The muscular-deep fascial system: new findings on the anatomy of the structure attached to the superior orbital margin.

Studies on the muscular-deep fascial system which connects the upper eyelid, brow, and glabella, are lacking. This study aimed to explore the fine anatomy of the muscular-deep fascial system in the region between the eyebrow and the superior orbital margin. We included eight formalin-phenol-embalmed cadavers (16 sides of specimens), and categorized them into anatomical dissections and histological sections. Five cadavers (10 sides) were dissected for gross anatomical observation, whereas all soft tissues of the other three cadavers (6 sides) were dissected for tissue sectioning and histological analysis. Three tissue blocks and 16 strips in each block were trimmed, numbered, and sliced into these specimens. Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson's Trichrome staining were performed. In the region between the eyebrow and the superior orbital margin, the frontalis was covered by the orbicularis oculi. Fibers of the frontalis muscle penetrated into the orbicularis oculi muscle bundles, and crosslinked around the eyebrow level. Both the frontalis and the orbicularis oculi were attached to the thickened multilayered deep fascia in this region, which could be regarded as the muscular-deep fascial system. The muscular-deep fascial system connects the frontalis deep fascia and deep forehead compartments down to the orbicularis-supporting ligament. The precise anatomy of the muscular-deep fascial system in the region between the eyebrow and the superior orbital margin may provide a valuable reference for soft-tissue fixation and suspension in facial surgery.

Effect of epinephrine-mixed fascia iliaca compartment block on bleeding in total hip arthroplasty: A single-center retrospective study.

Fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) reduces opioid consumption and pain scores after total hip arthroplasty (THA), and has recently been widely applied. We investigated whether FICB could also reduce postoperative bleeding. One hundred and fifteen consecutive patients who underwent elective THA under general anesthesia over 5 months were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into 2 groups: the FICB group received an epinephrine-mixed FICB procedure and the control group did not receive any block. Using the hematocrit measured at 4 different time points (preoperative and 1, 24, and 48 hours after surgery), the estimated blood loss (EBL) was calculated for 3 different time periods (0-1, 1-24, 24-48 hours after surgery). EBL at 1 to 24 hours (226 vs 398 mL, P = .008) was significantly lower in the FICB group than in the control group. Additionally, the number of packed red cell (PRC) units transfused per patient over 48 hours was 0.38 units in the FICB group, which was significantly lower than the 0.70 units used in the control group (P = .040). Epinephrine-mixed FICB in THA has the potential to reduce postoperative bleeding in the first 24 hours after surgery as well as reduce PRC transfusion requirements.

Ultrasonographic measurements of gastro-soleus fascia thickness in midportion Achilles tendinopathy: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The Achilles tendon is one of the thickest, largest, and strongest tendons in the human body. Biomechanically, the AT represents the conjoint tendon of the triceps surae muscle, placed in series with the plantar fascia (PF) to ensure force transmission from the triceps surae toward the toes during walking, running, and jumping. Commonly encountered in the diagnostic evaluation of heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy (AT) refers to a combination of pathological changes affecting the tendon itself often resulting from excessive repetitive stress and overuse. Nevertheless, increasing evidence demonstrates that structural alterations due to overuse or abnormal patterns of skeletal muscle activity are not necessarily restricted to the muscles or tendons but can also affect the fascial tissue. At the same time, there has been recent discussion regarding the role of the fascial tissue as a potential contributor to the pathophysiological mechanisms of the development of several musculoskeletal disorders including tendinopathies. To the best of our knowledge, ultrasound (US) imaging studies on the fascial structures related to the triceps surae complex, as well as their possible correlation with Achillodynia have never been presented in the current literature. METHODS: In the present study, a comparative US imaging evaluation of textural features of the suro-Achilleo-plantar complex was performed in 14 healthy controls and 14 symptomatic subjects complaining of midportion AT. The thickness of the Achilles tendon, paratenon, intermuscular fascia, and PF has been assessed with US. In addition, both groups underwent the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A), a disease-specific questionnaire that measures the severity of symptoms of AT. Correlations between quantitative ultrasound measures and VISA-A scores were determined through Pearson or Spearman's rho correlations. RESULTS: Our ultrasonographic findings revealed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in Achilles tendon and paratenon thicknesses between AT patients and controls. No significant differences were observed between groups in PF at the calcaneal insertion as all mean measures were within the expected range of a normal PF on US imaging. In contrast, in tendinopathic subjects, the deep intermuscular fascia between medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (SOL) muscles is significantly (p<0.01) and considerably thickened compared to those of healthy subjects. Moderate correlations exist between tendon and paratenon thicknesses (r= 0.54, p= 0.04) and between MG-SOL fascia and tendon thicknesses (r= 0.58, p= 0.03). Regarding symptom severity and US morphological findings, the Spearman ρ test showed no correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that, in symptomatic subjects, US alterations are not restricted to paratenon and intratendinous areas, but also affect upstream structures along the myofascial chain, resulting in thickening of the fascia interposed between MG and SOL muscles. Moreover, positive correlations were found between MG-SOL fascia thickening and abnormalities in AT, paratenon, and symptom severity. Thus, US alterations in the fascial system should be interpreted within the clinical context of patients with AT as they may in turn represent important predictors of subsequent clinical outcomes and could help healthcare professionals and clinicians to refine non-operative treatment strategies and rehabilitation protocols for this disease.

