Gender influence on clinical manifestations, depressive symptoms and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels in patients affected by fibromyalgia.

INTRODUCTION: OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common rheumatic disorder characterized by chronic, widespread pain associated with several not painful symptoms. The contribution of gender to the manifestation of the disease may influence the higher prevalence of FM among women. In spite of this, how patients' gender influences the clinical manifestation of FM is still not well understood. The frequent association with neuropsychiatric symptoms raised the attention on the role of neurotrophins, including the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as potential biomarkers of the condition. Aims of the study were to evaluate the influence of gender on clinical manifestations and to investigate BDNF serum levels as a potential biomarker of FM. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 201 adult patients of both sexes diagnosed with FM. For each patient, we collected clinical and clinimetric data and, in a subgroup of 40 patients, we measured serum BDNF levels. BDNF levels have been measured also in 40 matched healthy controls (HC). RESULTS: Several symptoms were significantly higher in women compared with men, including pain, fatigue, memory problems, tenderness, balance problems and sensitivity to environmental stimuli. On the contrary, men reported a significant higher frequency of coexisting depressive symptoms. BDNF levels were significantly lower in FM patients compared with HC, discriminating with good accuracy the condition. CONCLUSION: Gender influences FM clinical manifestations, with a higher prevalence of pain, fatigue and other common FM symptoms among women while higher frequency of neuropsychiatric symptoms among men. BDNF offers promises as a potential biomarker of the disease. Key Points • Gender-related differences in the clinical manifestations of FM may contribute to the higher prevalence of FM among females. Indeed, women show higher levels of pain and symptoms traditionally associated to FM, which are evaluated to establish the diagnosis according to the clinical criteria. • The new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease raised the attention on the role of brain mediators in FM. Among these, BNDF shows potential as a diagnostic biomarker.

Elastosonographic evaluation after extracorporeal shockwave treatment in plantar fasciopathy.

AIM: To assess the ultrasound features in patients with plantar fasciopathy before and after extracorporeal shock waves therapy (ESWT), using conventional grey-scale imaging and both strain (SE) and shear wave (SWE) elastosonographic evaluation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Consecutive patients of both sexes attending our outpatient's clinic, with diagnosis of unilateral plantar fasciopathy, were enrolled. Patients were treated with 3 sessions of ESWT once a week, and underwent clinical and ultrasound evaluation at baseline and at one and three months after treatment. Roles and Maudsley score (RM), visual analog scale (VAS) and 17-Italian Foot Function Index (FFI), were used to assess pain and functional improvement. RESULTS: Twenty patients (11 female and 9 male) were enrolled in the study. Contralateral asymptomatic healthy plantar fascia was used as a control. At baseline, SWE velocity (SWEv) showed statistically significant difference between affected 3.8 (1.5; 5.1) m/s and healthy side 4.7 (4.07; 7.04) m/s, (p=0.006); no significant difference was found for strain ratio values (p=0.656). SWEv post hoc test results showed a significant difference from baseline 3.8 (1.5-5.1) m/s and three month 5.23 (4.55-6.74) m/s follow up visit (p=0.003). Significant statistical negative correlation was found between the SWEv and VAS (p=0.001) and positive correlation between the SWEv and FFI (p=0.012). CONCLUSION: SWE was effective in assessing plantar fascia elasticity and its alteration in fasciopathy. Furthermore, on the basis of the correlation with pain and functional scales, this technique appears to be a useful additional technique to conventional ultrasound for monitoring the efficacy of treatment.

Reliability of the Cervical Spine Device for the Assessment of Cervical Spine Range of Motion in Asymptomatic Participants.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the inter- and intra-assessor reliability of the cervical spine device (Formetric, DIERS International GmbH, Schlangenbad, Germany) in measuring cervical range of motion. METHODS: The cervical spine device was used to measure the cervical range of motion of 65 asymptomatic participants. Flexion-extension, right and left rotation, and right and left lateral flexion were analyzed. Two different assessors performed the measurements on the same day to estimate inter-assessor reliability and 2 days later to examine intra-assessor reliability. Intra-assessor and inter-assessor reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The standard error of measurement (SEM) and the smallest detectable difference (SDD) were also estimated. RESULTS: Inter-assessor reliability ICCs for flexion + extension and total lateral flexion movements were >0.90. The ICCs for rotation movements and for left lateral flexion were >0.70. The ICCs for flexion (0.64), extension (0.58), and right lateral flexion (0.56) indicated moderate correlation. Mean SEMs ranged from 2.28° (SDD = 6.31°) for left rotation to 8.08° (SDD = 22.38°) for total rotation. As for intra-assessor test-retest reliability, all ICCs were >0.70. Mean SEMs ranged from 3.14° (SDD = 8.70°) for total lateral flexion to 7.50° (SDD = 20.77°) for extension. CONCLUSION: Both inter- and intra-observer reproducibility correlation values are moderate to high for measurements obtained using the cervical spine device.

