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Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024Alexithymia is characterized by a deficit in identifying and communicating feelings. Emerging evidence suggests that alexithymia is highly prevalent in migraine, in a...
Alexithymia is characterized by a deficit in identifying and communicating feelings. Emerging evidence suggests that alexithymia is highly prevalent in migraine, in a complex interplay with psychiatric comorbidity. Pericranial/cervical muscle tenderness is a remarkable clinical feature in a large proportion of migraine patients. This pilot study aimed at investigating the relationship between alexithymia and pericranial/cervical muscle tenderness in female migraineurs. A total of 42 female patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for migraine were enrolled into this pilot, observational, cross-sectional study after informed consent was obtained. Each patient underwent a psychological assessment to identify any alexithymia by means of TAS-20, anxiety/mood comorbidity (by means of STAI-Y1 STAI-Y2, BDI-II), and migraine-related disability (by means of HIT-6), and a physical cranial/cervical musculoskeletal examination. Palpation of pericranial and cervical muscles was carried out in the standardized manner. A Cumulative Muscle Tenderness (CUM) score (0-6) was calculated for each patient. A multivariate analysis was performed to investigate any association amongst the TAS-20 score, the CUM score, and the following covariates: BDI-II, STAI-Y1, STAI-Y2, and HIT-6 scores, age, disease duration, monthly migraine days, and average head pain intensity in the previous three months. Overall, 35.6% of the sample had alexithymia. The multivariate analysis detected a linear and independent relationship between the TAS-20 and CUM scores, with a statistically significant ( = 0.017) association. This pilot study suggests that alexithymia plays a role in increasing pericranial/cervical muscle tenderness in migraine, independently from psychiatric comorbidity. A novel therapeutical approach, targeting alexithymia, may well reduce muscular tenderness in female migraineurs.
PubMed: 38792315
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102772 -
Scientific Reports May 2024The objective of this study is to determine characteristics of patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the low back and the degree to which the low back pain in...
The objective of this study is to determine characteristics of patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the low back and the degree to which the low back pain in the patients examined can be attributed to MPS. Twenty-five subjects with myofascial trigger point(s) [MTrP(s)] on the low back participated in this cross-sectional study. The location, number, and type of selected MTrPs were identified by palpation and verified by ultrasound. Pain pressure threshold, physical function, and other self-reported outcomes were measured. Significant differences were found in Group 1 (Active), 2 (Latent), 3 (Atypical, no twitching but with spontaneous pain), and 4 (Atypical, no twitching and no spontaneous pain) of participants in the number of MTrPs, current pain, and worst pain in the past 24 h (p = .001-.01). There were interaction effects between spontaneous pain and twitching response on reports of physical function, current pain, and worst pain (p = .002-.04). Participants in Group 3 reported lower levels of physical function, and higher levels of current pain and worst pain compared to those in Group 4. Participants in Group 1 and 2 had similar levels of physical function, current pain, and worst pain. The number of MTrPs is most closely associated with the level of pain. Spontaneous pain report seems to be a decisive factor associated with poor physical function; however, twitching response is not.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Myofascial Pain Syndromes; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Low Back Pain; Middle Aged; Trigger Points; Pain Measurement; Pain Threshold; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 38789439
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61319-5 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign lytic bone tumor of the skeletal system but locally destructive lesion of unknown origin. It often occurs in childhood and usually...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign lytic bone tumor of the skeletal system but locally destructive lesion of unknown origin. It often occurs in childhood and usually involves the metaphyseal region of long bones; thus, its localisation in the calcaneum remains rare; its atypical presentation in our case makes it remarkable.
CASE PRESENTATION
We describe a case of a young patient who suffered from chronic heel pain, in whom the clinical examination finds swelling and pain on palpation. A complete radiological assessment was carried out, which revealed a solitary and expansive osteolytic lesion within the calcaneus. Treatment included tumor curettage and reconstruction with allograft and cement. The biopsy report was consistent with an ABC. The postoperative follow-up at 18 months was marked by a good radio-clinical evolution and no recurrence.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
ABCs are benign cystic expansive tumors that are reactive, locally destructive and blood-filled, their occurrence in the calcaneus has been reported in only 1.6 % of total reported cases. Talalgia is the most frequent sign associated with swelling. Liquid-liquid level images on MRI is a pathognomonic sign of these lesions but the gold standard diagnosis remains histology. Their treatment is based on curettage - filling by grafting.
CONCLUSION
Curettage combined graft makes results butter and improves the quality of life.
PubMed: 38788635
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109802 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024A fracture associated with an anteriorly displaced fragment may induce soft tissue disintegration. However, this might be avoided by maintaining the stability of the...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
A fracture associated with an anteriorly displaced fragment may induce soft tissue disintegration. However, this might be avoided by maintaining the stability of the sacrococcygeal bone. Fixation by using less invasive modalities is needed to improve the outcome.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 37-year-old female came with tailbone pain, which lasted around one month. There was a history of falling in a sitting position a month before hospital admission. Tenderness was positive while palpating the perineal site. A radiography examination shows a fracture in the sacrococcygeal segment with anterior dislocation. The patient was diagnosed with a sacrococcygeal fracture and anterior dislocation.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
We performed a mini-open procedure using a modified figure-of-eight technique to reconnect the sacrococcygeal bone. Suturing was performed through the skin in the painful area, and then the bone at the injured site was reduced. As an outcome, there was an improvement in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ5D) scores.
