Complications of different methods of urological management in people with neurogenic bladder secondary to spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between multiple types of urological management and urological complications in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Single medical center. METHODS: Medical records of SCI patients with regular follow-up of more than two years were reviewed. Urological management was classified into five groups: indwelling urethral catheter (IUC), clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), reflex voiding, suprapubic catheter (SPC), and self-voiding. We analyzed the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI), epididymitis, hydronephrosis, and renal stone across the different urological-management groups. RESULTS: Of 207 individuals with SCI, the most common management type was self-voiding (n = 65, 31%) followed by CIC (n = 47, 23%). The IUC and SPC groups included more people with complete SCI than the other management groups. Compared with the IUC group, the SPC and self-voiding groups had lower risks of developing UTI (relative risk [RR] = 0.76, 95% CI, 0.59-0.97 and RR = 0.39, 95% CI, 0.28-0.55, respectively). The SPC group tended to have a lower risk of epididymitis than the IUC group (RR = 0.55, 95% CI, 0.18-1.63). CONCLUSION: Long-term IUC use was associated with a higher incidence of UTI in people with SCI. As compared to those with IUC, a lower risk of UTI was found in persons with SPC. These findings may have implications for shared clinical decision-making.

Exercise-induced myocardial ischemia presenting as exercise intolerance after carbon monoxide intoxication and smoke inhalation Injury: case report.

BACKGROUND: Carbon monoxide intoxication and smoke inhalation injury can lead to severe disorders, and the current literature has elaborated on the importance of major cardiopulmonary impairment. Exercise intolerance has seldom been discussed, particular in patient with low cardiovascular risk. CASE PRESENTATION: Two young male fire survivors who presented with exercise intolerance after CO intoxication and smoke inhalation injury. Both received bronchodilator and glucocorticoid therapy, high-flow oxygen therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for airway edema and CO intoxication during acute care. Serum carboxyhemoglobin levels improved after treatment (8.2-3.9% in Case A and 14.8-0.8% in Case B). However, subjective exercise intolerance was noted after discharge. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing revealed exercise-induced myocardial ischemia during peak exercise (significant ST-segment depression on exercise electrocardiogram). They were instructed to exercise with precaution by setting the intensity threshold according to the ischemic threshold. Their symptoms improved, and no cardiopulmonary events were reported in the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The present case report raised the attention that exercise intolerance after carbon monoxide intoxication and smoke inhalation injury in low cardiovascular risk population may be underestimated. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing help physician to discover exercise-induced myocardial ischemia and set up the cardiac rehabilitation program accordingly.

Comparison of single platelet-rich plasma injection with hyaluronic acid injection for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) is not uncommon, and various nonsurgical injection therapy for PTRCTs emerged. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) injection were proposed for treating PTRCTs; however, the relation of dose among injectates was still lacking. METHODS: This was a prospective, nonrandomized, comparative study. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of ultrasound-guided single PRP injection with three doses of HA injection, combination of postinjection rehabilitation, for treating PTRCTs. Subjects received either ultrasound-guided PRP injection and rehabilitation exercise, or ultrasound-guided subacromial HA injection and rehabilitation exercise. Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), range of motion (ROM), pain visual analog scale (VAS), and Constant-Murley Shoulder Score (CMSS) were recorded before injection, and at 1 and 3 months after injection. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were enrolled. They received either ultrasound-guided single PRP (n = 24) intralesional and peritendinous injection or three doses of HA (n = 24) subacromial injection plus rehabilitation exercise. In the PRP group, SPADI scores, VAS scores, CMSS significantly improved at 1-month and 3-month follow up; flexion and abduction ROM significantly increased at 3-month follow up. In the HA group, SPADI scores, VAS during overhead activities, VAS night pain, and CMSS significantly improved in the first and third months; flexion and active abduction ROM significantly increased in the third month. The PRP group revealed significantly better passive abduction ROM and CMSS at third month than HA group. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided single PRP injection exhibited comparable benefit to three doses of HA injection in patients with PTRCTs short-termly, with an extended effect regarding passive shoulder abduction ROM and CMSS.