Fascial plane blocks: from microanatomy to clinical applications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In the last 20 years, advancements in the understanding of fasciae have significantly transformed anaesthesia and surgery. Fascial plane blocks (FPBs) have gained popularity due to their validated safety profile and relative ease. They are used in various clinical settings for surgical and nonsurgical indications. Growing evidence suggests a link between the microscopic anatomy of fasciae and their mechanism of action. As a result, knowledge of these aspects is urgently needed to better optimise pain management. The purpose of this review is to summarise the different microscopic aspects of deep/muscular fascia to expand our understanding in the performance of FPBs. RECENT FINDINGS: There is ample evidence to support the role of FPBs in pain management. However, the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. Fasciae are composed of various structural elements and display complex anatomical characteristics at the microscopic level. They include various cell types embedded within an extracellular matrix abundant in collagens and hyaluronan. Increasingly, numerous studies demonstrated their innervation that contributes to their sensory functions and their role in proprioception, motor coordination and pain perception. Lastly, the diversity of the cellular and extracellular matrix, with their viscoelastic properties, is essential to understanding the FPBs' mechanism of action. SUMMARY: Physicians must be aware of the role of fascial microscopic anatomy and better understand their properties to perform FPBs in a conscious manner and enhance pain management.

The Impact of Sciatic Nerve Injury on Extracellular Matrix of Lower Limb Muscle and Thoracolumbar Fascia: An Observational Study.

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a complex clinical challenge resulting in functional disability. Neurological recovery does not always ensure functional recovery, as extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations affect muscle function. This study evaluates hyaluronan (HA) and collagen concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle and thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) in unilateral lower limb PNI rats to explore systemic ECM alterations following PNI and their impacts on functional recovery. Eighteen 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into experimental (n = 12 left sciatic nerve injury) and control (n = 6) groups. After six weeks, motor function was evaluated. Muscle and TLF samples were analysed for HA and collagen distribution and concentrations. SFI and gait analysis confirmed a functional deficit in PNI rats 6 weeks after surgery. HA concentration in both sides of the muscles decreased by approximately one-third; both sides showed significantly higher collagen concentration than healthy rats (12.74 ± 4.83 µg/g), with the left (32.92 ± 11.34 µg/g) significantly higher than the right (20.15 ± 7.03 µg/g). PNI rats also showed significantly lower HA (left: 66.95 ± 20.08 µg/g; right: 112.66 ± 30.53 µg/g) and higher collagen (left: 115.89 ± 28.18 µg/g; right: 90.43 ± 20.83 µg/g) concentrations in both TLF samples compared to healthy rats (HA: 167.18 ± 31.13 µg/g; collagen: 47.51 ± 7.82 µg/g), with the left TLF more affected. Unilateral lower limb PNI induced HA reduction and collagen accumulation in both the lower limb muscles and the TLF, potentially exacerbating motor function impairment and increasing the risk of low back dysfunctions.

