RESUMEN
Objectives: This study aims to investigate cross-sectional area of the amputated-limb rectus femoris compared to the intact-limb and controls and to determine its correlation with functional strength and walking tests in prosthesis users with transtibial amputation. Patients and methods: Between October 2018 and April 2019, a total of 14 prosthesis users (12 males, 2 females; mean age: 47.1±16.2 years; range, 26 to 73 years) who met the inclusion criteria, and 14 age-, sex-, and dominancy-matched able-bodied controls (12 males, 2 females; mean age: 47.1±16.2 years; range, 26 to 73 years) were included in this case-control study. Cross-sectional area of rectus femoris (CSA-RF) was evaluated bilaterally by two independent examiners. Knee extension strength was measured bilaterally by using a handheld dynamometer. Functional strength and walking were assessed by Step-Up-Over and Walk-Across tests of the NeuroCom Balance Master® device. Results: The CSA-RF was found to be reduced in amputated-limb compared to the intact-limb and able-bodied controls (p<0.01). In the prosthesis users, the cross-sectional area difference between both limbs rectus femoris muscles was shown to be correlated with actual and functional knee extension strength, step length, and walking speed (p<0.05). Intra- and inter-observer reliability of CSA-RF on both sides were found to be good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.856-0.936). Conclusion: Ultrasonographic measurement of CSA-RF is a valid and reliable tool to assess the functional strength and walking in the prosthesis users with unilateral transtibial amputation.
RESUMEN
Objective: The Modified Ashworth Scale, the Modified Tardieu Scale, and measuring the passive range of motion is commonly preferred examination tools for spasticity in cerebral palsy (CP). Ultrasonography has become increasingly used to provide relevant insight into spastic muscle morphology and structure recently. It was aimed to reveal associations between the clinical and ultrasonographic parameters of gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and lateralis muscles in this population. Methods: Thirty-four children with spastic CP aged between 4 and 12 years who did not have botulinum neurotoxin A intervention within 6 months or had no previous history of any orthopedic or neurological surgery were included. The spasticity of GM and lateralis was evaluated firstly by the Modified Ashworth Scale, Modified Tardieu Scale, and ankle passive range of motion. Then, the cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT), qualitative and quantitative echo intensity (EI) values of both muscles were measured from their ultrasonographic images. Results: The CSA of GM, and qualitative EI of both muscles were found to be mild-to-moderately correlated to all clinical examination tools (p<0.01), whereas the CSA of gastrocnemius lateralis was mildly related to Modified Ashworth Scale (p=0.009). The MT and quantitative EI of both muscles were not associated with any of the clinical tools (p>0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasonographic measurements of GM and lateralis partially reflect ankle spasticity in children with CP. Ultrasonography can be used as an alternative tool in this patient population where the clinical evaluation can not perform ideally.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Jumping stump is an uncommon movement disorder characterized by involuntary movements and severe neuropathic pain in the stump. The pathophysiology and etiology of this phenomenon have not yet been clearly elucidated, and unfortunately, no proven treatment with successful recovery exists. This report aims to describe a severe painful jumping stump, possibly due to neuromas, in a traumatic transradial amputee. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We performed ultrasound examination of the painful stump depicted neuroma. Electromyographic evaluation of the stump revealed arrhythmic motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) with normal duration and amplitude; other movement disorders, such as myokymia and fasciculations, were excluded. Ultrasound should be preferred to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluation of stumps in patients with painful stump because MRI may not be helpful due to motion artefacts. The involuntary movements ceased after surgical excision of the neuroma following failure of conservative treatments. CONCLUSION: This report confirms that neuromas are clearly associated with jumping stump. Ultrasonographic and electromyographic assessments are necessary to reveal the features of this pathology for treatment planning.