CONCLUSION
A mini-open procedure with a modified figure of eight is a simple and valuable method for correcting the sacrococcygeal components.
PubMed: 38788633
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109769 -
Medical Science Monitor : International... May 2024BACKGROUND The split-mouth study design is used in oral health research and usually consists of 2 treatments randomly assigned to either the right or left side. This... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND The split-mouth study design is used in oral health research and usually consists of 2 treatments randomly assigned to either the right or left side. This split-mouth study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of photobiomodulation on reversal of local anesthesia in 50 children aged 8-10 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted among 50 children: 27 girls and 23 boys, aged 8-10 years (mean age 9.38±1.15 years), who presented 2 carious maxillary permanent molars. One side was randomly assigned to the laser group (50 teeth), and the contralateral side to the control group (50 teeth). At the end of the treatment, photobiomodulation (PBM) was performed in the area of infiltration at 6 points, with 635 nm (25 children) (250 mW, 500 mW/cm², 15J) and 808 nm (25 children) (200 mW, 400 mW/cm², 12J) (SmartM PRO, Lasotronix, Poland). On the contralateral side, the laser's off-mode applicator was used. Anesthetic effect was evaluated by palpation test (soft tissues) and electrical test (dental pulp). RESULTS After 15 minutes, in the laser group the return to normal sensations in the palpation test showed 88% (808 nm) and 68% (635 nm), and only 20% in the control group (P=0.04123). After 45 minutes, all the participants from the PBM group returned to normal sensations (P=0.21458). Dental pulp's excitability threshold was lower for both wavelengths compared to the control group (P=0.000001). CONCLUSIONS The identification of factors accelerating the recovery time to normal function, such as PBM, can be used as important data to eliminate self-injury secondary to local anesthesia (LA) in children.
Topics: Humans; Child; Female; Male; Anesthesia, Local; Low-Level Light Therapy; Anesthesia, Dental; Anesthesia Recovery Period; Anesthetics, Local
PubMed: 38787794
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.941928 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Evidence suggests the plantar fascia and its interphase with the flexor digitorum brevis muscle can play a relevant role in plantar heel pain. Needling interventions...
BACKGROUND
Evidence suggests the plantar fascia and its interphase with the flexor digitorum brevis muscle can play a relevant role in plantar heel pain. Needling interventions could offer an appropriate treatment strategy to addressing this interface.
OBJECTIVE
We compared the accuracy and safety of ultrasound-guided versus palpation-guided procedures for the proper targeting of the interface between the plantar fascia and the flexor digitorum brevis with a solid needle.
METHODS
A crossover cadaveric study was conducted. Five experienced therapists performed a series of 20 needle insertions each (n = 100 in total, 10 landmark-guided and 10 ultrasound-guided) on 10 anatomical samples. The therapists were instructed to accurately place the needle on the interface between the plantar fascia and the flexor digitorum brevis muscle. The distance of the tip of the needle to the identified target (accuracy), the surrounding sensitive structures targeted (safety), the time needed for the procedure, the number of needle passes, and the needle length outside the skin were assessed.
RESULTS
The ultrasound-guided technique was associated with a significantly higher accuracy ( < 0.001) but without differences in safety ( = 0.249) as compared to the palpation-guided procedure.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that ultrasound-guided insertion exhibits greater accuracy but not greater safety than palpation-guided insertion when targeting the interface between the plantar fascia and the flexor digitorum brevis.
PubMed: 38786411
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12101000 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports May 2024Spontaneous femur neck fracture is rare, especially when they occur bilaterally. Renal osteodystrophy is among the causes of these fractures that should be kept in mind....
INTRODUCTION
Spontaneous femur neck fracture is rare, especially when they occur bilaterally. Renal osteodystrophy is among the causes of these fractures that should be kept in mind. We report a case of a young female who presented with bilateral hip pain and was found to have bilateral femur neck fracture due to renal osteodystrophy. This was the first presentation of an undiagnosed end-stage kidney disease. This case report aims to highlight the importance of investigating the cause of these rare fractures in young patients and discuss available surgical options.
CASE REPORT
A 19-year-old female presented complaining of bilateral hip pain. On physical examination, there was tenderness on palpation of both thighs. Her workup was significant for anemia, a high level of creatinine, hypocalcemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone. A pelvis radiograph showed bilateral femur neck fracture. Considering her very young age, the metabolic derangements she had and to avoid exposing her to a major surgery, we treated her fractures by fixation using three cannulated screws on each side. We aimed to report this case as it is an unusual presentation of a previously undetected stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a very young patient.
CONCLUSION
Renal osteodystrophy due to CKD can present with spontaneous bilateral femur neck fracture. Physicians should have a high index of suspicion for this condition not to miss a chronic disease with multiple sequelae. Furthermore, these fractures carry a high risk of complications and mortality, so they should be addressed promptly.
