Erkan Mesci

Association of neuropathic pain with ultrasonographic measurements of femoral cartilage thickness and clinical parameters in patients with knee osteoarthritis

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate whether neuropathic pain is associated with femoral condylar cartilage thickness, electrical pain threshold, and clinical parameters in patients with knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty patients over the age of 40 diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled. The PainDETECT questionnaire, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Short Form-36 questionnaire were completed for all patients. Electrical sensory threshold and electrical pain threshold measurements were obtained. Femoral condylar cartilage thickness was determined by means of ultrasound. [Results] PainDETECT scores of 13 or greater were observed in 28 (46.7%) patients, indicating the presence of neuropathic pain. These patients were found to have greater average pain severity, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and depression and anxiety scores and lower Short Form-36 scores than patients without neuropathic pain. Patients with neuropathic pain showed lower knee electrical sensory threshold and pain threshold values on average than patients without neuropathic pain. Femoral condylar cartilage thickness was not different between the two groups. [Conclusion] Neuropathic pain is associated with increased pain severity and decreased functional capacity and adversely affects quality of life and mood in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Relation of physical activity level with quality of life, sleep and depression in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity level on the quality of life, depression, sleep quality and functional capacity in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Fifty-five patients over 65 years of age (age range: 65–84 years) with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups including Insufficient Activity Group (IAG) and Physically Active Group (PAG) according to their responses to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Radiological OA grading was performed using Kellgren-Lawrence classification system. Patients were evaluated using Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). RESULTS: Mean age, body mass indices, mean pain scores and gender distribution were comparable between the two groups. WOMAC physical function scores were lower in the Physically Active Group (p=0.01). Mean PSQI scores did not differ statistically significantly between the two groups (p=0.242). Mean BDI score of PAG was significantly lower compared to that of IAG (p=0.015). Mean SF-36 physical function (p=0.044), physical role (p=0.008) and physical component (p=0.016) scores of the Physically Active Group were significantly higher vs Insufficient Activity Group. CONCLUSION: Maintaining a high physical activity level reduces the possibility of depression and improves the quality of life and functional capacity in geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Rehabilitation outcomes in children with cerebral palsy during a 2 year period

[Purpose] To observe motor and functional progress of children with cerebral palsy during 2 years. [Subjects and Methods] Pediatric cerebral palsy patients aged 3–15 years (n = 35/69) with 24-month follow-up at our outpatient cerebral palsy clinic were evaluated retrospectively. The distribution of cerebral palsy types was as follows: diplegia (n = 19), hemiplegia (n = 4), and quadriplegia (n = 12). Participants were divided into 3 groups according to their Gross Motor Functional Classification System scores (i.e., mild, moderate, and severe). All participants were evaluated initially and at the final assessment 2 years later. During this time, patients were treated 3 times/week. Changes in motor and functional abilities were assessed based on Gross Motor Function Measure-88 and Wee Functional Independence Measure. [Results] Significant improvements were observed in Gross Motor Function Measure-88 and Wee Functional Independence Measure results in all 35 patients at the end of 2 years. The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 scores correlated with Wee Functional Independence Measure Scores. Marked increases in motor and functional capabilities in mild and moderate cerebral palsy patients were observed in the subgroup assessments, but not in those with severe cerebral palsy. [Conclusion] Rehabilitation may greatly help mild and moderate cerebral palsy patients achieve their full potential.