Comparison Between Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid Injections in the Treatment of First Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) with hyaluronic acid (HA) intra-articular injections in terms of pain relief, improvement in hand function, and strength in subjects with first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients received either focused ESWT or HA injection once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. In the ESWT group, 2,400 consecutive pulses were performed during each treatment session using a frequency of 4 Hz and an energy flux density of 0.09 mJ/mm2. The HA group underwent one cycle of three injections of 0.5 cm3 HA. The main outcome measures were pain and hand function as measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Duruoz Hand Index (DHI), respectively. The secondary outcomes were grip and pinch strength. Each assessment was performed at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits. RESULTS: According to VAS and DHI scores, a significant change in test performance was observed over time in both groups (p<0.001), with a greater average improvement in painful symptomatology at the 6-month follow-up in the ESWT group. A significant improvement in strength was observed in both groups, but the ESWT group showed better results on the pinch test starting immediately at the end of treatment. CONCLUSION: The use of ESWT in patients with first CMC joint osteoarthritis leads to a reduction in pain, an improvement in pinch test performance that persists for at least 6 months, and a decrease in hand disability up to the 6-month follow-up visit.

Ultrasound guided injection of a painful knee osteoarthritis with medial meniscus extrusion: a case series study.

BACKGROUND: Meniscal subluxation results in the natural history of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Periarticular infiltration should minimize possible complications related to penetration of corticosteroids into the joint space in the treatment of knee OA.According to pain relief and improvement of function, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of perimeniscal corticosteroid ultrasound guided injection in knee OA. METHODS: Thirty-two patients received an injection of 0.5 ml of methylprednisolone-acetate around perimeniscal tissues. Outcome measures were pain relief and knee function, assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) [24, 29, 30] measured at rest (VAS-R) and during stairs climbing (VAS-C) and by Italian-Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) scale. Clinical evaluation was performed at baseline, at 1 and 4 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: Mean baseline values of VAS-R and VAS-C were 6.79 ± 1.17 and 7.6 ± 1.39, respectively. All subjects showed a significant reduction in pain over time (p<0.001). Mean baseline values of WOMAC pain, stiffness and physical function were 5.56 ± 1.32, 4.39 ± 1.91 and 4.63 ± 2.31, respectively. According to WOMAC stiffness and physical function was not found a significant improvement over time (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Corticosteroid perimeniscal ultrasound guided injection can be considered as an adjunct to core treatment for the relief of moderate to severe pain in people with knee OA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Clinical evidence of traditional vs fast track recovery methodologies after total arthroplasty for osteoarthritic knee treatment. A retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: During the last years, programs to enhance postoperative recovery and decrease morbidity after total knee arthroplasty, have been developed across a variety of surgical procedures and referred to as "Fast-Track Surgery". In this study we aimed to find some answers in the management of osteoarthritic patients subjected to total knee arthroplasty, by using the Fast-Track methodology. To this purpose we evaluated parameters such as early mobilization of patients, better pain management, bleeding, possible complications, reduced hospitalization time, an overall improved recovery and patient satisfaction. METHODS: 132 patients were selected, of which, 95 treated with "Fast Track" method and 37 treated with traditional method (control group). All the patients were hospitalized and underwent the same rehabilitation program for the first three days after surgery. RESULTS: In both groups, the parameters of pain and deformity demonstrated the most rapid improvement, while those of function and movement were normalized as gradual and progressive improvement over the next 2 months. The different functional test used (Barthel, MRC, VAS) showed that the mean values were significantly greater in Fast Track group when compared to the control. CONCLUSION: The results of the study confirm that the application of the Fast Track protocol in orthopaedics after total knee replacement results in rapid post-surgery recovery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. Case series, low-quality cohort or case-control studies.

