Nilgün Mesci

Diagnostic Significance of Ultrasonographic Measurements and Median-Ulnar Ratio in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Correlation with Nerve Conduction Studies

Background and Purpose We determined the reliability of ultrasonography (US) measurements for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and their correlation with symptom duration and electrophysiology findings. We determined whether the ratio of the median-to-ulnar cross-sectional areas (CSAs) can support CTS diagnoses. Methods The pisiform CSA (CSApisiform), swelling ratio (SR), palmar bowing, and CSApisiform/ulnar CSA (CSAulnar) measurements made in two subgroups of CTS patients (having sensory affection alone or having both sensory and motor affection) were compared with controls. CSAulnar was measured in Guyons canal at the level of most-protuberant portion of the pisiform bone. Results The values of all of the measured US parameters were higher in patients with CTS (n=50) than in controls (n=62). CSApisiform could be used to diagnose CTS of mild severity. All of the parameters were positively correlated with the distal latency of the compound muscle action potential, and all of them except for SR were negatively correlated with the sensory nerve conduction velocity. A CSApisiform/CSAulnar ratio of ≥1.79 had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 76% for diagnosing CTS. Conclusions Only CSApisiform measurements were reliable for diagnosing early stages of CTS, and CSApisiform/CSAulnar had a lower diagnostic value for diagnosing CTS.

Efficacy of kinesio tape application on pain and muscle strength in patients with myofascial pain syndrome: a placebo-controlled trial

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the short- and mid-term effects of Kinesio taping on the trapezius muscle in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-seven patients with active upper trapezius myofascial trigger points were randomly divided to 2 groups: group 1 received Kinesio taping for the upper trapezius muscle, and group 2 received a sham Kinesio taping application. Neck pain (Visual Analog Scale and pressure algometry) and trapezius muscle strength data were collected at baseline, immediately after Kinesio taping application, and at one month follow-up. [Results] The mean changes in Visual Analog Scale scores were significantly different between groups at T2 and T1, with less pain in group 1. The mean changes in algometry scores were significantly different between groups at T3 compared with T2 in favor of group 1. The mean changes in trapezius muscle strength were significantly different between the groups at T2 compared with T1 in favor of group 1. [Conclusion] Patients with myofascial pain syndrome receiving an application of Kinesio taping exhibited statistically significant improvements in pain and upper trapezius muscle strength.

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.

Comparison of ultrasound and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in lateral epicondylosis

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and therapeutic ultrasound (US) in the treatment of lateral epicondylosis (LE). Methods Our study enrolled 50 patients with LE. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 underwent therapeutic US (n = 24; 5 males and 15 females; mean age: 43.75 ± 4.52) Group 2 underwent ESWT (n = 20; 8 males and 16 females; mean age: 46.04 ± 9.24). Patients were evaluated at baseline, after treatment,and 1 month following treatment. The outcome measures were the visual analog scale (VAS), algometer, grip dynamometer, quick-disability of the arm,shoulder,and hand (QDASH), patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey questionnairre. Results Both groups showed significant improvements in terms of VAS (all p values < 0.0001), dynamometer (p = 0.001 vs p = 0.015), algometer (all p values < 0.0001), PRTEE (all p values < 0.0001), QDASH (all p values < 0.0001), and SF-36 scores (p = 0.001 vs p = 0.005) within time. There was no significant difference between the two groups, except algometer scores in favor of ESWT (p = 0.029). Conclusion ESWT and therapeutic US are equally effective in treating LE. ESWT is an alternative therapeutic intervention and as effective as US. Level of evidence Level III, Therapeutic study.

Association of Serum Vitamin D Levels with Disease Activity in Male Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Objective: To examine the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level and disease activity in male patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 51 male AS patients being followed at our hospital. Patient demographics as well as serum levels of 25(OH)D vitamin, C-reactive protein (CRP), calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and parathormone, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at 1 hour were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups based on their serum 25(OH)D vitamin levels; one group consisted of 21 patients with 25(OH)D vitamin levels less than 20 ng/mL and the other group comprised 30 patients with 25(OH)D levels greater than 20 ng/mL. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores were evaluated in order to determine the disease activity. Results: BASDAI scores were statistically significantly higher in the group with serum 25(OH)D vitamin levels less than 20 ng/mL compared to the group with 25(OH)D levels above 20 ng/mL (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of ESR, serum levels of CRP, parathormone, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. Conclusion: In the present study, an inverse relationship has been found between serum vitamin D levels and disease activity in male AS patients and it was concluded that serum vitamin D levels should also be taken into account while developing a treatment plan.