Correlation between intraoperative mapping and monitoring and functional outcomes following supratentorial glioma surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) has long been regarded as the "gold standard" when resecting a supratentorial glioma, as it facilitates the goals of maximal tumor resection and preservation of sensorimotor function. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ability of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) monitoring or subcortical mapping (SCM), alone or in combination, to predict postoperative functional outcomes in glioma surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with supratentorial glioma that underwent craniotomy for tumor removal with IONM. Statistical analyses were used to evaluate whether the following criteria correlated with postoperative functional outcomes: Reduced amplitude (>50% reduction) or disappearance of MEPs (criterion 1), SCM with a stimulation intensity threshold less than 3 mA (criterion 2), the presence of both two phenomena (criterion 3), or either one of the two phenomena (criterion 4). RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were included in this study, of whom 15 sustained new postoperative deficits, 4 experienced improved functional status, and 73 were unchanged. Postoperative functional status correlated significantly with all four criteria, and especially with criterion 3 (r = 0.647, P = 0.000). Sensitivity of IONM was better if using criteria 2 and 4, but specificity was better if using criteria 1 and 3. Criterion 3 had the most favorable overall results. CONCLUSION: Using statistical methodology, our study indicates that concomitant interpretation of MEPs and SCM is the most accurate predictor of functional outcomes following supratentorial glioma surgery. However, accurate interpretations of the monitoring results by experienced neurophysiologists are essential.

Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodilatation With Triamcinolone Acetonide for Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Posterior Glenohumeral Recess and the Rotator Cuff Interval Approaches.

For patients with adhesive capsulitis, hydrodilatation is typically performed using corticosteroids with ultrasound guidance via the posterior glenohumeral recess. Recently, a new intervention technique via the rotator cuff interval has been described. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of hydrodilatation with triamcinolone acetonide via the posterior glenohumeral recess and the rotator cuff interval in patients with adhesive capsulitis. This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary care center with a follow-up period of 12 weeks. We enrolled 64 patients diagnosed with shoulder adhesive capsulitis. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups that received hydrodilatation with corticosteroids either through the posterior glenohumeral recess or though the rotator cuff interval. The injection contained 4 ml of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg) mixed with 4 ml of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride and 12 ml of normal saline. The shoulder pain and disability index, visual analog scale for pain, and range of motion were analyzed before and at 6 and 12 weeks after the treatment. Both groups experienced improvements in the visual analog scale scores, shoulder pain and disability index scores, and range of motion throughout the study period. A significant group-time interaction was observed in terms of the visual analog scale for pain during motion (p = 0.019), favoring hydrodilatation through the rotator cuff interval. Thus, hydrodilatation through the rotator cuff interval might be a better treatment option than that through the posterior glenohumeral recess for patients with adhesive capsulitis, considering its superior effect in alleviating pain during shoulder movement.

Effect of ultrasound-detected synovitis on therapeutic efficacy of hyaluronic acid injection for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether ultrasound (US)-detected synovitis affects the therapeutic efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) injection for treating knee OA. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic knee OA were recruited. All the patients received HA injection two times at 2-week intervals. Clinical assessments were performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) at baseline and 1 and 6 months after treatment. Imaging evaluation was based on complete knee US examination and the Kellgren-Lawrence grading. Suprapatellar synovial fluid (SF) depth, synovial hypertrophy (SH) and vascularity were measured through US. RESULTS: In total, 137 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. All patients demonstrated improvement in VAS and WOMAC scores at 1 and 6 months after treatment (P < 0.001). Moreover, regression model-based analysis revealed significant associations of SF depth with the VAS and WOMAC scores in all patients. Each centimetre increase in the effusion diameter was associated with a decrease in the 1-month post-treatment VAS improvement percentage (15.26; 95% CI: 0.05, 29.5; P = 0.042) and 6-month post-treatment WOMAC improvement (37.43; 95% CI: 37.68, 50.69; P < 0.01). However, SH and vascularity were not significantly associated with VAS or WOMAC scores. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound detected suprapatellar effusion predicts reduced efficacy of HA injection in knee OA.