Understanding the Anatomy of Retroperitoneal Interfascial Space: Implications for Regional Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Fascial plane block techniques have evolved considerably in recent years. Unlike the conventional peripheral nerve block methods, the fascial plane block's effect can be predicted based on fascial anatomy and does not require a clear vision of the target nerves. The anatomy of the retroperitoneal interfascial space is complex, since it comprises multiple compartments, including the transversalis fascia (TF), the retroperitoneal fasciae (RF), and the peritoneum. For this reason, an in-depth, accurate understanding of the retroperitoneal interfascial space's anatomical characteristics is necessary for perceiving the related regional blocks and mechanisms that lie underlie the dissemination of local anesthetics (LAs) outside or within the various retroperitoneal compartments. OBJECTIVES: This review aims to summarize the retroperitoneum's anatomical characteristics and elucidate the various communications among different interfascial spaces as well as their clinical significance in regional blocks, including but not limited to the anterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB), the fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB), the transversalis fascia plane block (TFPB), and the preperitoneal compartment block (PCB). STUDY DESIGN: This is a narrative review of pertinent studies on the use of retroperitoneal spaces in regional anesthesia (RA). METHODS: We conducted searches in multiple databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase, using "retroperitoneal space," "transversalis fascia," "renal fascia," "quadratus lumborum block," "nerve block," and "liquid diffusion" as some of the keywords. RESULTS: The anatomy of the retroperitoneal interfascial space has a significant influence on the injectate spread in numerous RA blocking techniques, particularly the QLB, FICB, and TFPB approaches. Furthermore, the TF is closely associated with the QLB, and the extension between the TF and iliac fascia offers a potential pathway for LAs. LIMITATIONS: The generalizability of our findings is limited by the insufficient number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). CONCLUSIONS: Familiarity with the anatomy of the retroperitoneal fascial space could enhance our understanding of peripheral nerve blocks. By examining the circulation in the fascial space, we may gain a more comprehensive understanding of the direction and degree of injectate diffusion during RA as well as the block's plane and scope, possibly resulting in effective analgesia and fewer harmful clinical consequences.

Fascia Iliaca Block Combined with Low-dose Spinal Anesthesia for Hip Fracture Surgery in the Elderly: Effects on Severe Hypotension and Analgesia. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture surgeries in elderly patients often require spinal or general anesthesia, posing risks of severe hypotension and inadequate pain management. The optimal anesthesia type for minimizing these risks remains undetermined. Preliminary studies suggest that a combination of fascia iliaca block (FIB) and low-dose low-specific-gravity spinal anesthesia (LLSA) might offer a solution, but comprehensive evidence is lacking. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of combining FIB with LLSA for reducing severe hypotension and enhancing analgesia during hip fracture surgery in elderly patients. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted. SETTING: An operating theatre of a tertiary hospital. METHODS: The study comprised 68 patients. They were separated into 2 equal parallel groups 34 patients each: the FIB+LLSA group and the general anesthesia (GA) group. Patients aged 75-96 undergoing primary hip arthroplasty for hip fracture were randomized to receive either FIB+LLSA or GA. The primary outcome was the incidence of severe hypotension; secondary outcomes included postoperative pain, use of rescue analgesia, vasopressor dosage, and complications. RESULTS: We found a significantly lower incidence of severe hypotension in the FIB+LLSA group compared to the GA group (32.4% vs 67.6%). Additionally, postoperative pain scores were significantly lower, and the need for rescue analgesia was reduced in the FIB+LLSA group. Vasopressor use during surgery was also significantly lower in the FIB+LLSA group. The hospital stay was shorter in the FIB+LLSA group, with an average of 5.9 days compared to 6.7 days in the GA group. LIMITATIONS: The study's limitations include its single-center nature, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the inability to conduct a double-blind study could introduce biases, though measures were taken to minimize this. The sample size might not be sufficient to determine the broader implications of LLSA. CONCLUSIONS: Combining FIB with LLSA for elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery significantly reduces the incidence of severe intraoperative hypotension and postoperative pain. It also decreases the need for rescue analgesia and shortens hospital stays, suggesting that FIB+LLSA could be a beneficial regional anesthesia technique for elderly hip fracture surgery patients, aligning with enhanced recovery protocols.

Anatomical observations on 30 cadavers: new insights into the relationship between the posterior wall of the inguinal canal and the cremaster.

