[Thermal radiofrequency of the medial genicular nerves in chronic pain related to degenerative meniscopathy. A clinical case]. / Radiofrecuencia térmica de las ramas geniculares mediales para dolor crónico en contexto de meniscopatía degenerativa. A propósito de un caso.

Persistent knee pain in patients around the fifth decade of life is a frequent cause of attention in rehabilitation consultations. The most common cause of diagnosis is knee osteoarthritis, considering the existence of different degrees seen in simple radiographies. The advanced degrees present joint space reduction, osteophytosis and subchondral sclerosis; however, in the initial degrees, the findings are more subtle and sometimes nonexistent for conventional radiology. Clinical ultrasound has partly come to fill this «diagnostic gap¼, making it possible to detect meniscal extrusions and small osteophytes as signs of incipient osteoarthritis and to relate them as triggers of pain. In clinical practice we find a group of patients who, with little or no radiological alterations, present persistent and severe pain with medial predominance in most cases. These, until the appearance of the current evidence, were subsidiaries of meniscectomies. At this moment, when meniscectomies are not recommended, it is necessary to find a treatment for those cases in which conservative and non-ablative interventional treatment has failed. In this context, the possibility of using radiofrequency arises. Its use is widespread in the case of tricompartmental and advanced osteoarthritis. However, little data is available on its usefulness in cases of medial meniscal extrusion. It seems that thermal radiofrequency has greater effects than pulsed radiofrequency. We present a clinical case where thermal radiofrequency of the medial genicular nerves of the knee is proposed as a therapeutic alternative for chronic pain secondary to medial meniscal extrusion associated with incipient knee osteoarthritis, with the result of a decrease in pain (VAS 8 before treatment, VAS 1 after one year), subjective improvement of 80% and gait capacity.

Técnica de radiofrecuencia ablativa ecoguiada del nervio sural para el dolor crónico de tobillo. A propósito de un caso / Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of the sural nerve for chronic ankle pain: A case report

El dolor crónico en la cara lateral del tobillo relacionado con la neuralgia sural es una patología poco frecuente. El nervio sural inerva la sensibilidad del borde posterolateral de la pierna, así como del borde dorsolateral del pie. En ocasiones la neuralgia sural es resistente al tratamiento conservador, pudiendo afectar a la esfera psicoemocional y social del paciente. Describimos el caso de un paciente de 54años con dolor neuropático en territorio del sural y con el antecedente de varias cirugías de tobillo. Tras tratamiento conservador sin éxito, se realiza radiofrecuencia ablativa ecoguiada en nervio sural con posterior cese completo del dolor sin efectos secundarios. Nos proponemos dar importancia a la ecopalpación en consulta de un médico rehabilitador, así como describir la radiofrecuencia ablativa ecoguiada como una técnica segura y eficaz para la neuralgia sural que no responde a tratamiento conservador. Sin embargo, se necesitan más estudios de calidad para corroborar estos resultados.(AU)

Chronic lateral ankle pain related to sural neuralgia is a rare pathology. The sural nerve innervates the sensitivity of the posterolateral border of the leg, as well as the dorsolateral border of the foot. On occasions, sural neuralgia is resistant to conservative treatment and can affect the patient's psycho-emotional and social sphere. We describe the case of a 54-year-old patient with neuropathic pain in the sural territory and a history of several ankle surgeries. After unsuccessful conservative treatment, ultrasound-guided ablative radiofrequency is performed in the sural nerve with subsequent complete cessation of pain without side effects. We propose to give importance to ecopalpation in the consultation of a rehabilitation physician, as well as to describe ultrasound-guided ablative radiofrequency as a safe and effective technique for sural neuralgia that does not respond to conservative treatment. However, more quality studies are needed to corroborate these results.(AU)

[Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of the sural nerve for chronic ankle pain: A case report]. / Técnica de radiofrecuencia ablativa ecoguiada del nervio sural para el dolor crónico de tobillo. A propósito de un caso.

Chronic lateral ankle pain related to sural neuralgia is a rare pathology. The sural nerve innervates the sensitivity of the posterolateral border of the leg, as well as the dorsolateral border of the foot. On occasions, sural neuralgia is resistant to conservative treatment and can affect the patient's psycho-emotional and social sphere. We describe the case of a 54-year-old patient with neuropathic pain in the sural territory and a history of several ankle surgeries. After unsuccessful conservative treatment, ultrasound-guided ablative radiofrequency is performed in the sural nerve with subsequent complete cessation of pain without side effects. We propose to give importance to ecopalpation in the consultation of a rehabilitation physician, as well as to describe ultrasound-guided ablative radiofrequency as a safe and effective technique for sural neuralgia that does not respond to conservative treatment. However, more quality studies are needed to corroborate these results.