Rehabilitation programs for patients with COronaVIrus Disease 2019: consensus statements of Taiwan Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

The COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which developed into a pandemic in 2020, has become a major healthcare challenge for governments and healthcare workers worldwide. Despite several medical treatment protocols having been established, a comprehensive rehabilitation program that can promote functional recovery is still frequently ignored. An online consensus meeting of an expert panel comprising members of the Taiwan Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation was held to provide recommendations for rehabilitation protocols in each of the five COVID-19 stages, namely (1) outpatients with mild disease and no risk factors, (2) outpatients with mild disease and epidemiological risk factors, (3) hospitalized patients with moderate to severe disease, (4) ventilator-supported patients with clear cognitive function, and (5) ventilator-supported patients with impaired cognitive function. Apart from medications and life support care, a proper rehabilitation protocol that facilitates recovery from COVID-19 needs to be established and emphasized in clinical practice.

Evaluating Correlations of Coracohumeral Ligament Thickness with Restricted Shoulder Range of Motion and Clinical Duration of Adhesive Capsulitis with Ultrasound Measurements.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate, using ultrasound measurements, the correlation between coracohumeral ligament (CHL) thickness and restricted shoulder range of motion (ROM) in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC). The secondary objective is to investigate the correlation between CHL thickness and disease duration. DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Clinical research of a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Overall, 65 patients with clinically diagnosed AC were enrolled. Ultrasound measurements of CHL thickness in the axial oblique plane were obtained under maximal external rotation of the glenohumeral joint. Both Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and shoulder ROM were prospectively evaluated by an experienced investigator. CHL thickness was compared with shoulder ROM and SPADI. The association between CHL thickness and disease duration was also investigated. RESULTS: Simple linear regression analysis showed significant inverse correlation between CHL thickness and shoulder ROM including external rotation (ER) (r = -0.335, P = .006) and internal rotation (IR) (r = -0.409, P = .001). CHL thickness also correlated with disease duration (r = -0.352, P = .004). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that CHL thickness was significantly associated with restricted ER (r = -0.293, P = .02) and IR (r = -0.363, P = .003) after adjusting for age and disease duration. On the other hand, CHL thickness showed no significant correlation with abduction (r = -0.210, P = .09), flexion (r = -0.170, P = .176), or total SPADI score (r = 0.176, P = .16). Moreover, CHL was significantly thicker in patients with disease duration >6 months (P = .004, difference in means: 0.55 mm, 95% confidence interval: -0.922, -0.183). CONCLUSIONS: CHL was significantly thicker in later-stage AC. CHL thickness correlated negatively with ER and IR of the shoulder. Furthermore, CHL thickening could be observed in the early stage of the disease course. These imaging findings may assist in confirming the diagnosis of AC, leading to early intervention and treatment options.

Care for Patients with Stroke During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Suggestions for Preventing Secondary Stroke.

Infection with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the development of the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and associated clinical symptoms, which typically presents as an upper respiratory syndrome such as pneumonia. Growing evidence indicates an increased prevalence of neurological involvement (e.g., in the form of stroke) during virus infection. COVID-19 has been suggested to be more than a lung infection because it affects the vasculature of the lungs and other organs and increases the risk of thrombosis. Patients with stroke are vulnerable to secondary events as a result not only of their poor vascular condition but also of their lack of access to rehabilitation resources. Herein, we review current knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of COVID-19, its possible association with neurological involvement, and current drug therapies. Suggestions are also offered regarding the potential for current neurorehabilitation therapies to be taught and practiced at home.

Care for patients with musculoskeletal pain during the COVID-19 pandemic: Physical therapy and rehabilitation suggestions for pain management.

Coronavirus disease 2019 has severely affected public health. Under social distancing and lockdown policies, patients with musculoskeletal pain have fewer opportunities than usual to receive routine medical care for pain management in hospitals. Therefore, we provided some suggestions for such patients to manage musculoskeletal pain and techniques that may be performed at home during this period.

