Different doses of hyaluronic acid injections in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A multicenter, randomized, prospective, single-blind, clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Many formulations and dosing regimens are available for hyaluronic acid (HA). OBJECTIVE: To compare different doses of linear, high-molecular weight (HMW) HA injections among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Hundred patients were included in this randomized, single-blinded trial and randomly divided into three HA injection groups. The first group received five weekly 20 mg HA injections, the second group received three weekly 32 mg HA injections, and the third group received a single 48 mg HA injection. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after the last injection for pain, stiffness, and function using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire. Quality of life, patient's global assessment, and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test scores were also evaluated. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in the WOMAC, VAS-pain, quality of life, patient's global assessment, and TUG test mean scores at all follow-up time points (p< 0.001). However, the groups showed no significant differences in WOMAC, VAS-activity pain, and patient global scores at any follow-up point. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular injections of different doses of linear HMW HA can improve pain, stiffness, function, and quality of life in patients suffering from knee OA over a six-month period.

Skin depigmentation and subcutaneous fat atrophy after crorticosteroid injection for lateral epicondylitis in two elbow.

Lateral epicondylitis is the most common elbow problem in adults. Corticosteroid injection for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis is a frequently used method of conservative management. A 43-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with a 6-month history of pain along the lateral side of her right and left elbow. She had been treated with 20 mg Triamsinolon heksasetonit to the right and left elbow for lateral epicondylitis with the resistance of pain After 3 weeks of the injection, the pain was completely relieved. The patient was able to move easily her elbow within normal limit. Examination also revealed depigmentation of the skin and atrophy of subcutaneous fat over the lateral epicondyle of both elbows. In the treatment of lateral epicondylitis, corticosteroid injection can be used for alternative conservative treatment. Depigmentation or subcutaneous tissue atrophy may occur inappropriate technique or excessive cortisone dose.

Effect of robotic-assisted gait training on functional status, walking and quality of life in complete spinal cord injury.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) on functional status and the quality of life in patients with subacute complete spinal cord injury (SCI). Thirty-seven patients with complete SCI were included in this study. All patients underwent conventional rehabilitation 5 days a week for 8 weeks. The patients were divided into two groups: those who received RAGT (group I, n = 17) and those who received only conventional rehabilitation (group II, n = 20) for 30 min twice a week for a total of 8 weeks. Evaluations were performed using the Walking Index SCI II (WISCI II) for ambulation, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for functional status and Short Form 36 (SF-36) for the quality of life at the beginning and end of rehabilitation. The mean duration of injury was 3.5 ± 2.1 months in group I and 3.8 ± 2.6 months in group II (P > 0.05). Significant improvement was observed in both groups as per WISCI II and FIM scores (P < 0.05). However, no significant inter-group difference was noted in pre- and post-treatment FIM and WISCI II change scores (P > 0.05). In groups I and II, there was significant improvement only in physical activity scores of SF-36 compared with baseline scores (P < 0.05); however, other SF-36 subparameter scores did not differ significantly between pre- and post-treatment (P > 0.05). Treatment with RAGT has positive effects on functional independence, ambulation and the quality of life in patients with subacute complete SCI. RAGT combined with conventional therapy in patients with complete SCI may facilitate the improvement of patient condition more than conventional therapy alone.

Effectiveness of Combined Complex Decongestive Therapy and Resistance Exercises in the Treatment of Lymphedema Associated with Breast Cancer and the Effect of Pain on Treatment Response.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) accompanied by resistance exercises on extremity circumference, lymphedema volume, grip strength, functional status, and quality of life in the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) in patients with and without pain. Methods and Results: Fifty patients with unilateral BCRL were divided into groups: with pain (Group 1, n = 25) and without pain (Group 2, n = 25). Thirty minutes of manual lymphatic drainage and multilayered short-stretch bandaging were applied to all patients five times a week for 4 weeks. In addition, all patients were informed about skin care and given a supervised resistance exercise program throughout the treatment. During the 1-month follow-up period, patients were asked to use low-tension elastic garments and to continue their home exercise program. Differences in upper extremity circumference and volume; grip strength; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast scores were evaluated at baseline, after treatment (week 4), and at 1-month follow-up. Moreover, the pain intensity of patients in Group 1 was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Patients in both Group 1 and Group 2 showed a statistical improvement in all outcome measures after treatment and at follow-up (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was observed between the groups (p > 0.05). In Group 1, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the VAS score both at the end of treatment (-1.7 ± 0.9) and at 1-month follow-up (-3.5 ± 1.2) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Combined CDT and resistance exercises appear to be effective in BCRL patients both with and without pain.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma on the clinical outcomes and cartilage thickness in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The interest in biological treatments that have the potential to modify cartilage biology has gradually increased in recent years. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (IA-PRP) injections on the femoral cartilage thickness, pain, functional status, and quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A total of 71 patients (109 knees) with knee osteoarthritis who were administered IA-PRP injections twice with two-week intervals were included in this study. The resting and activity pain values measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, the Lequesne index scores, and the quality of life scores measured using Short Form-36 (SF-36) were recorded before treatment and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. The femoral cartilage thickness was measured via ultrasonography before treatment, and at 3-month and 6-month follow ups. Obtained results were analyzed by the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 47.4 ± 10.4 years old. The resting and activity pain scores were significantly decreased at 1-month, 3-month and 6-month follow ups when compared to the pre-injection values (p< 0.05). Significant reductions were found in the Lequesne index and WOMAC pain, stiffness, and function scores at 1, 3, and 6 months (p< 0.05), while a significant increase was detected in the third month scores when compared to the first month. Significant improvements were determined in the physical functioning, physical role, pain, general health, and emotional role sub-scores during the 6-month period (p< 0.05). However, there was no significant difference with regard to the cartilage thickness at the follow ups (p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicated that the IA-PRP injections improved the pain, stiffness, physical functioning, and quality of life of knee osteoarthritis patients; however, they did not seem to affect the cartilage thickness during the 6-month follow up period.

