Early spermatogenesis changes in traumatic complete spinal cord-injured adult patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal study. OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of spinal cord injury (SCI) on the spermatogenesis of patients studied in the early subacute stage and ensuing months. SETTING: National hospital for SCI patients. METHODS: A prospective follow-up study was conducted on 28 male patients with complete SCI who were evaluated in the early subacute phase (~1 month), and 3 and 6 months after the injury. At each time point, fine needle aspiration biopsy samples were taken from the testes for cytological assessment, and serum levels of relevant hormones were measured. At the end of the study period, ejaculation was attempted for standard semen analyses. RESULTS: Cytological patterns indicative of defective spermatogenesis were found in 61%, 52% and 20% of the patients at 1, 3 and 6 months after SCI, respectively, suggesting an improvement over time. Serum hormone analyses showed a steady elevation of estradiol levels above the reference range, and increasing levels of testosterone, inhibin B and prolactin throughout the study period. Prolactin levels were above the reference range at all time points. Only 2 out of the 10 patients who were able to ejaculate at 6 months post injury showed normal sperm parameters. CONCLUSION: A majority of the patients showed impaired spermatogenesis soon after the injury, which in most cases recovered over time. That was accompanied by parallel increases in serum levels of inhibin B, testosterone and prolactin, possibly driving or reflecting the spermatogenesis recovery. Further studies are needed to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying these changes.

El modelo de promoción de la salud de Nola Pender. Una reflexión en torno a su comprensión / The model of health promotion proposed by Nola Pender. A reflection on your understanding

La comprensión de las teorías y modelos de enfermería llevan consigo un amplio recorrido de discusión que contribuye al crecimiento de la disciplina. El Modelo de Promoción de la Salud propuesto por Nola Pender, es ampliamente utilizado por los profesionales de enfermería, ya que permite comprender comportamientos huma - nos relacionados con la salud, y a su vez, orienta hacia la generación de conductas saludables. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue realizar un análisis de los artículos originales publicados en torno a este modelo, durante el período 2000­2010, identificando los aspectos más relevantes expresados en dichas publicaciones, así como las formas en que éste es interpretado y utilizado en la práctica. Las investigaciones realizadas a partir de este modelo, en el periodo mencionado, predominan en Brasil, Estados Unidos de América y México. Los grupos de personas en las que más se hacen, son adolescentes y adultos, las temáticas más mencionadas son: Actividad física, estilos de vida saludable, enfermedades crónicas y obesidad, la gran mayoría de los investigadores, utiliza la totalidad de conceptos expresados en el modelo para la interpretación del fenómeno estudiado. Los profesionales que más investigan en torno a este modelo, son de los campos de enfermería y sociología. Se ha notado un incremento de las investigaciones alrededor del Modelo de Promoción de la Salud en la última década, reflejo del interés de estos expertos por comprender las conductas promotoras de la salud, así como de las motivaciones que llevan a realizarlas.

Comprehension of theories and Nursing Models comprise a wide range of discussions contributing to the growth of discipline. The model of health promotion proposed by Nola Pender is widely used by Nursing professionals; as it leads to the understanding of human behavior related to health; it also leads to the development of healthy behavior. The aim of this work is to perform an analysis of the original articles published regarding this model, carried out between 2000 and 2010 in America identifying the most relevant issues stated under such publications, and the ways it is interpreted in real practice. Research performed from this model in the above stated period of time, is mostly used in Brazil, the United States and Mexico. The groups of people widely involved are youngsters, adults and elders, most used topics are: physical activity, healthy life styles, chronicle diseases and the application of the model instruments, most of the researches use the whole of the concepts expressed in the model for the interpretation of the surveyed phenomenon. Nurses and Sociologists are the professionals performing most of the research of this model. An increase of HMP (Health Model Promotion) research has been detected in the last decade, evidencing the interest of these experts to understand the Promotional Health Behaviors, as well as the motivational aspects that lead them to perform them.