Comparison of Corticosteroid Injection Dosages in Mild to Moderate Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the therapeutic effect of ultrasound-guided injections with 10 mg or 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide (TA) was dose-dependent in patients with idiopathic mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study with 12 weeks of follow-up. SETTING: Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of a single medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with CTS (N=56). INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups for injection: (A) 40 mg TA+2% lidocaine hydrochloride or (B) 10 mg TA+2% lidocaine hydrochloride. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ, including Symptom Severity Scale [SSS] and Functional Status Scale [FSS]) at baseline and 6 and 12 weeks after injection). Nerve conduction studies, including parameters of distal motor latency, amplitude of compound motor action potential, amplitude of sensory nerve action potential and sensory nerve conduction velocity of median nerve, and the patient's subjective impression of improvement, were recorded before injection and 6 and 12 weeks after injection. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in baseline demographic characteristics and clinical evaluations. The parameters in group A and B at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks were (1) SSS: 2.17±0.14, 1.19±0.04, and 1.34±0.09 and 1.87±0.11, 1.21±0.07, and 1.26±0.04; (2) FSS: 1.63±0.07, 1.27±0.06, and 1.33±0.08 and 1.50±0.10, 1.18±0.05, and 1.26±0.05; (3) VAS: 6.4±0.3, 2.2±0.3, and 3.0±0.1 and 6.7±0.3, 2.0±0.3, and 3.1±0.3, respectively, and significantly decreased after 6 and 12 weeks in both treatment groups (P<.05). All parameters of nerve conduction studies improved in both groups after 12 weeks (P<.05). VAS, BCTQ, and nerve conduction studies did not show significant intergroup differences after 6 and 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: In patients with idiopathic mild to moderate CTS, ultrasound-guided injection with 10 and 40 mg TA yield similar improvements in BCTQ, VAS, and nerve conduction studies at the 12-week follow-up.

Short-Term Outcome Predictors in Patients With Primary Adhesive Capsulitis Treated With Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodilatation With Corticosteroids.

OBJECTIVE: Glenohumeral joint hydrodilatation with corticosteroids has been proposed as an effective secondary therapeutic procedure for primary adhesive capsulitis. However, little is known about which subgroup of patients would benefit from this procedure. This study aimed to identify covariates associated with improved prognosis in patients receiving ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation with corticosteroid injection. DESIGN: This was a cohort study. Data on baseline demographic characteristics, disease status, past medical conditions, and initial ultrasonographic findings were collected. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the prognostic factors associated with better clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (54 shoulders) were included. Linear regression analysis showed that coracohumeral ligament thickness of less than 3 mm, use of analgesics before hydrodilatation, and female sex were associated with good improvement in the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that coracohumeral ligament thickness of less than 3 mm on ultrasound was associated with a strong tendency (P = 0.054) of reaching the minimal detectable change. In addition, capsule rupture did not play a role in determining the clinical efficacy of hydrodilatation. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with primary adhesive capsulitis, coracohumeral ligament thickness of less than 3 mm is correlated with greater short-term improvement in the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index score after ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation with steroid injection is performed.

Nonoperative Choice of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Partial Tear: Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the common musculoskeletal injuries. The most serious condition shall be managed by surgery, while the partial tear prefers conservative treatment, rehabilitation, exercise training, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. We describe the case of a 25-year-old female started to have right knee pain for a long time and the ACL partial tear was diagnosed through the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After three times of PRP injection through ultrasound guidance, the pain, instability, and enhancements of ACL tear in the postintervention MRI were decreased. This case confirms the effect of PRP combined with conservative treatment under the accuracy procedure and may provide another choice for the treatment of the ACL tear.

