, to pain questions of the symptom domain. Factor two had a stronger correlation with latencies of NCS and with the neurophysiological scale than the other two factors. CONCLUSIONS: BCTQ assesses function and symptoms in patients with CTS by means of questions related to numbness and tingling sensation, pain and functional status. Questions related to numbness and tingling (factor two) better reflected the pathophysiology of the median nerve. SIGNIFICANCE: Factor-2 sensory-related questions of BCTQ may be more useful in diagnosis, follow-up and assessing therapeutic outcome in CTS.