Rehabilitación tras reconstrucción del LCA con plastia H-T-H / Rehabilitation after-tendon-bone ACL plastia

Los protocolos de rehabilitación tras reconstrucción del LCA han sufrido notables transformaciones en las últimas décadas, desde los protocolos clásicos y conservadores de Paulos hasta los actuales y más agresivos de Beynnon. El proceso de reeducación ha de sustentarse en la evidencia científica en cada uno de los diferentes elementos que lo componen. Los protocolos acelerados actuales se basan en una período de enfriamiento y rehabilitación preoperatoria con el objetivo de conseguir un balance articular y muscular adecuados. La reeducación postoperatoria se iniciará de forma precoz, con un buen control del dolor, buscando la rápida recuperación del balance articular, la carga completa y un refuerzo muscular intensivo inicialmente en cadena cerrada y a partir de la sexta semana en cadena cinética abierta, junto con un programa de reeducación neuromuscular propioceptiva. La utilización de técnicas de electromioestimulación ayudará en las fases iniciales en la recuperación de los desequilibrios del balance muscular. Las ortesis desempeñan todavía un papel discutido durante el proceso de rehabilitación, pudiendo ser utilizadas en las primeras fases de rehabilitación para el mayor confort del paciente. Es fundamental la valoración y monitorización mediante los tests funcionales, las escalas de valoración funcional y los tests instrumentados isocinéticos. El cumplimiento de estas premisas minimizará las complicaciones(artrofibrosis, síndromes rotulianos y algodistrofia) permitiendo el retorno a la práctica deportiva al mismo nivel prelesional (AU)

Rehabilitation protocols after ACL reconstruction has undergone remarkable transformations in recent decades, from the classic and conservative Paulos’ protocols to the current most aggressive of Beynnon. The rehabilitation process must be supported by scientific evidence in each of the different elements that compose it. The current accelerated protocols are based on a period of cooling and pre-operative rehabilitation in order to achieve a suitable joint and muscle balance. The postoperative rehabilitation starts early, with good pain control, for the speedy recovery of the joint stock, the full load and intensive muscle strengthening initially using closed chain and from the sixth week open kinetic chain, along with a proprioceptive neuromuscular re-education program. The electromios estimulation techniques helps in the initial stages in the recovery of muscle imbalances. Orthoses still play a discussed role during the rehabilitation process and can be used in the early stages of rehabilitation for greater patient comfort. It is essential to the assessment and monitoring by the functional tests, functional assessment scales and isokinetic instrumented test. The fulfillment of these assumptions will minimize complications (Arthrofibrosis, patellar syndrome and reflex sympathetic dystrophy) allowing the return to sports at the same level before de injury (AU)

Comparative biomechanical gait analysis of patients with central cord syndrome walking with one crutch and two crutches.

BACKGROUND: Ambulatory people with central cord syndrome often require assistive devices. The selection of a suitable assistive device should be based on an objective assessment. Our objective in this study was to determine whether there was any difference in using two crutches over one crutch, considering that these patients have bilateral upper-limb involvement. METHODS: Kinematic gait analysis was conducted in 12 patients with central cord syndrome of more than one year of evolution and functional capacity for walking with one crutch or without crutches. Patients were asked to walk with one crutch and with two crutches at a freely chosen walking speed through a 10-m walkway. Three-dimensional kinematic equipment based on active markers was used to analyze temporospatial and articular parameters (maximum, minimum, and range of motion, ROM, throughout the cycle) FINDINGS: During two-crutch versus one-crutch walking, speed was lower (P=0041), stride time and step time were longer (P=0.004 and P=0.005) and there were fewer strides/minute and steps/minute (P=0.005 and P=0.006). The duration of the single support stance was longer during two-crutch walking (P=0.008). With respect to the articular parameters, both ankle ROMs (dorsi-plantar flexion P=0.003 and pronation-supination P=0.004) were greater with one-crutch walking than with two-crutch walking. INTERPRETATION: In patients with central cord syndrome capable of walking with one crutch or without crutches, walking with two crutches decreases speed, increases stride time and step time and improves stability by increasing single support, and diminishes ankle plantar flexion during swing phase.