Blink synkinesis monitoring during microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we investigated whether blink synkinesis monitoring during microvascular decompression (MVD) is effective for predicting long-term outcomes in patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS). METHODS: This retrospective study included 69 patients who had undergone MVD for HFS at a tertiary hospital. All patients underwent intraoperative monitoring of blink synkinesis, lateral spread responses (LSRs), and facial nerve motor-evoked potentials (FNMEPs). Baseline signals were compared to those obtained following decompression with Teflon, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were observed with complete relief of symptoms after 1 year after MVD, while 61 patients were observed with initial disappearance of blink synkinesis, 57 patients were observed with initial elimination of the LSR, and 45 patients with initial decreases in FNMEP amplitude (>50%). The highest sensitivity and accuracy values were observed for blink synkinesis. Chi-square tests comparing the sensitivity of the three methods revealed that FNMEP monitoring was associated with significantly lower sensitivity values than the remaining methods. Combined use of blink synkinesis and LSRs did not significantly increase sensitivity (61/65 vs 62/65) or accuracy (62/69 vs 63/69). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that blink synkinesis monitoring is safe during MVD for HFS. Furthermore, blink synkinesis was associated with the highest sensitivity and predictive values among the three methods evaluated. These findings suggest that blink synkinesis can be regarded as the first choice for intraoperative monitoring during MVD. Concurrent use of blink synkinesis and LSR monitoring may maximize the ability to predict patient prognosis and determine the extent of decompression.

Health-related quality of life in children and adolescent with different types of scoliosis: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was affected in children and adolescents with scoliosis. However, there was lack of study to compare the HRQoL among patients with different types of scoliosis. We aimed to investigate whether the HRQoL differs among patients with idiopathic, congenital, neuromuscular, and syndromic scoliosis. METHODS: Children and adolescents with scoliosis were recruited from a single tertiary hospital. The HRQoL, as assessed by the child health questionnaire 50-item parent form, was compared with a reference health sample group using the effect size (ES). Intergroup differences related to scoliosis subtype and severity were explored. RESULTS: A total of 67 participants with scoliosis (24 idiopathic, 15 congenital, 15 neuromuscular, and 13 syndromic) were analyzed. The HRQoL in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis was affected the most, in both physical (ES range: 0.97-2.4) and psychosocial domains (ES range: 0.92-2.58). To a lesser extent, the physical (ES range: 0.99-1.13) and psychosocial (ES range: 0.8-1.18) domains were also affected in patients with syndromic scoliosis. The domains of family activities (ES = 1.1), role/social-emotional/behavioral (ES = 0.99), general health perception (ES = 0.94), and self-esteem (ES = 0.87) were affected in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. In contrast, only the general health perception domain (ES = 1.27) was affected in patients with congenital scoliosis. Scoliosis severity correlated with scores in the physical domains and some psychosocial domains, while treatment type correlated with scores in the physical domains only. Scoliosis subtype and severity both affected the physical and psychosocial domains, with a stronger impact for subtype. CONCLUSION: Differences in the HRQoL exist among scoliosis subtypes, with neuromuscular scoliosis being most affected. Although the scoliosis subtype and severity both affect the HRQoL, the subtype is more influential than severity.

Vagus nerve magnetic modulation facilitates dysphagia recovery in patients with stroke involving the brainstem - A proof of concept study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Stroke involving the brainstem (SBS) causes severe oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). Research on the therapeutic efficacy of vagus nerve modulation (VNM) by using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in SBS patients with OD has been limited thus far. We aimed to assess the effect of VNM by using rTMS in improving swallowing function after SBS. METHOD: We conducted a sham-controlled, double-blinded, parallel pilot study in 28 SBS patients with OD randomly allocated to a real rTMS group (n = 13; TMSreal) or a sham group (n = 15; TMSsham). For VNM, 5-Hz rTMS was applied to the left mastoid in 10 sessions. We evaluated all patients for swallowing function before and after rTMS conditioning, assessed on the 8-point Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) through videofluoroscopy and the Australian Therapy Outcome Measures-Swallowing scale (AusTOMs). We measured the amplitude and latency of cricopharyngeal motor evoked potentials (CP-MEPs) as the neurophysiological parameters. RESULTS: TMSreal exhibited significant improvement in all swallowing outcomes-neurophysiological, radiological, and functional-compared with TMSsham: We noted higher CP-MEP amplitude (p = 0.004), shorter CP-MEP latency (p = 0.004), a lower PAS score (p = 0.001), and a higher AusTOMs score (p < 0.001) following rTMS in TMSreal. Moreover, the neurophysiological improvements were significantly correlated with the functional outcomes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results encourage the application of VNM by using rTMS for improving swallowing function after SBS. The immediate therapeutic effects suggest that this novel intervention can be an effective complementary therapy to traditional oropharyngeal rehabilitation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02893033.