Radiofrecuencia térmica como alternativa en el tratamiento del dolor neuropático localizado persistente por atrapamiento de un nervio colateral de la mano / Thermal radiofrequency as an alternative in the treatment of persistent localized neuropathic pain due to entrapment of a collateral nerve of the hand

El dolor neuropático localizado (DNL) es una causa relativamente frecuente de dolor musculoesquelético cuya prevalencia puede llegar a representar el 60% de las condiciones de dolor neuropático. Su aparición puede asociarse a numerosas patologías (herpes, diabetes, etc.). Una causa menos habitual sería la compresión directa de una rama nerviosa periférica. Su diagnóstico suele ser clínico, ya que pruebas complementarias como las neurofisiológicas no aportan datos definitivos. Como medidas terapéuticas disponemos de analgésicos orales, anticonvulsivantes, parches cutáneos analgésicos y acciones intervencionistas, entre las que se incluye la radiofrecuencia (RF). La RF térmica consiste en el paso de una corriente eléctrica a través de una aguja alcanzando un aumento controlado de temperatura con el que se consigue una lesión ablativa nerviosa.Se presenta un caso donde se propone como alternativa terapéutica la RF térmica del nervio colateral de la mano, cuyo atrapamiento es el causante del dolor, obteniendo una mejoría clínica satisfactoria.(AU)

Localized neuropathic pain (LNP) is a relatively common cause of musculoskeletal pain, which can be present in up to 60% of neuropathic pain conditions. Its appearance can be associated with numerous pathologies (herpes, diabetes, etc.). A less common cause would be the direct compression of a peripheral nerve branch. Its diagnosis is usually clinical since complementary tests such as neurophysiological tests do not provide definitive data. As therapeutic measures we have oral analgesics, anticonvulsants, analgesic skin patches and interventional actions, including radiofrequency (RF). Thermal RF consists in the transmission of an electric impulse through a needle reaching a controlled increase in temperature with which a nerve ablative injury is achieved.We present a clinical case where thermal RF of the collateral nerve of the hand is proposed as a therapeutic alternative, whose entrapment is the cause of pain, obtaining a satisfactory clinical improvement.(AU)

[Thermal radiofrequency as an alternative in the treatment of persistent localized neuropathic pain due to entrapment of a collateral nerve of the hand]. / Radiofrecuencia térmica como alternativa en el tratamiento del dolor neuropático localizado persistente por atrapamiento de un nervio colateral de la mano.

Localized neuropathic pain (LNP) is a relatively common cause of musculoskeletal pain, which can be present in up to 60% of neuropathic pain conditions. Its appearance can be associated with numerous pathologies (herpes, diabetes, etc.). A less common cause would be the direct compression of a peripheral nerve branch. Its diagnosis is usually clinical since complementary tests such as neurophysiological tests do not provide definitive data. As therapeutic measures we have oral analgesics, anticonvulsants, analgesic skin patches and interventional actions, including radiofrequency (RF). Thermal RF consists in the transmission of an electric impulse through a needle reaching a controlled increase in temperature with which a nerve ablative injury is achieved. We present a clinical case where thermal RF of the collateral nerve of the hand is proposed as a therapeutic alternative, whose entrapment is the cause of pain, obtaining a satisfactory clinical improvement.

Neuropatía peronea secundaria a ganglión extraneural: revisión de literatura y propuesta de tratamiento. Caso no positivo / Peroneal neuropathy caused by an extraneural ganglion: literary review and treatment proposal. A non-positive case