PURPOSE: Clarify the composition of the Posterior wall of the Inguinal Canal(PWIC), the location and composition of the Transverse Fascia(TF), and the tissue origin of the Cremaster(C) by observing the anatomy of the inguinal region of the cadaver. METHODS: 30 cadavers were dissected to observe the alignment of the muscles and fascia of the inguinal canal and the anterior peritoneal space. the anatomical levels of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal and the alignment of the Spermatic Cord(SC) were observed. RESULTS: (1) The posterior wall of the inguinal canal was white, bright, and tough tendon membrane-like tissue; (2) the transverse fascia was a thin fascial tissue with only one layer of membranous structure located in the abdominal wall under the abdominal wall on the side of the blood vessels of the peritoneal cavity; (3) the internal oblique muscle and its tendon membrane, and the transversus abdominis muscle and its tendon membrane extended on the surface of the spermatic cord, and fused and continued to the cremaster on the surface of the spermatic cord. CONCLUSIONS: 1. PWIC is mainly composed of Internal oblique muscle of abdomen (IOMA), Aponeurosis of internal oblique muscle of abdomen (AIOMA), Transverse abdominal muscle (TAM), and Transverse abdominal aponeurosis(TAA) as the following four types: (1) TAM and AIOMA fused to form a tendinous layer; (2) IOMA and TAM form the posterior wall of the muscle in the PWIC; (3) IOMA and AIOMA continue in the PWIC; 4) TAM and TAA continue in the PWIC. 2.TF is a thin fascial tissue with only one layer of membrane structure, TF is not involved in the composition of PWIC, so this fascia has nothing to do with resisting the occurrence of inguinal hernia. 3. The spermatic cord that travels in the inguinal canal is fixed to the lower wall of the inguinal canal by the tendon membrane of the cremaster, which is organized from the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles and their tendon membranes, The inguinal canal is a musculotendinous canal.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of different puncture routes for ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block for early analgesia after hip arthroplasty: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the effect of ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block with different puncture sites on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Wiley Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases for literature on ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block through different puncture sites in hip replacement patients. The software package R (4.2.1) was used in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The meta results showed the suprainguinal approach (SA) puncture pathway had a significantly longer operative time than the infrainguinal approach (IA) pathway (mean deviation [MD] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.09, 1.84], P < .01) when performing orthopedic surgery. In terms of nerve block efficacy, only the block rates of the obturator nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, and femoral nerve groups did not show significant differences between the SA and IA pathways. In contrast, the results of the Meta combined effect size of visual analogue scale scores during postoperative activity showed that the SA puncture pathway significantly reduced patients' pain scores compared with the IA pathway at the T1 (3-6 h) and T2 (8 h) time points (MD = -0.39, 95% CI [-0.77, -0.01], P = .04 in the T1 group; MD = -0.58, 95% CI [-0.95, -0.21], P < .01). The differences in pain scores at the T3 (12 h) and T4 (24 h) time points were not significant, and in terms of adverse reaction rates, the differences in the incidence of pruritus, sedation, urinary retention, and nausea and vomiting were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the SA puncture pathway has a significant advantage over the IA pathway in reducing active pain in early postoperative pain management without increasing the risk of adverse events. This finding supports the prioritization of SA pathway in clinical practice where postoperative pain control is considered. Future research should continue to explore the use of SA pathway in different patient populations and types of surgery, as well as their impact on long-term postoperative recovery, with the aim of optimizing individualized postoperative pain management strategies.

Interposition of Free Vascularized Fascia Into the Trapezial Resection Cavity for the Surgical Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis.