Single and dual incision technique for acute distal biceps rupture: clinical and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Distal bicep tendon injuries are a traumatic event though rather rare. The pathogenesis is not entirely clear. The most common cause for injury is an unexpected load on the biceps when the elbow is in an extended position. Although several studies have provided insight into the pathogenetic processes of the lesion, the literature suggests to treat all injuries surgically (whether partial or total) if there is high functional demand. METHODS: Between January 2006 and March 2016 were studied 20 patients surgically treated for a disconnected distal bicep, 15 with a total lesion and 5 with a partial lesion. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Surgical access with single incision was performed on 13 patients while a double surgical access was performed on 7 patients. The clinical and functional results were studied using an Ewald System Score (ESS). RESULTS: In both groups, the most rapid improvement was achieved for the parameters of pain and deformity with excellent results, while those of function and movement were normalized as gradual and progressive over next 2 months. CONCLUSION: The clinical and functional outcomes during the follow-up examination after surgery showed excellent results in patients treated with both types of surgical procedures.

17-Italian Foot Function Index with numerical rating scale: development, reliability, and validity of a modified version of the original Foot Function Index.

BACKGROUND: Clinical research quantifies symptoms and signs of pain. OBJECTIVE: To develop a brief outcome measure to assess foot and ankle conditions, the psychometric properties of a modified version of the original Foot Function Index (FFI) were examined. METHODS: Eighty-six subjects with musculoskeletal foot and ankle disorders were enrolled. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated by using Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Criterion validity was tested by Pearson's correlation coefficient between 17 items of the Italian FFI (17-IFFI) and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). The responsiveness was calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). RESULTS: Cronbach's Alpha was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92, 0.99). The intra-interviewer and inter-interviewer ICC values were, respectively, 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88-10 0.96) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.89-0.94). Correlations between the 17-IFFI scores and the LEFS scores were -0.564 and -0.456 at the initial and at the end of the treatment, respectively. The ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.732 (95% CI: 0.61-0.82) for the 17-IFFI and 0.633 (95% CI: 0.52-0.71) for the LEFS score. CONCLUSIONS: The 17-IFFI is a reliable and valid scale and we recommend its application to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment in patients with musculoskeletal foot and ankle disorders.

Complete remission of plantar fasciitis with a gluten-free diet: relationship or just coincidence?

We report the case of a 46-year-old woman with no known history for gluten sensitivity who presented severe heel pain, and was successfully managed with a gluten-free diet. Previously she had been unsuccessfully treated with several conservative remedies. The presence of musculoskeletal problems in patients with gluten sensitivity is not rare. To the best of our knowledge, however, this is the first case report mentioning the successful management of plantar fasciitis with a gluten-free diet. The case report highlights the importance of considering gluten sensitivity among other possible differential diagnosis for musculoskeletal pain insensitive to traditional therapies.

Clinical improvement and resorption of calcifications in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder after shock wave therapy at 6 months' follow-up: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of shock wave therapy (SWT) for functional improvement and the reduction of pain in patients with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, and to determine the rate of disappearance of calcifications after therapy at 6 months' follow-up. DATA SOURCES: Articles were searched from the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Ovid database. STUDY SELECTION: We included randomized controlled trials from 1992 to 2011, and their quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. DATA EXTRACTION: Studies were evaluated by 2 independent reviewers for their methodologic quality. Disagreements were settled by a third reviewer. Data were then extracted and cross-checked for accuracy. The reviewers were not blinded to the authors of the articles. DATA SYNTHESIS: In 4 of the 6 studies included for review, the resorption of calcifications was evaluated using meta-analysis because the studies had 2 treatment groups, while the other 2 studies were analyzed descriptively because they had 3 treatment groups. Fixed- and random-effects models were used to meta-analyze total and partial resorption ratios, and I(2) statistics were calculated to assess heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: We found a clinical improvement with a pooled total resorption ratio of 27.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.20-102.67) and a pooled partial resorption ratio of 16.22 (95% CI, 3.33-79.01). SWT increases shoulder function, reduces pain, and is effective in dissolving calcifications. These results were maintained over the following 6 months.

Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy for supraspinatus calcifying tendinitis: a randomized clinical trial comparing two different energy levels.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) represents a valid intervention in the treatment of people with supraspinatus calcifying tendinitis (SCT), but there is limited evidence for the useful range of ESWT doses. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare 2 different ranges of energy flux density in treatment of SCT with ESWT. DESIGN: This study was designed as a single-blind randomized clinical trial. SETTING: This study was performed in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Forty-six patients with SCT were randomly assigned to 2 groups that received different therapeutic energy doses of ESWT: (1) group A received ESWT at an energy level of 0.20 mJ/mm², and (2) group B received ESWT at an energy level of 0.10 mJ/mm². INTERVENTION: The treatment protocol consisted of 4 sessions performed once a week. MEASUREMENTS: The change in mean Constant Murley Scale (CMS) scores at 3 and 6 months was the primary endpoint. The change in the mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores from baseline to 3 and 6 months after the intervention and radiographic change in size of calcium deposits were evaluated as secondary endpoints. At 12 months, pain relief was assessed using a numeric rating scale. RESULTS: Significant clinical improvement based on mean CMS scores was observed after 6 months in group A (X=79.43, SD=10.33) compared with group B (X=57.91, SD=6.53). Likewise, after 6 months, a significant decrease in VAS scores was found in group A (X=2.09, SD=1.54) compared with group B (X=5.36, SD=0.78). Calcific deposits disappeared in the same percentage of patients in both groups. LIMITATIONS: The small sample size and lack of a control group were limitations of the study. CONCLUSIONS: In ESWT for SCT, an energy level of 0.20 mJ/mm² appears to be more effective than an energy level of 0.10 mJ/mm² in pain relief and functional improvement.

[The use of medical equipment in medical rehabilitation: evidence and therapeutic aspects of security]. / L'utilizzo degli apparecchi elettromedicali in medicina riabilitativa: evidenze terapeutiche e aspetti di sicurezza.

Electro-medical equipment is widely used in order to treat bony and muscular disorders and some neurological disease in rehabilitation. However, the scientific evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of this equipment is meagre and contradictory. We have studied the subject, taking into account current regulations for the management and use of this electro-medical equipment. Following the criteria for Evidence Based Medicine, we have analysed the international literature so as to evaluate the evidence for physical energy in different clinical applications. Because the vast quantity of publications dealing with this material, priority was given to peer-reviewed articles and randomised trials. The publications were divided into categories according to disorder, so as to illustrate how some may provide positive proof whereas others require further study.

Ultrasound-guided procedure for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis.

Initial treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMO) often consists of intra-articular injection of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid. Several studies have shown that ultrasound (US)-guided injections demonstrate greater precision and effectiveness when compared to blind techniques. The aim of our study was to describe a simple and reliable procedure of US-guided intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid solution in patients with TMO. Thirty-one patients with TMO received one administration per week, for 3 weeks, of US-guided intra-articular injection with 1 ml of hyaluronic acid solution. Patients were evaluated before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the first injection with visual analog scale (VAS) score and Duruöz Hand Index (DHI). One month after the end of treatment, subjective patient response to therapy was evaluated using a 6-point Likert scale. A statistically significant VAS score reduction was observed at 1 and 3 months after the end of treatment (P<0.01) but not at 6-month follow-up (P=0.6). No statistically significant difference was found on the DHI total score at 1- (P=0.08), 3- (P=0.1) and 6-month (P=0.9) follow-ups. One month after the end of treatment, 29 (93.5%) patients reported a Likert scale score of "1" or "2." The described US-guided technique of trapeziometacarpal joint injection is easy to perform and revealed excellent accuracy. Nevertheless, intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid provided significant pain relief only for a 6-month follow-up period and did not improve hand function. No pain relief was detected at 6-month follow-up, suggesting that periodic injections should be required to gain long-term effectiveness.

Peripheral nerve conduction abnormalities in nonparetic side of ischemic stroke patients.

Cardiovascular diseases manifest similar age and sex distribution in the general population and have some commons risk factors with some neuropathies. The aim of this study is to verify whether standard nerve conduction studies show significant differences in a group of poststroke hemiplegic patients, when compared with a control group, in the hypothesis that stroke, as a primary cardiovascular event, could be strongly associated with peripheral nervous system disease. Nerve conduction studies were performed in 15 hemiplegic patients and 10 aged matched control subjects. Percentage of patients showing slowed ulnar and common peroneal motor nerve conduction and lower ulnar sensory nerve action potential was significantly higher in hemiplegic patients. These findings suggest that an overall increased risk of neuropathies could be detected among stroke patients.