La discopatía lumbar con afectación de raíces lumbares L4 o L5 es una causa frecuente de consulta y, en casos severos, puede ser el origen de dolor neuropático en el miembro inferior y/o de un pie equino por compromiso de la musculatura dorsiflexora del pie. Sin embargo, la causa de esta clínica no siempre está en relación con la patología lumbar ni el sistema nervioso central, siendo vital su correcto diagnóstico diferencial. Este artículo presenta el caso de un paciente de 69 años con una neuropatía compresiva peronea secun­daria a un ganglión, inicialmente interpretada como una radicu­lopatía L5. Este incorrecto enfoque supuso la sobremedicación del paciente, un mal control algésico, la realización de una discectomía L4-L5 innecesaria y una pobre evolución neurológica. Un enfoque diagnóstico correcto y un abordaje tera­péutico precoz habrían supuesto una mayor mejoría clínica e incluso una recuperación neurológica completa del paciente. Por ello, este caso sirve para resaltar: a) el va­lor de la ecografía en neuropatías periféricas como herramienta diagnóstica y pronóstica y el de la ecografía en gangliones como arma diagnóstico-­terapéutica; b) el uso de las pruebas diagnósticas como apoyo a una exploración física exhaustiva, y no como diagnóstico en sí mismas, y c) la importancia de la publicación de casos no positivos para optimizar recursos, evitar repetir errores, reducir el sesgo de publicación y facilitar el inicio de proyectos de investigación.(AU)

Lumbar disc disease with L4 or L5 lumbar root involvement is a common cause of medical attendance. In severe circumstances it can lead to neuropathic pain, weakness and foot drop. However, this clinical presentation is not always related with lumbar or central nervous system pathology, being the differential diagnosis of great importance. It is reported a case of 69-year-old patient with a peroneal nerve entrapment caused by an extraneural ganglion, misdiagnosed as a L5 radiculopathy. This incorrect approach entailed patient overmedication, poor pain control, an unnecessary L4-L5 discectomy, and a poor neurological outcome. In this case, an early diagnosis and therapeutic approach would have meant not only a greater clinical improvement and even a complete neurological recovery. Moreover, this case highlights: a) the value of ecography in periphe­ral neuropathies as a diagnostic and prognostic tool and ultrasounds in ganglions cyst as a diagnostic and therapeutic weapon; b) the use of diagnostic tests to support a thorough physical examination, not as a diagnosis themselves; and c) the importance of non-positive cases publication to optimize resources, avoid repeating mistakes, reduce publication bias and facilitate the start of research projects.(AU)

Atrapamiento del nervio radial a nivel del canal de torsión humeral. Bloqueos nerviosos como arma diagnóstica y terapéutica / Radial nerve entrapment in the spiral groove. Nerve block as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool

El nervio radial tiene un recorrido largo y sinuoso por el miembro superior que abarca desde la axila hasta la mano y dedos. En este camino puede presentar varias zonas de compresión, siendo la más frecuente a nivel de arcada de Frohse con atrapamiento de su rama terminal, el nervio interóseo posterior. Presentamos un caso clínico de una paciente con atrapamiento del nervio radial a nivel del canal de torsión humeral y cómo la ecografía y los bloqueos nerviosos pueden ser útiles tanto para su diagnóstico como su tratamiento, con la particularidad de que en nuestro caso fue insuficiente con el bloqueo del tronco principal del nervio radial, siendo necesario en una segunda intervención actuar también sobre su rama el nervio cutáneo braquial lateroinferior para obtener un óptimo resultado clínico (AU)

The radial nerve has a long and sinuous course in the upper limb from the axilla to the hand and fingers. There are several possible areas of compression along this trajectory, the most frequent being on the Arcade of Frohse, with entrapment of its terminal nerve, the posterior interosseous nerve. We report the case of a patient with radial nerve entrapment in the spiral groove and describe how ultrasound and nerve blocks could be useful in diagnosis and treatment. In our patient, nerve block at the main radial nerve in the spiral groove was insufficient. A second nerve block was needed in the inferior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm to achieve an optimal clinical result (AU)

Propuesta de abordaje para bloqueo selectivo del nervio tibial en paciente espástico. A propósito de un caso / Proposal for approach to selective tibial nerve block in spastic patient. A propos of a case

El patrón más frecuente de espasticidad en el miembro inferior es el pie equino-varo. En pacientes con daño en el sistema nervioso central y espasticidad severa es frecuente que el tratamiento conservador y la toxina botulínica tipo A presenten un efecto limitado. En estos casos, los bloqueos nerviosos pueden ser de mucha utilidad para decidir nuestra actuación terapéutica. Presentamos un caso clínico como ejemplo de abordaje ecoguiado novedoso para el bloqueo del principal nervio involucrado en este patrón de pie equino-varo como es el nervio tibial, adaptado a la idiosincrasia de los pacientes espásticos y su utilidad para el manejo clínico de la espasticidad (AU)

The most frequent pattern of spasticity in the lower limb is equinovarus foot. Patients with central nervous system injury and severe spasticity, conservative treatment and botulinum toxin type A often have a limited effect. In these cases, nerve blocks can be very useful in deciding our therapeutic action. We present a clinical case as an example of a new ultrasound-guided approach to tibial nerve block, as this is the main nerve involved in equinovarus foot pattern, specific for spastic patients and its usefulness for the clinical management of spasticity (AU)

[Radial nerve entrapment in the spiral groove. Nerve block as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool]. / Atrapamiento del nervio radial a nivel del canal de torsión humeral. Bloqueos nerviosos como arma diagnóstica y terapéutica.