BACKROUND: Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis has been treated with interposition of autologous fascia into the trapezial resection cavity to prevent scaphometacarpal impingement with suboptimal results. Autologous fascia may undergo necrosis and gradual shrinkage due to avascularity. We propose vascularization of the interposed fascia using microvascular techniques as a new alternative to achieve a durable graft with sufficient soft tissue volume. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 11 surgeries for 8 patients (6 women, 2 men) (5 primary and 6 revision cases) were performed using vascularized fascial grafts from the anterolateral thigh for interposition in the trapezial resection cavity with microvascular anastomosis for revascularization. Subjective assessment included the short version of the Quick Disabilities of the Hand, Shoulder and Arm and patient related hand wrist evaluation scores. Objective assessment included strength and range of motion measurements. Radiographs were obtained preoperatively and at each follow-up visit. An MRI was done at a mean of 19 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The size of the harvested fascial grafts was 2 × 2-3 cm with a thickness of 1.5-2 cm. There were no postoperative complications apart from one seroma in the graft harvest site. The mean clinical and radiologic follow-up was 2 years and 8 months. The procedure provided pain relief PRWHE pain 32 (SD 13)-9 (SD 12), p < 0.0001, increased tip pinch strength 4 kg (SD3)-6 kg (SD2), p < 0.05, and improved overall function PRWHE 60 (SD28)-16 (SD21), p < 0.0001 and QuickDash 50 (SD21)-13 (SD17), p < 0.0001. Radiographs demonstrated maintenance of the scaphometacarpal space, while MRI scans showed the presence of mildly edematous interposed tissue within the resection cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Although technically demanding, vascularized fascia presents an attractive alternative for the treatment of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. It may be particularly advantageous in complex cases requiring revision surgery and in young patients with high functional demands.

Quantifying thoracolumbar fascia deformation to discriminate acute low back pain patients and healthy individuals using ultrasound.

Reduced shear strain and deformability of the thoracolumbar fascia has been linked to low back pain. A number of ultrasound examination methods have been developed for laboratory rather than clinical practice. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and discriminative validity (patients vs. healthy individuals) of an ultrasound (US) measurement method for the quantification of thoracolumbar fascia deformation (TLFD). A cross-sectional study with US assessment and rater blinding was conducted in a manual therapy clinic and a university laboratory. 16 acute low back pain (aLBP) patients and 15 healthy individuals performed a standardized trunk extension task. US measurements of TLFD were carried out independently by two raters by imaging the TLF in the starting and ending positions of the movement. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and minimal detectable changes (MDC) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cut-off for TLFD to discriminate the study groups. Kappa statistics were performed to assess rater agreement in discrimination. Intra-rater reliability was excellent (ICC: .92, MDC: 5.54 mm, p < .001) and inter-rater reliability was good (ICC: .78, MDC: 8.70 mm, p < .001). The cut-off for TLFD was 6 mm with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93.75% and the raters agreed moderately (κ = 0.74, p < .001) when distinguishing patients and controls. The reliability of the US method for assessing TLFD is moderate to excellent, and the ability to discriminate aLBP patients from healthy individuals is moderate. The method could be used to capture an additional parameter in morphological aLBP screenings.

Plant-based fascia tissues: Exploring materials and techniques for realistic simulation.

The growing demand for sustainable and ethical food options has led to significant advancements in plant-based meat substitutes (PBMS). PBMS have made considerable progress in simulating the taste, texture, and sensory properties of animal meat. Connective tissue is a fundamental component of animal meat that significantly influences tenderness, texture, and sensory properties. However, the imitation of realistic connective tissues has received relatively less attention in the PBMS industry. The current work focuses on exploring materials and techniques for the replication of plant-based connective tissues (PBCT). By understanding the structural and functional characteristics of animal connective tissues (ACT), it is possible to replicate these characteristics in PBCT. Hydrogels, with their ability to simulate certain properties of ACT, present a viable material for the creation of PBCT. To achieve the desired simulation, their mechanical and structural properties need to be enhanced by using several materials and several physical techniques.

Analgesia by fascia manipulation is mediated by peripheral and spinal adenosine A1 receptor in a mouse model of peripheral inflammation.

The role of adenosine receptors in fascial manipulation-induced analgesia has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the involvement of the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) in the antihyperalgesic effect of plantar fascia manipulation (PFM), specifically in mice with peripheral inflammation. Mice injected with Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) underwent behavioral, i.e. mechanical hyperalgesia and edema. The mice underwent PFM for either 3, 9 or 15 min. Response frequency to mechanical stimuli was then assessed at 24 and 96 h after plantar CFA injection. The adenosinergic receptors were assessed by systemic (intraperitoneal, i.p.), central (intrathecal, i.t.), and peripheral (intraplantar, i.pl.) administration of caffeine. The participation of the A1R was investigated using the 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), a selective A1R subtype antagonist. PFM inhibited mechanical hyperalgesia induced by CFA injection and did not reduce paw edema. Furthermore, the antihyperalgesic effect of PFM was prevented by pretreatment of the animals with caffeine given by i.p., i.pl., and i.t. routes. In addition, i.pl. and i.t. administrations of DPCPX blocked the antihyperalgesia caused by PFM. These observations indicate that adenosine receptors mediate the antihyperalgesic effect of PFM. Caffeine's inhibition of PFM-induced antihyperalgesia suggests that a more precise understanding of how fascia-manipulation and caffeine interact is warranted.