A rare and late presentation of pudendal neuralgia in a patient with fibromyalgia after pilates exercises.

A 32-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic about two years ago with complaints of widespread pain, tiredness, fatigue, and insomnia for six months. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and initiated medical treatment with the recommendation of aerobic exercises. Her medical history revealed widespread pain disappeared one month after exercising with localized pelvic pain. She had also pain and burning sensation while sitting and lying down. She suffered from severe pain during defecation. Based on her medical history and physical examination findings, the patient was diagnosed with pudendal neuralgia. The patient was put on medical treatment and, then, referred to the anesthesia department due to persistent pain. Computed tomography-guided transgluteal pudendal nerve block was applied by the anesthesiologist. Subsequently, pain disappeared. In conclusion, pudendal neuralgia should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with pelvic pain and burning sensation or following compelling exercises.

The prevalence of comorbidity and predictors in ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of comorbidities and related factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2013 and January 2014, a total of 100 patients with AS (64 males, 36 females; mean age 43.1±10.7 years; range, 25 to 73 years) who were under routine follow-up in the outpatient clinic were included in this cross-sectional study. The demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Scale (ASDAS), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) scores were calculated. Comorbidities were evaluated using the modified Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS). Both the number and severity of the affected systems were scored. RESULTS: The mean amount of cigarette consumption was 17.3±13.5 pack/year. The mean disease duration was 191.3±122.4 months. The BASFI, BASDAI, BASMI, and ASDAS-C-reactive protein scores were 3.4±2.3, 3.7±2.0, 4.5±1.8, and 2.5±0.9, respectively. The mean number of system-related problems was 4.3 (range, 1 to 11). The mean CIRS scores for the severity of comorbidities were 7.36±3.48 (range, 3 to 23). The most frequent system combinations were hematopoietic, eye, ear, nose and throat, and upper gastrointestinal in 11 patients, hematopoietic, respiratory and upper gastrointestinal in 11 patients, and hematopoietic, respiratory and eye, ear, nose and throat in 10 patients. When the estimated total CIRS scores was assessed in the multivariate reduced model, age, disease duration, and BASFI values showed a significant independent effect. CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that the frequency of comorbidities was more than four, although the severity of system problems were mild in AS patients as measured by CIRS. The most frequently involved systems included hematopoietic, upper gastrointestinal, lower gastrointestinal, renal, and musculoskeletal-skin systems. Age, disease duration, and BASFI scores were found to be predictors of comorbidities in our patients.

Early term effects of robotic assisted gait training on ambulation and functional capacity in patients with spinal cord injury

Background/aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of robotic-assisted gait training on ambulation and functional capacity in patients with spinal cord injury. Materials and methods: In total, 88 patients were included and were randomly divided into two groups. The first group underwent 16 sessions of robotic therapy training for 8 weeks and conventional therapy for 5 days a week. The second group underwent conventional treatment. The Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II was used to evaluate functional ambulation, and the functional independence measure score was used to assess patients' functional independence levels in a blind manner. Results: A significant improvement was observed in both groups according to Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II and functional independence measure scores (P < 0.001). However, a significantly higher improvement according to the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (P = 0.011) and functional independence measure scores (P = 0.022) was seen in the robotic group than in the control group Conclusion: Robotic-assisted gait training combined with conventional therapy was found to be superior to the conventional therapy in terms of gait function and level of disability.

Effectiveness of Ultrasound Therapy on Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Upper Trapezius: Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of conventional ultrasound (US) therapy in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients (23 males, 31 females; mean age 29.8±5.2 years; range, 22 to 46 years) with myofascial pain syndrome were included in this prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized into two groups by computerized method as US group (n=27) and placebo group (n=27). Ten sessions of US were applied to the US group and 10 sessions of placebo US were applied to the placebo group. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated with Visual Analog Scale (VAS), algometer, palpable muscle spasm degree (PMSD), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before and after treatment. RESULTS: Pain values after treatment in both groups decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared to before treatment. In the US group, the decrease in VAS and palpable muscle degree before and after treatment was significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the placebo group. In the US group, the decrease in PMSD after treatment was significantly higher than the placebo group (p<0.05). The amount of decrease in BDI score before and after treatment in the US group did not differ significantly from the placebo group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that conventional US therapy is effective in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome.

Comparision of ultrasound therapy of various durations in the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome.

[Purpose] A prospective, randomized, single-blind study was performed in order to compare the efficacy of ultrasound treatments of various durations for patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] One hundred patients who had been diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of fifty patients per group. The first group received 15 sessions of therapeutic ultrasound (4 minutes), superficial heat and transcutaneous electrical stimulation therapy combined with exercise. The second group received the same treatment except that each of the 15 ultrasound sessions were eight minutes in length. The patients were evaluated before and after the treatment. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Constant Scale were used to assess shoulder function and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to quantify depressive symptoms. [Results] There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in age, time since the onset of pain, sex, education and depression levels prior to the treatment. The post-treatment evaluation of patients VAS, UCLA, Constant, and BDI scores showed statistically significant within group improvements. When the two groups were compared, we found no statistically significant differences in the Constant activities of daily living, Constant external rotation, Constant force and BDI scores. However, the second group scored better than the first group in all the remaining parameters. [Conclusion] Ultrasound therapy was found to have beneficial effects on pain and functional status in the treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome. Eight minutes of ultrasound treatment was shown to be more effective than 4 minutes of ultrasound treatment.