Effects of ultrasound-guided platelet rich plasma injection in patients with piriformis syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Piriformis syndrome (PS) is the common entrapment neuropathy causing buttock pain. Patients are conventionally treated with lifestyle modification, exercise, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid or botulinum toxin injections. However, some patients may not respond to these conventional treatment methods. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection has been shown to be beneficial in various muscular injuries, but its effects have not yet been investigated in PS. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of PRP on pain and functional status in patients with PS, and to identify any correlations between clinical changes and demographic features. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with PS were randomly separated into two groups (PRP and control groups). All patients received one session of either PRP or saline injection performed under ultrasound guidance. The pain was measured with a visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were noted at three intervals in both groups: before treatment, 1 week after treatment and 1 month after treatment. RESULTS: The VAS and ODI scores were improved in both groups. The improvement was more obvious in the PRP group in the first week, and the results were similar for both groups when measured 1 month after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided PRP injection provided greater improvements in both pain and functional status in patients with PS, starting in the early period after treatment. A repeat injection might be needed for a long-term effect.

The effect of the anticoagulant on the cellular composition and growth factor content of platelet-rich plasma.

BACKGROUND: The cellular and biochemical composition of the platelet rich plasma (PRP) may impact its regenerative capacity. PRP composition have been shown to vary substantially among different separation systems and protocols. The type and the dose of anticoagulant might affect the content of PRP. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of anticoagulant use, on cellular composition and the amount of growth factors in fresh PRP. METHODS: Three different methods were used to prepare PRP from 12 healthy participants. The protocol 1 included standart dose sodium citrate (SC) (0.9 ml, 3.8%), protocol 2 included 0.5 ml SC and no anticoagulant was used in protocol 3. The PRP's were compared in regards to cellular content, capture efficiency of platelets (CE), concentrations and total doses of fresh studied vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived growth factor -BB, (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) levels. RESULTS: The CE and total platelet count were highest in protocol 1. The white blood cells (WBC) and VEGF were highest in protocol 3. The highest total TGF-ß1 and total PDGF levels were obtained with protocol 1, while the highest total VEGF levels were obtained with protocol 3. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed that the use and the dose of SC affects the cellular content of PRP and GFs measured in fresh PRP. The CE and platelet dose increases while the WBC and VEGF decreases with the use of SC.

Evaluation of neural therapy effect in patients with piriformis syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of neural therapy on pain and functionality in patients with low back pain due to piriformis syndrome. It also aimed to find out any possible links between the clinical changes and demographic features. METHOD: One hundred and two patients were randomly divided into two groups (neural therapy and control). All patients were given stretching exercises for the piriformis muscle. The patients in the neural therapy group additionally received 6 sessions of neural therapy. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were noted before and after the treatment in both groups. RESULTS: The VAS and ODI improved in both groups. However, improvement of the VAS and ODI scores were more obvious in the neural therapy group. The changes of VAS and ODI values did not show any correlations with the demographic features. CONCLUSION: After the neural therapy, the patients with low back pain due to piriformis syndrome may have improvement in both pain and functioning.

Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in a Patient with a Plantar Fascia Tear.

We report the case of a 40-year-old female patient presenting with resistant heel pain attributable to plantar fascia rupture. She was treated with ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection, and her pain was decreased. Additionally, ultrasound was useful for diagnosis, intervention and follow-up of the patient.

The Acupuncture Effect on Median Nerve Morphology in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Ultrasonographic Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore the acupuncture effect on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve at the wrist in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and, additionally, to identify whether clinical, electrophysiological, and ultrasonographic changes show any association. METHODS: Forty-five limbs of 27 female patients were randomly divided into two groups (acupuncture and control). All patients used night wrist splint. The patients in the acupuncture group received additional acupuncture therapy. Visual analog scale (VAS), Duruöz Hand Index (DHI), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire scores, electrophysiologic measurements, and median nerve CSAs were noted before and after the treatment in both groups. RESULTS: VAS, DHI, Quick DASH scores, and electrophysiological measurements were improved in both groups. The median nerve CSA significantly decreased in the acupuncture group, whereas there was no change in the control group. CONCLUSION: After acupuncture therapy, the patients with CTS might have both clinical and morphological improvement.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Acupuncture Effect on Common Extensor Tendon Thickness in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of acupuncture on common extensor tendon (CET) thickness in patients with lateral epicondylitis (LE). Additionally, to identify whether clinical and ultrasonographic changes showed any correlation. METHODS: Forty-one patients were randomly assigned to acupuncture and control groups. Conventional treatment (rest, NSAII, bracing, exercise) methods for LE were applied to all patients. In addition to this, the acupuncture treatment was applied to the acupuncture group. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Duruoz Hand Index (DHI) for functioning of the affected limb, the pressure pain threshold, and CET thickness (via ultrasound imaging) were assessed before and end of the treatment in both groups. RESULTS: The VAS and DHI scores in both groups decreased. The pressure pain threshold and CET thickness only demonstrated improvement in the acupuncture group. CONCLUSION: These findings show that the CET thickness was reduced after 10 sessions of acupuncture treatment in LE patients.