The radial nerve has a long and sinuous course in the upper limb from the axilla to the hand and fingers. There are several possible areas of compression along this trajectory, the most frequent being on the Arcade of Frohse, with entrapment of its terminal nerve, the posterior interosseous nerve. We report the case of a patient with radial nerve entrapment in the spiral groove and describe how ultrasound and nerve blocks could be useful in diagnosis and treatment. In our patient, nerve block at the main radial nerve in the spiral groove was insufficient. A second nerve block was needed in the inferior lateral cutaneous nerve of the arm to achieve an optimal clinical result.

[Proposal for approach to selective tibial nerve block in spastic patient. A propos of a case]. / Propuesta de abordaje para bloqueo selectivo del nervio tibial en paciente espástico. A propósito de un caso.

The most frequent pattern of spasticity in the lower limb is equinovarus foot. Patients with central nervous system injury and severe spasticity, conservative treatment and botulinum toxin type A often have a limited effect. In these cases, nerve blocks can be very useful in deciding our therapeutic action. We present a clinical case as an example of a new ultrasound-guided approach to tibial nerve block, as this is the main nerve involved in equinovarus foot pattern, specific for spastic patients and its usefulness for the clinical management of spasticity.

Uso de bromocriptina en pacientes con alteración de conciencia secundaria a traumatismo craneoencefálico / Bromocriptine in disorders of consciouness due to traumatic brain injury

Introducción: el objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar los resultados y efectos secundarios de la administración de bromocriptina en pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE) en estado de síndrome vigilia sin respuesta (SVSR) o estado de mínima conciencia (EMC). Métodos: revisión retrospectiva de 10 casos clínicos: 6 TCE-SVSR y 4 TCE-EMC. Todos los pacientes recibieron bromocriptina con dosis iniciales de 2,5mg 2 veces al día. Esta fue incrementada progresivamente hasta 7,5 o 12,5mg 2 veces al día según respuesta y mantenida durante al menos 4 semanas. Se emplearon diversas escalas de valoración en los siguientes estadios: previo a la administración de bromocriptina, a las 4 semanas de inicio del tratamiento y previo al alta hospitaria. Las escalas de valoración que se emplearon fueron: Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, Disability Rating Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, Barthel Scale y Marshall Scale. Resultados: de los 10 pacientes 4 en EMC y 4 en SVSR consiguieron al alta 23 puntos en escala CRS-R, emergiendo por tanto de dichos estados y alcanzando un estado de fuera de mínima conciencia. Dos de los 10 pacientes mejoraron, pero de manera más discreta pasando de SVSR a EMC (8 a 11 y de 5 a 10 puntos en CRS-R). Conclusiones: considerando el mal pronóstico de recuperación de estos pacientes el beneficio-riesgo es positivo con bromocriptina a dosis como mínimo de 7,5mg 2 veces al día durante 4 semanas

Introduction: the aim of this study was to assess the results and adverse effects of bromocriptine in patients with traumatic brain injury-vegetative state (TBI-VS) or traumatic brain injury-minimally conscious state (TBI-MCS). Methods: we conducted a retrospective review of 10 patients, six with TBI-VS and four with TBI-MCS. All patients received bromocriptine at a starting dose of 2.5mg twice daily. Bromocriptine was titrated up to 7.5 or 12.5mg twice daily according to response and was maintained for at least 4 weeks. Various assessment scales were used in the following stages: before bromocriptine administration, at 4 weeks post bromocriptine prescription, and at hospital discharge. The assessment scales used were the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), Disability Rating Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, Barthel Scale, and Marshall Scale. Results: of the 10 patients, four with TBI-MCS and four with TBI-VS achieved a score of 23 points at discharge in the CRS-R, thus emerging from VS or MCS and regaining functional status. There were only two patients who emerged from VS but remained in MCS (8 to 11 and 5 to 10 points in CRS-R). Conclusions: considering the poor prognosis for recovery in these patients, bromocriptine use has a positive risk-benefit ratio at a dosage of at least 7.5mg twice daily for 4 weeks