Ultrasound-guided aspiration and corticosteroid injection of Baker's cysts in knee osteoarthritis: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect on pain, function, and ultrasonographic findings of ultrasonography-guided Baker's cyst aspiration followed by corticosteroid injection in a group of patients with Baker's cyst secondary to knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. RESULTS: Twenty-six subjects participated in this study. Clinical and instrumental evaluations were performed at baseline (T0), 1 wk (T1), and 4 wks (T2) after procedure. Mean Visual Analog Scale scores significantly dropped after the procedure (T0 = 6.2 [1.2]; T1 = 4.48 [1.5]; T2 = 4.32 [1.3]; T0 vs. T1 and P < 0.0001). A significant difference between preprocedure and postprocedure Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scores was found for pain (P < 0.0001) but not for joint stiffness (P = 0.7239) and disability (P = 0.6318). Ultrasonographic evaluation showed a significant reduction for both axial (P = 0.006) and sagittal (P = 0.01) areas of Baker's cyst, but no correlation was found between pain relief and Baker's cyst volume reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Cyst aspiration with corticosteroid injection give pain relief and cyst volume reduction in patients with Baker's cyst and concomitant knee osteoarthritis. However, when compared with current literature, our results are similar to those obtained with intra-articular knee corticosteroid injection.

Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy compared with surgery for hypertrophic long-bone nonunions.

BACKGROUND: The authors of several studies have recommended extracorporeal shock-wave therapy as an alternative to surgical treatment for long-bone nonunions. This study was performed to compare the results of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy produced by two different devices with those of surgical treatment in the management of long-bone nonunions. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six patients with a long-bone nonunion were randomly assigned to receive either extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (Groups 1 and 2) or surgical treatment (Group 3). The patients in the shock-wave groups received four treatments with 4000 impulses of shock waves with an energy flux density of 0.40 mJ/mm(2) (Group 1) or 0.70 mJ/mm(2) (Group 2). The patients in the three groups had similar demographic characteristics, durations of nonunion, and durations of follow-up. Radiographic results (the primary outcome) and clinical results (the secondary outcomes) were determined before and three, six, twelve, and twenty-four months after treatment. RESULTS: The radiographic findings did not differ among the three groups of patients. At six months, 70% of the nonunions in Group 1, 71% of the nonunions in Group 2, and 73% of the nonunions in Group 3 had healed. Three and six months after treatment, the clinical outcomes in the two shock-wave groups were significantly better than those in the surgical group (p < 0.001). However, at both twelve and twenty-four months after treatment, there were no differences among the three groups, with the exception of the DASH score, which differed significantly between Groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.038) and between Groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.021) at twelve months. CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy is as effective as surgery in stimulating union of long-bone hypertrophic nonunions and yields better short-term clinical outcomes.

Foot drop and plantar flexion failure determine different gait strategies in Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the temporal, kinetic, kinematic, electromyographic and energetic aspects of gait in Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients with foot drop and plantar flexion failure. METHODS: A sample of 21 patients fulfilling clinical, electrodiagnostic and genetic criteria for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease were evaluated by computerized gait analysis system and compared to a group of matched healthy subjects. Patients were classified as having isolate foot drop (group 1) and association of foot drop and plantar flexion failure (group 2). RESULTS: While it was impossible to detect a reliable gait pattern when the group of patients was considered as a whole and compared to healthy subjects, we observed two distinctive gait patterns when patients were subdivided as group 1 or 2. Group 1 showed a gait pattern with some characteristics of the "steppage pattern". The complex motor strategy adopted by this group leads to reduce the swing velocity and to preserve the step length in spite of a high energy consumption. Group 2 displayed a "clumsy pattern" characterized by very slow gait with reduced step length, a broader support area and great reduction in the cadence. This group of patients is characterized by a low energy consumption and greater energy recovery, due above all to the primary deficit and the various compensatory mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Such between-group differences in gait pattern can be related to both primary motor deficits and secondary compensatory mechanisms. Foot drop and plantar flexion failure affect the overall gait strategy in Charcot-Marie-Tooth patients.