Effect of cervical contralateral lateral flexion on the median nerve and fascia at the wrist - Cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Neurodynamic tests are an essential aspect of the physical examination of the patient when suspicion of neural involvement exists. A manoeuvre that is hypothesised to move nerves differentially relative to other structures (structural differentiation) has been proposed as a necessary part of neurodynamic testing for differential diagnosis. However, although the specificity of structural differentiation for peripheral nerve over muscle has been demonstrated in some body regions, no study has tested specificity of nerve movement relative to fascia. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to measure the effect of the cervical contralateral lateral flexion (CCLF) as an structural differentiation manoeuvre for the median nerve compared to fascia (superficial and deep) at the wrist during the upper limb neurodynamic test 1 (ULNT1). DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed in 5 fresh frozen cadavers. METHODS: Excursion and strain in the fascia (superficial and deep) and the median nerve were measured at the wrist with structural differentiation during the ULNT1. KINOVEA software was used to measure kinematic parameters. RESULTS: CCLF resulted in significant proximal excursion in the median nerve (p < 0.001*) but not in the strain. CCLF neither produced changes in strain nor excursion in the superficial and deep fascia (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that CCLF produced significant differential excursion in the median nerve at the wrist compared to the local superficial and deep fascia during the ULNT1. The data support CCLF in mechanical differentiation between nerve and fascia in this area in diagnosis of local sources of wrist pain.

The effect of fascia iliaca compartment block on postoperative delirium in elder adults undergoing hip surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether fascia iliaca compartment block (FIB) could reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing hip surgery. METHODS: This meta-analysis was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42023490399). The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) till November 15, 2023. Review Manger 5.4 was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 10 RCTs with 930 elderly patients were included in this meta-analysis. This meta-analysis indicated that FIB could reduce the incidence of POD in elderly patients undergoing hip surgery without preoperative cognitive impairment (OR:0.46; 95%CI[0.22, 0.96], P = 0.04, I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis of the incidence of POD showed that elderly patients who received FIB treatment before entering the operating room had a lower risk of developing POD(OR:0.48; 95%CI[0.30, 0.76], P = 0.002, I2 = 0%), and FIB could reduce the occurrence of POD in patients undergoing intravertebral anesthesia instead of general anesthesia (OR:0.37; 95%CI[0.20, 0.66], P﹤0.01, I2 = 0%). Moreover, FIB could reduce the MMSE score on the first day after surgery (SMD:1.07; 95%CI[0.15, 1.99], P = 0.02, I2 = 86%). In addition, FIB could reduce the pain score on the first and third day after surgery (SMD: -0.46; 95%CI[-0.74, -0.18], P = 0.001, I2 = 43%; SMD: -0.62; 95%CI[-0.97, -0.26], P﹤0.001, I2 = 58%), as well as after physical activity(SMD: -1.64; 95%CI[-3.00, -0.28], P = 0.02, I2 = 83%). CONCLUSION: FIB can reduce the incidence of POD in elderly patients undergoing hip surgery without pre-existing cognitive impairment. Additionally, it can lower the delirium scores and pain scores.

The Importance of Preconditioning for the Sonographic Assessment of Plantar Fascia Thickness and Shear Wave Velocity.

Plantar fasciopathy is a very common musculoskeletal complaint that leads to reduced physical activity and undermines the quality of life of patients. It is associated with changes in plantar fascia structure and biomechanics which are most often observed between the tissue's middle portion and the calcaneal insertion. Sonographic measurements of thickness and shear wave (SW) elastography are useful tools for detecting such changes and guide clinical decision making. However, their accuracy can be compromised by variability in the tissue's loading history. This study investigates the effect of loading history on plantar fascia measurements to conclude whether mitigation measures are needed for more accurate diagnosis. The plantar fasciae of 29 healthy participants were imaged at baseline and after different clinically relevant loading scenarios. The average (±standard deviation) SW velocity was 6.5 m/s (±1.5 m/s) and it significantly increased with loading. Indicatively, five minutes walking increased SW velocity by 14% (95% CI: -1.192, -0.298, t(27), p = 0.005). Thickness between the calcaneal insertion and the middle of the plantar fascia did not change with the tissues' loading history. These findings suggest that preconditioning protocols are crucial for accurate SW elastography assessments of plantar fasciae and have wider implications for the diagnosis and management of plantar fasciopathy.