[Bromocriptine in disorders of consciouness due to traumatic brain injury]. / Uso de bromocriptina en pacientes con alteración de conciencia secundaria a traumatismo craneoencefálico.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the results and adverse effects of bromocriptine in patients with traumatic brain injury-vegetative state (TBI-VS) or traumatic brain injury-minimally conscious state (TBI-MCS). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 10 patients, six with TBI-VS and four with TBI-MCS. All patients received bromocriptine at a starting dose of 2.5mg twice daily. Bromocriptine was titrated up to 7.5 or 12.5mg twice daily according to response and was maintained for at least 4 weeks. Various assessment scales were used in the following stages: before bromocriptine administration, at 4 weeks post bromocriptine prescription, and at hospital discharge. The assessment scales used were the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), Disability Rating Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, Barthel Scale, and Marshall Scale. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients, four with TBI-MCS and four with TBI-VS achieved a score of 23 points at discharge in the CRS-R, thus emerging from VS or MCS and regaining functional status. There were only two patients who emerged from VS but remained in MCS (8 to 11 and 5 to 10 points in CRS-R). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the poor prognosis for recovery in these patients, bromocriptine use has a positive risk-benefit ratio at a dosage of at least 7.5mg twice daily for 4 weeks.

Terapia descongestiva compleja en grados iniciales de linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama / Complex decongestive therapy in the early stages of breast cancer-related lymphoedema

Objetivos: Analizar los resultados del tratamiento con terapia descongestiva compleja (TDC) aplicada por primera vez en sujetos con linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama (LSCM) grados 0-I. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo con sujetos diagnosticados de LSCM de grado 0 y I en una Unidad de Linfedema, a los que se les realiza TDC por primera vez entre los años 2013 y 2016. Se compara el porcentaje de exceso de volumen (PEV) del linfedema en 3 intervalos (inicial, postratamiento y en la revisión médica) y se calcula la reducción del mismo (RPEV) después del tratamiento. Se registran datos demográficos, clínicos y las características del linfedema. Resultados: Fueron incluidas 27 mujeres, con una media de edad de 55 años (49-62). El 88,90% de ellas (n = 24) intervenidas de linfadenectomía y el 85,20% (n = 23) con radioterapia coadyuvante. Se realizaron de media de 23 sesiones. Previo a la TDC 7 participantes tenían LSCM de grado 0 y 20 de grado I; después del tratamiento 16 participantes tenían linfedema de grado 0 y 11 de grado I. La media inicial de PEV fue de 11,76%, 8,77% después del tratamiento y 7,57% en la revisión médica. El PEV se redujo en 22 participantes después del tratamiento (81,50%). Exceptuando un caso, la reducción de volumen se mantuvo estable en la revisión médica. La RPEV después del tratamiento fue 28,15% y 44,79% en la revisión médica. Conclusión: Este estudio muestra unos resultados favorables al empleo de TDC para el tratamiento de linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama de grado 0 y/o I

Objectives: To analyse the outcomes of Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) applied for the first time in patients with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema (BCRL) stages 0-I. Material and methods: A descriptive and retrospective study performed on subjects with BCRL severity stages 0 and I recruited in the Lymphology Unit, and who had CDT for the first time between 2013 and 2016. A comparison was made of the percent excess volume (PEV) of lymphoedema at 3 intervals (initial, post-treatment, and medical check-up) and we calculated the percent excess volume reduction (PEVR) after treatment. Demographic data, clinical and lymphoedema characteristics were recorded. Results: The study included a total of 27 women, with mean age of 55 years (49-62). A lymphadenectomy had been performed on 88.90% (n = 24), and 85.20% (n = 23) had radiation therapy. There was a mean of 23 sessions. Before CDT, 7 participants had stage 0 BCRL and 20 had stage I. After treatment, 16 participants had lymphoedema stage 0 and 11 had stage I. The mean initial PEV was 11.76%, 8.77% after treatment and 7.57% in the medical check-up. PEV was reduced in 22 participants after treatment (81.50%). There was only one case where the reduction of volume remained stable in the medical check-up. The mean PEVR after treatment was 28.15% and 44.79% in the medical check-up. Conclusion: This study shows favourable results of Complex Decongestive Therapy in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema stages 0 and I