PubMed: 38784889
DOI: 10.13107/jocr.2024.v14.i05.4432 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports May 2024Pelvic apophyseal avulsion fractures are uncommon injuries that frequently affect adolescents while participating in sports. This occurs because the enthesis cannot...
INTRODUCTION
Pelvic apophyseal avulsion fractures are uncommon injuries that frequently affect adolescents while participating in sports. This occurs because the enthesis cannot withstand the tractional force applied because the apophysis has not yet fully fused. Due to its complex muscular structure, being the origin of several muscles that cross two lower extremity joints, the pelvis has an increased risk for such injuries. The diagnosis of pelvic avulsion injuries depends heavily on imaging. The best way to detect soft-tissue changes, including tendon or muscle strain, bone marrow edema, hematomas, and soft tissue avulsion injuries, is with an magnetic resonance imaging . It is also the best at showing tendon retraction and can help the clinician spot patients who might benefit from surgical treatment.
CASE REPORT
We report six cases of adolescents professional footballers that suffered avulsion injuries while playing football. The patients had painfully restricted hip range of motion and were unable to bear weight. Some of them on physical examination felt pain at the palpation of the injured area. Magnetic resonance revealed apophysis growth plate avulsion with or without displaced bone fragments that were treated conservatively with an excellent clinical and radiological outcome.
CONCLUSION
For an accurate diagnosis of pelvic avulsion injuries and clinical management, it is important that everyone caring for this patient population is aware of the common injury mechanisms, radiographic findings, and available treatments.
PubMed: 38784877
DOI: 10.13107/jocr.2024.v14.i05.4466 -
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology... May 2024Patients with chronic constipation (CC) usually complain of mild to severe symptoms, including hard or lumpy stools, straining, a sense of incomplete evacuation after a... (Review)
Review
Patients with chronic constipation (CC) usually complain of mild to severe symptoms, including hard or lumpy stools, straining, a sense of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement, a feeling of anorectal blockage, the need for digital maneuver to assist defecation, or reduced stool frequency. In clinical practice, healthcare providers need to check for 'alarm features' indicative of a colonic malignancy, such as bloody stools, anemia, unexplained weight loss, or new-onset symptoms after 50 years of age. In the Seoul Consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation, the Bristol stool form scale, colonoscopy, and digital rectal examination are useful for objectively evaluating the symptoms and making a differential diagnosis of the secondary cause of constipation. If patients with CC improve to lifestyle modification or first-line therapies, the effort to determine the subtypes of CC is usually not considered. On the other hand, if conventional therapeutic strategies fail, diagnostic testing needs to be considered to distinguish between the different subtypes of functional constipation (normal-transit constipation, slow transit constipation, or defecatory disorder) because these subtypes of constipation have different therapeutic implications and a correct diagnosis is critical. In the Seoul consensus, physiological testing is recommended for patients with functional constipation who have failed to respond to treatment with available laxatives (for a minimum of 12 weeks and recommended a therapeutic regimen) or who are strongly suspected of having a defecatory disorder. The Seoul consensus contains statements of physiological testing, including balloon expulsion test, anorectal manometry, defecography, and colon transit time.
Topics: Constipation; Humans; Chronic Disease; Manometry; Colonoscopy; Digital Rectal Examination; Defecography; Gastrointestinal Transit
PubMed: 38783618
DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2024.039 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Introduction and importance: Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare disorder characterized by the proliferation of Langerhans cells in various tissues. While it...
UNLABELLED
Introduction and importance: Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare disorder characterized by the proliferation of Langerhans cells in various tissues. While it commonly affects bones, skin, and other organs, oral manifestations are less frequent but can be diagnostically challenging.
CASE PRESENTATION
we present a clinical case of LCH with an oral manifestation in a 14-year-old adolescent. The patient presented with progressive jaw pain for approximately two months.
CLINICAL
Intraoral examination revealed vestibular swelling at the mandibular angle, with painful vestibular palpation. However, the adjacent teeth to the lesion were not mobile, and the vitality test was positive. Radiographic examination showed an inhomogeneous hypodense osteolytic lesion at the left mandibular angle. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of LCH with diffuse infiltration of Langerhans cells in the gingival tissue. The patient was referred to Hospital in Marseille and therapeutic abstention is chosen, clinical and radiological follow-up is established every 6 months for 5 years. At 6 weeks, a significant decrease in the lesion and an osteoperiosteal reconstruction phenomenon are observed. After one year, the lesion has spontaneously resolved. Clinical discussion: The disease activity score allows defining the severity and activity of the disease and determine the treatment. The clinical presentation of Langerhans cell histiocytosis is highly variable. The severe form of the disease occurs before the age of 2 and is characterized by multi-system involvement and neurodegenerative involvement.
CONCLUSION
The lesion resolved spontaneously after the biopsy was performed. Prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial for successful treatment outcomes in such cases. This case highlights the importance of recognizing oral manifestations of LCH in dental practice for early diagnosis and appropriate management.
PubMed: 38776823
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109605