Benign Vascular Malformation at the Ischial Tuberosity.

A 31-year-old female student was referred to physical therapy with a chief complaint of proximal, posterior left thigh pain that began insidiously 12 months prior, and progressively worsened while training for a half-marathon. A mobile, soft mass was identified just inferior to the ischial tuberosity that was tender and painful to palpation, recreating the patient's chief complaint. Radiographic findings were negative for a suspected avulsion fracture at the ischial tuberosity. Therefore, the physician performed musculoskeletal ultrasonography, which revealed a superficial hypoechoic mass with vascular flow. Magnetic resonance imaging and a subsequent biopsy led to the diagnosis of a benign vascular malformation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(7):607. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0410.

Challenging pain syndromes: Parsonage-Turner syndrome.

Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) is a rare disorder typically characterized by an abrupt onset of upper extremity pain followed by progressive neurologic deficits, including weakness, atrophy, and occasionally sensory abnormalities. The exact cause and pathophysiology of PTS are complex and incompletely understood. Autoimmune, genetic, infectious, and mechanical processes have all been implicated. No specific treatments have been proven to reduce neurologic impairment or improve the prognosis of PTS. Most patients with PTS are treated with a multidisciplinary approach that includes both physical therapy and pharmacologic treatment, often with multiple agents. Further research is needed.

Posterior interosseous neuropathy: electrodiagnostic evaluation.

Electrodiagnostic studies are used to anatomically localize nerve injuries. These tests help differentiate between cervical radiculopathies, brachial plexopathies, and peripheral nerve injuries. They also help to identify or rule out other underlying neurological diseases and disorders. In this case report, a 22-year-old male swimmer presented with left finger extensor weakness following pull-up exercises. Left wrist extension remained intact. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed a severe but incomplete posterior interosseous neuropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed inflammation of the nerve in the forearm. Posterior interosseous neuropathy is an uncommon but well-studied condition. Typically, this condition presents with weakness in finger and thumb extension with preserved wrist extension as the extensor carpi radialis longus is innervated proximal to the site of nerve compression in most cases. It is important to understand the anatomic course and distribution of the radial nerve in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Once the anatomy is understood, electrodiagnostic testing may be used to identify the location of nerve injury and exclude other disorders.