Pattern of Corticospinal Projections Defined by Brain Mapping During Resective Epilepsy Surgery in a Patient with Congenital Hemiparesis and Intractable Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Congenital or early-onset brain structural lesions often cause contralateral hemiparesis, cognitive deficits, developmental delays, and seizures. Seizure is the most debilitating condition, as it greatly impairs quality of life in both the affected individuals and their caregivers and prevents them from active social participation. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 34-year-old man with hemiparesis and early-onset seizures since childhood owing to a congenital brain lesion developed intractable seizures in the last 2 years and was subsequently admitted for resective epileptic surgery. During the operation, we employed an innovative intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring technique. In contrast to routine application for transcranial stimulation, we recorded compound muscle action potentials over the bilateral limb muscles simultaneously, instead of over the contralateral muscles only, to determine the patterns of the corticospinal projections. Transcranial stimulation over the bilateral hemispheres was applied before craniotomy, and direct cortical stimulation over the lesioned hemisphere was applied after craniotomy. By integrating both approaches, we could first identify the pattern of corticospinal projections before craniotomy and then accurately define the noneloquent area, which guided the resection to successfully accomplish the surgical goal. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is simple because no patient participation is required. We believe that it has the potential to replace conventional preoperative functional magnetic resonance imaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation in resective epilepsy surgery, particularly for young patients. Not only can it improve the safety of surgical procedures, but also it can help predict functional outcome.

Acute Radial Neuropathy at the Spiral Groove Following Massage: A Case Presentation.

Massage-related nerve injury is an uncommon, rarely reported complication. We report an unusual case of radial nerve neuropathy at the spiral groove in a 58-year-old woman that resulted from a single episode of deep tissue massage. Although the spiral groove is known as the most common site implicated in radial nerve neuropathy, to our knowledge, there have not previously been any reports of massage-related spiral groove radial nerve neuropathy. Electrodiagnostic and ultrasound examinations were used to localize the nerve lesion at the spiral groove and also to provide prognostic evaluation. Serial follow-ups demonstrated concomitant improvement in clinical symptoms and electrodiagnostic parameters. A near-total recovery was achieved after 6 months. This case presentation aims to increase awareness and early recognition of massage-related nerve injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Efficacy of Combined Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injection and Splinting in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of local steroid injection plus splinting with that of local steroid injection alone using clinical and electrophysiological parameters in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). DESIGN: Randomized controlled study with 12 weeks of follow-up. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PARTICIPANTS: Volunteer sample of patients (N=52) diagnosed with CTS. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to the steroid injection group (n=26) or the steroid injection-plus-splinting group (n=26). Patients of both groups received ultrasound-guided steroid injection with 1mL of 10mg (10mg/mL) triamcinolone acetonide (Shincort) and 1mL of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride (Xylocaine). Participants in the second group also wore a volar splint in the neutral position while sleeping and also during daytime whenever possible for the 12-week intervention period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants were evaluated before the treatment and at 6 and 12 weeks after the onset of treatment. The primary outcome measure was Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores. The secondary outcome measures were as follows: scores on the visual analog scale for pain; electrophysiological parameters, including median nerve distal motor latency, sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), and compound muscle action potential and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitudes; and patient's subjective impression of improvement. RESULTS: At 12-week follow-up, improvements in symptom severity and functional status scores on the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire as well as SNCV and SNAP amplitudes were greater in the group that received steroid injection combined with splinting than in the group that received steroid injection alone. The between-group difference was .48 points (95% confidence interval [CI], .09-.88 points; P=.032) in the Symptom Severity Scale score, .37 points (95% CI, .06-.67 points; P=.019) in the Functional Status Scale score, 3.38m/s (95% CI, 0.54-6.22m/s; P=.015) in the SNCV amplitude, and 3.21µV (95% CI, 0.00-6.46µV; P=.025) in the SNAP amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: In people with CTS, steroid injection combined with splinting resulted in modestly greater reduction of symptoms, superior functional recovery, and greater improvement in nerve function at 12-week follow-up as compared with steroid injection alone. However, these small differences are of unclear clinical significance.