Comparative study of pressure distribution at the user-cushion interface with different cushions in a population with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have offered comparative information on the mechanical characteristics of different wheelchair seat cushions. The objective of the present study was to compare the benefits of the wheelchair seat cushions most frequently used in a population of patients with spinal cord injury in terms of pressure distribution and contact surface at the user-cushion interface. METHODS: Each one of 48 patients with spinal cord injury was seated in his or her own wheelchair on the four models of cushions analyzed (low-profile air, high-profile air, dual-compartment air, and gel and firm foam), which were presented in randomized order. The pressure distribution readings and support surface area of the user-cushion interface were obtained with a matrix of piezocapacitive sensors. FINDINGS: The dual-compartment air cushion yielded lower readings for all pressure parameters analyzed (P(max), P(mean), P(sd), and P(isch)) than the other three cushion models (P<0.05). The best surface parameter results (S(tot), S>60 and %S>60) also were obtained with the dual-compartment air cushion (P<0.05). INTERPRETATION: In the sample analyzed, the dual-compartment air cushion was the cushion with the best pressure distribution and largest contact surface of the user-cushion interface compared to the other three cushions studied.

Evaluación de la marcha con bastones en pacientes con lesión medular incompleta / Assessment of walking on crutches in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury

Objetivo. Determinar las aportaciones que suponen el empleo de técnicas de análisis biomecánico a la hora de recomendar la marcha con uno o dos bastones en personas con lesión medular incompleta. Material y métodos. Se efectuó el análisis cinemático de la marcha en 12 pacientes con lesión medular incompleta de más de un año de evolución y capacidad funcional para caminar con un bastón. Los pacientes caminaron a velocidad libre en un pasillo de 10 m con uno y con dos bastones. Se utilizó un equipo que permite realizar un análisis cinemático en 3 D basado en marcadores activos. Los parámetros analizados fueron los temporo-espaciales y los articulares (máximos, mínimos y rango articular a lo largo del ciclo). Resultados. Caminando con dos bastones la duración del ciclo es mayor (p = 0,010) y la frecuencia de ciclos/minuto es menor (p = 0,014). Respecto a los parámetros articulares, en la marcha con dos bastones el pico de valor máximo (p = 0,036) y el mínimo de basculación anterior pélvica (p = 0,038), así como el recorrido articular de rotación pélvica (p = 0,006) son mayores, y el valor mínimo de flexión de cadera es menor (p = 0,022). Conclusión. A pesar de la mayor seguridad ofrecida para los lesionados medulares que pueden caminar con un bastón, el hacerlo con dos puede constituir una marcha más costosa. Las técnicas de análisis biomecánico constituyen un elemento de soporte a la hora de recomendar una ayuda técnica para la marcha (AU)

Objective. To determine the differences in gait kinematic parameters of people with incomplete spinal cord injury while walking with one or two crutches. Material and methods. Twelve patients with incomplete spinal cord injury whose injury occurred at least one year ago with functional capacity for walking with one crutch were kinetically analyzed. The patients walked at free rate in a 10 m hallway with one or two crutches. A system was used that allowed for kinematic analysis in 3 D based on active markers. The parameters analyzed were time-space and joint values (maximum, minimum and range of movement during the cycle). Results. When walking with two crutches, the stride time is greater (p = 0.021) and the stride/minute is less (p = 0.014). Regarding joint parameters of walking with two crutches, the maximum value peak (p = 0.036) and the minimum of anterior pelvic tilt (p = 0.038) and the joint range of the pelvic rotation (p = 0.006) are greater and the minimum value of hip flexion is less (p = 0.022). Conclusion. In spite of the greater safety offered for the patients suffering spinal cord injuries, for those who can walk with one crutch, the use of 2 crutches can make walking more difficult. Biomechanical analysis techniques are a supportive element when recommending technical help for walking (AU)

Artroplastia vertebral / Vertebral arthroplasty

La artroplastia vertebral es una alternativa terapéutica a la fusión lumbar en el tratamiento de la enfermedad degenerativa discal, que tiene como finalidad restaurar la altura discal, mantener una adecuada movilidad y minimizar las complicaciones, básicamente el deterioro de los segmentos vertebrales adyacentes. Se han desarrollado tres tipos diferentes de artroplastias: las totales, las endoprótesis nucleares y las facetarias, utilizándose fundamentalmente en la columna lumbar y en menor grado en la columna cervical. La indicación de la artroplastia ha de seguir un estricto protocolo de selección del paciente y un programa de rehabilitación específico que garantice su viabilidad. La evidencia actual permite concluir resultados similares entre las artroplastias y las fusiones vertebrales, con algunas ventajas para las primeras en relación con el índice de reintervenciones y movilidad, aunque el avance en los modelos y técnicas quirúrgicas permitirá en un futuro cercano su mayor utilización y mejoría de los actuales resultados clínicos