Independent predictors of mortality in subacute and chronic stroke patients: A single center study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Although the long-term survival and related predictors have been identified in stroke patients, there is little evidence about the mortality rates and its associated factors in stroke patients treated in rehabilitation units. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 5-year mortality rates of patients with stroke and its relationship with the clinical characteristics after inpatient subacute-chronic rehabilitation. METHODS: The files of 1016 stroke patients (482 male, 534 female) who received inpatient rehabilitation program were examined retrospectively. Patients' characteristics and functional ambulation category were recorded at the end of the rehabilitation program. The survival probability was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the univariate effects of predictors were determined using the log-rank test. The possible factors determined with univariate analyses were checked in the Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 273 patients (32%) died within 5 years after stroke. Age (p< 0.001, RR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.05-1.08), presence of coronary artery disease (p= 0.003, RR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.16-2.03) and poor walking ability (p< 0.001, RR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.49-2.86) were independent prognostic factors for increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: About one-third of the rehabilitation patients died within 5 years after stroke. As independent ambulation was a strong predictor for long-term survival, it should be provided via rehabilitation techniques. Future studies are proposed to determine the effects of rehabilitation methods on mortality rates.

Ultrasonographic measurements of the metacarpal and talar cartilage thicknesses in hemiplegic patients after stroke.

BACKGROUND: Immobilization of the extremities after stroke is known to be the foremost reason of articular cartilage degeneration and musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) has become increasingly important in the assessment of joint cartilage. To the best of our knowledge, US measurements of the metacarpal and talar cartilage thicknesses in hemiplegic patients after stroke have not been performed before. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to explore whether metacarpal and talar cartilage thicknesses were affected after stroke using US. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients (33 M and 25 F) with unilateral hemiplegia after stroke were enrolled between April and June 2015. Age, sex, body mass index, paretic side, and underlying etiology (ischemic or hemorrhagic) were noted. Modified Ashworth scale, Brunnstrom motor recovery stage (BMRS), motor functional independence measure and functional ambulation category were recorded. A 5-12 MHz linear array probe was used for ultrasonographic cartilage measurements at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metacarpal heads and talus. RESULTS: When compared with the non-paretic side, metacarpal (but not talar) cartilage thicknesses were found to be less on the paretic side (significant for the 3rd and 4th ones) (both p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis yielded thinner 3rd and 4th metacarpal cartilage thicknesses between the groups in patients with BMRS 1-3 (p = 0.009 and 0.054, respectively) but not in patients with BMRS 4-6 (p = 0.416 and 0.571, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We may conclude that metacarpal (but not talar) cartilage is thinner on the paretic side of stroke patients that seems to be less with better motor functioning.

Ultrasonographic assessment of neuromuscular electrical stimulation efficacy on glenohumeral subluxation in patients with hemiplegia: a randomized-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the short-term effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) in stroke patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized-controlled study included 24 unilateral hemiplegic patients (10 males, 14 females; mean age 64.1±14.8 years; range 22 to 84 years) with GHS as assessed by ultrasonography between December 2013 and September 2014. The patients were randomly divided into two groups as those in the NMES group (n=12) who were treated with NMES to supraspinatus, upper trapezius, and posterior deltoid muscles combined with conventional physiotherapy and as those in the control group (n=12) who were received conventional physiotherapy alone. Clinical (the Brunnstrom Motor Recovery Stage, Visual Analog Scale [VAS] for Pain and Shoulder Disability Questionnaire [SDQ]) and ultrasonographic (acromion-greater tuberosity distance, thicknesses of supraspinatus, upper trapezius, and posterior deltoid muscles) variables were evaluated before and after treatment in both groups. RESULTS: The SDQ index, acromion-greater tuberosity distance, and supraspinatus muscle thickness were improved in the NMES group, compared to the control group (for all p<0.05). The VAS-pain scores decreased in both groups. There was no statistically significant alterations in the other measurements in both groups (for all p>0.05). The percentage change (%) of the VAS-pain scores was not significantly different between two groups (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that GHS decreased after 20 sessions of NMES treatment. Based on these findings, ultrasonography appears to be a proper imaging tool for the evaluation of GHS in stroke patients.