Manejo del linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama empleando terapia descongestiva compleja con presoterapia multicompartimental secuencial. Experiencias en una unidad de linfedema / Management of breast cancer-related lymphoedema utilizing complex decongestive therapy and intermittent multi-chamber pneumatic compression. Experiences of a lymphoedema unit

Objetivo: El protocolo de tratamiento para los pacientes con linfedema sigue siendo controvertido. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el resultado de la Terapia Descongestiva Compleja con presoterapia multicompartimental secuencial aplicada por primera vez a pacientes con linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama en una Unidad de Linfedema. Material y métodos: Este estudio observacional con seguimiento retrospectivo está basado en la revisión de historias clínicas durante el periodo 2013-2016. 48 pacientes reunieron los criterios de inclusión de: diagnóstico de linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama, realizar por primera vez sesiones completas de Terapia Descongestiva Compleja (con drenaje linfático manual, presoterapia multicompartimental secuencial y vendaje multicapas) haber realizado la toma de medidas y firmar el consentimiento informado. La valoración se realizó comparando las medidas en centímetros del perímetro del miembro tratado y el contralateral en 7 niveles en 3 momentos (inicial, postratamiento y en la revisión) usando la fórmula de Kuhnke para obtener los volúmenes aproximados. Resultados: La diferencia entre los volúmenes de ambos miembros bajó desde el 21,61% de media inicial, al 15,98% a corto plazo y al 15,64% a medio plazo, consiguiéndose bajada de volumen en 39 de los pacientes y bajada del grado de linfedema en 21 de ellos. Conclusiones: Los resultados avalan la elección de la Terapia Descongestiva Compleja con presoterapia multicompartimental secuencial como tratamiento estándar en el linfedema secundario a cáncer de mama. Es necesaria más investigación con estudios objetivables y reproducibles que incluyan resultados a largo plazo

Objective: The optimal treatment protocol for lymphoedema patients is still controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the results of Complex Decongestive Therapy with intermittent multi-chamber pneumatic compression applied for the first time in patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema in a Lymphoedema Unit. Material and methods: This retrospective observational study was based on a review of medical records from 2013-2016. A total of 48 patients met the inclusion criteria, ie, those who had received a diagnosis of breast cancer-related lymphoedema, had undergone complete sessions of Complex Decongestive Therapy (with manual lymphatic drainage, intermittent multi-chamber pneumatic compression and multi-layer bandaging) for the first time, had available recorded measurements and had signed an informed consent form. The assessment was conducted by comparing the measurement in centimetres of the circumference of the affected limb with the contralateral measurements at 7 levels in 3 time intervals (initial, post-treatment and at the medical follow-up). The Kuhnke method was used to obtain the approximate volumes. Results: The difference between the volumes of the two limbs decreased from an initial mean of 21.61%, to 15.98% in the short-term and 15.64% in the medium-term, so there was a volume reduction in 39 patients. Moreover, the stage of lymphoedema decreased in 21 of them. Conclusions: The results support the choice of Complex Decongestive Therapy with intermittent multi-chamber pneumatic compression as a standard treatment in breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Further research is required on this issue with measurable and reproducible studies that include long-term-results

Sexual satisfaction in women with spinal cord injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: Structured interview based on a predesigned survey. OBJECTIVE: To examine the factors that affect the degree of sexual satisfaction in a sample of women with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: The study participants were women with SCIs, from the area of the SCI Unit of A Coruña, a reference unit for the Community of Galicia in the northwest of Spain. All study participants were selected consecutively in the outpatient clinic in 2013. METHODS: The study included women with the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) A-D spinal injuries, between the ages of 18 and 65 years, who completed rehabilitation therapy and live in the community. A total of 32 women formed the final study group. RESULTS: When comparing the group of women who were sexually active with those who were not, variables such as age, neurological level, time since the SCI, ASIA or Spinal Cord Independence Measure score, urinary incontinence, chronic pain and spasticity were not related to sexual activity. The only factors that we found to be related to sexual activity were not having a stable partner (P=0.017) and a lack of sensation in the genital area (P=0.039). CONCLUSION: The only variables related to sexual activity were not having a partner and a lack of sensation in the genital area. Improving sexual satisfaction, information and specific programs during rehabilitation can help women with SCI explore and investigate new erotic possibilities, thereby improving their self-esteem and social relationships.