Intervertebral arthroplasty is an alternative therapeutic option to lumbar fusion for surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease. Its purpose is to restore disc height, maintain adequate motion and minimize complications, basically deterioration of the adjacent vertebral segments. Three different kind of arthroplasty have been developed: total lumbar joint replacement, nucleus pulposus replacement and facet joints posterior dynamic stabilization, currently used more in lumbar surgery than cervical surgery. Arthroplasty indication has to follow a strict patient selection protocol and specific rehabilitation program that assures its viability. Current evidence makes it possible to conclude similar results between arthroplasties and vertebral fusions. There are some added benefits of restoring and maintaining segmental motion in the arthroplasty surgery, although advances in orthopedic surgical procedures will allow for better clinical results than now in the near future

Artroplastia vertebral / Vertebral arthroplasty

La artroplastia vertebral es una alternativa terapéutica a la fusión lumbar en el tratamiento de la enfermedad degenerativa discal, que tiene como finalidad restaurarla altura discal, mantener una adecuada movilidad y minimizarlas complicaciones, básicamente el deterioro de los segmentos vertebrales adyacentes. Se han desarrollado tres tipos diferentes de artroplastias: las totales, las endoprótesis nucleares y las facetarias, utilizándose fundamentalmente en la columna lumbar y en menor grado en la columna cervical. La indicación de la artroplastia ha de seguir un estricto protocolo de selección del paciente y un programa de rehabilitación específico que garantice su viabilidad. La evidencia actual permite concluir resultados similares entre las artroplastias y las fusiones vertebrales, con algunas ventajas para las primeras en relación con el índice de reintervenciones y movilidad, aunque el avance en los modelos y técnicas quirúrgicas permitirá en un futuro cercano su mayor utilización y mejoría de los actuales resultados clínicos (AU)

Intervertebral arthroplasty is an alternative therapeutic option to lumbar fusion for surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease. Its purpose is to restore disc height, maintain adequate motion and minimize complications, basically deterioration of the adjacent vertebral segments. Three different kind of arthroplasty have been developed: total lumbar joint replacement, nucleus pulposus replacement and facet joints posterior dynamic stabilization, currently used more in lumbar surgery than cervical surgery. Arthroplasty indication has to follow a strict patient selection protocol and specific rehabilitation program that assures its viability. Current evidence makes it possible to conclude similar results between arthroplasties and vertebral fusions. There are some added benefits of restoring and maintaining segmental motion in the arthroplasty surgery, although advances in orthopedic surgical procedures will allow for better clinical results than now in the near future (AU)

Efficacy, safety and predictive factors of therapeutic success with sildenafil for erectile dysfunction in patients with different spinal cord injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, open, prospective, before-after study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil therapy for erectile dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury, and the association between the response to sildenafil and factors such as causes and levels of spinal cord injury, grade of ASIA deficit, time since injury, orgasmic perception, and degree of baseline erection. SETTING: Homes of outpatients of 16 spinal cord injury units in Spain. METHOD: One hundred and seventy patients with erectile dysfunction secondary to spinal cord injury, from whom baseline data were collected on their sexual function, and who started treatment with sildenafil 50 mg. An efficacy assessment was made by the patient and his partner, and the score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was recorded. RESULTS: It was reported by 88.2% of the patients and 85.3% of their partners that treatment with sildenafil had improved their erections, regardless of the baseline characteristics of the spinal cord injury and erectile function. In responders, this improvement was confirmed by an increase from 12.5 to 24.8 points (P<0.001) of the Erectile Function Domain of IIEF. A significant improvement was also seen in patients' satisfaction with sexual activity and general satisfaction derived from sexual life. Preservation of orgasmic perception and a baseline degree of erection of 3 or 4 (P=0.006) were predictors of therapeutic success. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for erectile dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury, regardless of the cause, neurological level, ASIA grade, and time since injury. SPONSORSHIP: Spanish Society of Paraplegia.