Ultrasonographic measurement of the femoral cartilage thickness in patients with transfemoral amputation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the distal femoral cartilage thickness of the non-amputee sides in patients who had unilateral transfemoral amputation with those of healthy subjects by using ultrasound. METHODS: Thirty transfemoral amputees (27 male, 3 female) and 30 age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched healthy controls were included. Functional usage of the prosthesis was evaluated by using Houghton score. The cartilage thickness was measured from the following midpoints; medial femoral condyle (MFC), intercondylar area, and lateral femoral condyle. RESULTS: Thirty patients with unilateral transfemoral amputation (mean age; 38.6 ± 9.5 years) and 30 healthy controls (mean age; 38.4 ± 9.4 years) were included. Although femoral cartilage thicknesses were found to be lower for all measurements in the amputees, the difference reached significance only in the MFC (p= 0.031). In the patient group, cartilage thickness values did not correlate with age, duration of amputation, daily walking time, stump length or Houghton score. CONCLUSION: The distal femoral cartilage thickness seems to be decreased medially on the non-amputee sides of the transfemoral amputees when compared with the healthy subjects. Further studies concerning the follow-up designs, functional parameters and osteoarthritis scales are awaited.

The Effects of Lead Exposure on Serum Uric Acid and Hyperuricemia in Young Adult Workers: A Cross-sectional Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between serum uric acid levels and renal functions in asymptomatic subjects who had occupational lead exposure, particularly for shorter durations whereby saturnine gout has also been discussed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, files of 100 males (mean age 34.5±5.9 years; range, 21 to 47 years) with occupational risk for lead exposure and 100 healthy male controls (mean age 34.47±5.8 years; range 21 to 47 years) were reviewed. Demographic characteristics of the subjects and laboratory test results were recorded from the files. Creatinine clearance and 24-hour urinary creatinine were measured in the lead-exposed group. RESULTS: In the lead-exposed group, mean serum uric acid level was higher than those of the control group (p<0.001). Lead exposure time was negatively correlated with 24-hour urinary creatinine levels (r= -0.373, p<0.001). In addition, serum uric acid levels were positively correlated with serum creatinine levels (r=0.412, p<0.001) in the exposed group. Six patients had hyperuricemia (serum uric acid level >6.8 mg/dL) in the lead- exposed group; however, all subjects' serum uric acid level was lower than 6.8 mg/dL in the control group (p=0.029). Although 22 subjects had higher uric acid levels than 6.0 mg/dL in the lead-exposed group, only one control had higher uric acid level than 6.0 mg/dL (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In light of our results, we may conclude that workers with lead exposure have higher frequency of hyperuricemia and higher serum uric acid levels than those of the control group. Therefore, we may imply that higher serum uric acid levels may be associated with renal impairment in lead-exposed subjects even in the earlier stages of exposure.

Ultrasonographic assessment of the quadriceps muscle and femoral cartilage in transtibial amputees using different prostheses.