Ultrasound Imaging of Thoracolumbar Fascia: A Systematic Review.

Over the past decade, there has been a notable increase in research focused on ultrasound imaging of thoracolumbar fascia (TLF). Nevertheless, published papers' results about the application of US imaging in TLF examination are still sparse. Background and Objevtives: Hence, this systematic review was performed aiming to firstly investigate the use and the methodology of ultrasound imaging to assess pathologic and healthy TLF. Secondarily, we aim to assess intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of US imaging in TLF assessment. Materials and Methods: The search was done on PubMed and Web of Science database from inception to April 2024. Furthermore, the references of included papers were thoroughly checked to find eligible publications. The MeSH keywords used were: "Thoracolumbar fascia", "Ultrasound Imaging", "Ultrasound", "Ultrasonography", and "Ultrasound examination". Results: Studies were aimed primarily at TLF diagnosis, treatment monitoring, or evaluating movement-related changes, underscoring the diverse clinical applications. The US parameters assessed included TLF thickness, echogenicity, stiffness, deformation, shear strain, and displacement, providing comprehensive insights into TLF features. Conclusions: Advanced US imaging holds promise as a reliable tool in musculoskeletal assessment, offering insights into TLF pathology/disfunction, treatment outcomes, and movement dynamics.

Short-term effects of 448 kilohertz radiofrequency stimulation on plantar fascia measured by quantitative ultrasound elastography and thermography on active healthy subjects: an open controlled clinical trial.

Objective: This study is an open clinical trial. The aim of this study was to show the changes that occur in the viscoelastic properties of the plantar fascia (twenty healthy volunteers) measured by SEL and the changes in the plantar fascia temperature measured by thermography after the application of a 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMR) in active healthy subjects immediately after treatment and at the 1-week follow-up.Methods: Furthermore, to analyze if an intervention with 448 kHz CRMR in the plantar fascia of the dominant lower limb produces a thermal response in the plantar fascia of the non-dominant lower limb. The final objective was to analyze the level of association between the viscoelastic properties of the PF and the temperature before and after the intervention with 448 kHz CRMR.Results: Our results showed that a temperature change, which was measured by thermography, occurred in the plantar fascia after a single intervention (T0-T1) and at the 1-week follow up (T1-T2).Conclusion: However, no changes were found in the viscoelastic properties of the plantar fascia after the intervention or at the 1-week follow up. This is the first study to investigate changes in both plantar fascia viscoelastic properties and in plantar fascia temperature after a radiofrequency intervention.

Sonographic measurement of deep fascia parameters - Interrater reliability.

PURPOSE: The deep fascia has recently been a current topic in many medical fields, including rehabilitation. Some research has already focused on assessing deep fascia, however results of individual authors differ in certain aspects. This study focuses on the inter-rater reliability of ultrasound (US) measurement of the thickness of deep fascia and loose connective tissue (LCT). The aim was to define the causes of any discrepancies in measurement that could contribute to the unification of management of evaluating fascia. METHODS: An observational study was performed including 20 healthy individuals in whom fascia lata of the anterior thigh was examined by US imaging and then measured in Image J software. Three raters participated in this study: the first with 6 years of US imaging experience, other two were newly trained. The measurement of fascial parameters was conducted in two phases with special consultation between them resulting in an agreement of the research team on the more precise way of measurement. RESULTS: Results revealed the value of inter-rater reliability ICC3,1 = 0.454 for deep fascia thickness and ICC3,1 = 0.265 for LCT thickness in the first phase and any significant difference in the second phase. This poor inter-rater reliability led to a search for possible causes of discrepancies, which authors subsequently highlighted. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study show the main pitfalls of deep fascia measurement that should contribute to the unification of evaluation.