BACKGROUND: In patients with lower limb amputations, gait alteration, increased loading on the intact extremity, and use of prosthesis may lead to joint degeneration. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of prosthesis type on quadriceps muscle and distal femoral cartilage thicknesses in transtibial amputees. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 38 below-knee amputees were enrolled in the study, of which 13 patients were using vacuum system type prosthesis and 25 patients were using silicon liner pin system prosthesis. Patients' femoral cartilage and quadriceps muscle thickness measurements were performed using musculoskeletal ultrasound. RESULTS: When compared with the intact sides, cartilage and rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis muscle thickness values were significantly decreased on the amputee sides (all p < 0.05). Clinical characteristics and ultrasound measurements were similar between the two groups except the lateral and medial femoral condyle thicknesses, thinner in the silicon liner pin system users (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The distal femoral cartilage and quadriceps muscle thicknesses were found to be decreased on the amputated sides, and the negative impact on the cartilage seemed to be worse in the silicon liner pin system users. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study might provide another argument as regards the preference of vacuum system type prosthesis to prevent possible knee osteoarthritis due to cartilage thinning in adult transtibial amputees.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of the Femoral Cartilage Thickness in Patients with Pes Planus: A Multicenter Study by TURK-MUSCULUS.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to measure the distal femoral cartilage thicknesses of patients with pes planus by using ultrasound imaging and to explore whether ultrasound measurements are associated with degree of pes planus. DESIGN: One hundred seven patients (61 men, 46 women; aged 18-45 yrs) with pes planus and 107 age- and sex-matched as well as body mass index-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. After clinical assessment of the patients, measurements for pes planus were done on the radiographs, and ultrasound imaging of the distal femoral cartilage was performed from the right medial condyle, the right lateral condyle, the right intercondylar area, the left medial condyle, the left lateral condyle, and the left intercondylar area. RESULTS: Femoral cartilage values were thicker than those of the control group at all measurement sites (except for the right lateral condyle) (P's < 0.05). In a subgroup analysis regarding the sex difference, right medial condyle and left medial condyle values in the male subjects as well as right lateral condyle, right intercondylar area, left lateral condyle, and left intercondylar area values in the female subjects were found to be thicker (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The distal femoral cartilages of the pes planus patients seem to be thicker, and this finding could possibly stem from excessive mechanical stress on the knee joint caused by impaired lower extremity biomechanics.

Short-Term effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on muscle architecture of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius in children with cerebral palsy: preliminary results of a prospective controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the short-term effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation application on tibialis anterior (stimulated muscle) and gastrocnemius (antagonist) muscles' size and architecture in children with cerebral palsy by using ultrasound. DESIGN: This prospective, controlled study included 28 children diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. Participants were treated either with neuromuscular electrical stimulation application and conventional physiotherapy (group A) or with conventional physiotherapy alone (group B). Outcome was evaluated by clinical (gross motor function, selective motor control, range of motion, spasticity) and ultrasonographic (cross-sectional area, pennation angle, fascicle length of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles) measurements before and after treatment in both groups. RESULTS: Cross-sectional area values of tibialis anterior (238.7 ± 61.5 vs. 282.0 ± 67.1 mm) and gastrocnemius (207.9 ± 48.0 vs. 229.5 ± 52.4 mm) (P < 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively) muscles were increased after treatment in group A. Cross-sectional area values of tibialis anterior muscle were decreased (257.3 ± 64.7 vs. 239.7 ± 60.0 mm) after treatment in group B (P < 0.001), and the rest of the measurements were found not to have changed significantly in either group. CONCLUSIONS: These results have shown that cross-sectional area of both the agonist and antagonist muscles increased after 20 sessions of neuromuscular electrical stimulation treatment. Future studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are definitely awaited for better evaluation of neuromuscular electrical stimulation application on muscle architecture and its possible correlates in clinical/functional outcome.

Fibromyalgia and nondipper circadian blood pressure variability.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aberrant circadian rhythm with persistent nocturnal sympathetic hyperactivity has pointed out malfunctioning autonomic nervous system in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. This is a common pathogenesis shared also by patients with nondipping blood pressure (BP) pattern. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the frequency of nondipping BP pattern in normotensive women with newly diagnosed FM compared with healthy women. METHODS: Sixty-seven normotensive women with new diagnosis of FM and 38 age-matched healthy volunteer women were recruited into the study. All subjects underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring on a usual working day. Individuals were defined as "dippers" if their nocturnal BP values decreased by more than 10% compared with daytime values; defined as "nondippers" in case of a decline less than 10%. Serum creatinine, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol levels, albumin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were assessed. RESULTS: Ambulatory measurements showed significantly higher diastolic BP values in patients with FM for both average of 24-hour recordings. Patients with FM had significantly lower systolic (9.1 ± 3.9 vs 11.5 ± 4.9, P = 0.010) and diastolic dipping ratios (12.3 ± 6.1 vs 16.1 ± 6.4, P = 0.004). The number of nondippers in the FM group was significantly higher than that of controls for both systolic (66% vs 34%, P = 0.002) and diastolic BP measurements (42% vs 21%, P=0.031). Patients with FM were 3.68 times more likely to be systolic nondipper and 2.69 times more likely to be diastolic nondipper. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated a significant relationship between FM and nondipping BP pattern, and we suggest that nondipping profile, which has been closely associated with cardiovascular morbidity, may appear as an additional risk factor in patients with FM.