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Actas Dermo-sifiliograficas 2022Burn scars cause high morbidity in the form of contractures, body disfigurement, and itching, and they also have a high emotional impact that adversely affects patient... (Review)
Review
Burn scars cause high morbidity in the form of contractures, body disfigurement, and itching, and they also have a high emotional impact that adversely affects patient quality of life. Laser therapy has proven effective in this setting. It is superior to topical treatments and can be used in conjunction with surgery, helping to reduce morbidity. The use of lasers in hospital dermatology departments, however, is still limited. Carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is the most widely used modality for reducing scar thickness, improving textural abnormalities, and treating contractures. Treatments improve mobility for patients with constrictions. Pulsed dye laser treatments are particularly useful for reducing erythema in recent burn scars and preventing subsequent hypertrophy. Pigment laser treatments with short pulse durations (nanoseconds or picoseconds) can improve hyperpigmentation. In this article, we review the evidence for the use of laser therapy for burn scars and propose a treatment algorithm.
Topics: Humans; Cicatrix; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic; Lasers, Gas; Burns; Quality of Life; Laser Therapy; Contracture; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35963335
DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2022.06.018 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Nov 2021The worldwide prevalence of Dupuytren's disease (DD) is 8%. DD is a chronic disease for which there is no cure. Various treatments are available. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The worldwide prevalence of Dupuytren's disease (DD) is 8%. DD is a chronic disease for which there is no cure. Various treatments are available.
METHODS
This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed and Embase.
RESULTS
Genetic factors account for 80% of the factors involved in causing this disease. Diabetes mellitus, hepatic diseases, epilepsy, and chronic occupational use of vibrating tools are also associated with it. Limited fasciectomy is the most common treatment and is considered the reference standard. Possible complications include persistent numbness in areas where the skin has been elevated, cold sensitivity, and stiffness, with a cumulative risk of 3.6 -39.1% for all complications taken together. The recurrence rate at 5 years is 12-73%. Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is the least invasive method, with more rapid recovery and a lower complication rate than with limited fasciectomy. 85% of patients have a recurrence after an average of 2.3 years. Radiotherapy can be given before contractures arise in patients with high familial risk, or postoperatively in selected patients with a very high individual risk of recurrence.
CONCLUSION
Although DD is not curable, good treatments are available. Recurrences reflect the pathophysiology of the disease and should not be considered complications of treatment. When counseling patients about the available treatment options, particularly the modalities and timing of surgery, the physician must take the patient's degree of suffering into account. Nowadays, fast recovery from surgery and less postoperative pain are a priority for many patients. Different surgical methods can be used in combination. It remains difficult to predict the natural course and the time to postoperative recurrence in individual patients; these matters should be addressed in future studies.
Topics: Dupuytren Contracture; Fasciotomy; Humans; Needles; Orthopedic Procedures; Research Design
PubMed: 34702442
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0325 -
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery &... Feb 2015Post-traumatic knee stiffness and loss of range of motion is a common complication of injuries to the knee area. The causes of post-traumatic knee stiffness can be... (Review)
Review
Post-traumatic knee stiffness and loss of range of motion is a common complication of injuries to the knee area. The causes of post-traumatic knee stiffness can be divided into flexion contractures, extension contractures, and combined contractures. Post-traumatic stiffness can be due to the presence of dense intra-articular adhesions and/or fibrotic transformation of peri-articular structures. Various open and arthroscopic surgical treatments are possible. A precise diagnosis and understanding of the pathology is mandatory prior to any surgical treatment. Failure is imminent if all pathologies are not addressed correctly. From a general point of view, a flexion contracture is due to posterior adhesions and/or anterior impingement. On the other hand, extension contractures are due to anterior adhesions and/or posterior impingement. This overview will describe the different modern surgical techniques for treating post-traumatic knee stiffness. Any bony impingements must be treated before soft tissue release is performed. Intra-articular stiff knees with a loss of flexion can be treated by an anterior arthroscopic arthrolysis. Extra-articular pathology causing a flexion contracture can be treated by open or endoscopic quadriceps release. Extension contractures can be treated by arthroscopic or open posterior arthrolysis. Postoperative care (analgesia, rehabilitation) is essential to maintaining the range of motion obtained intra-operatively.
Topics: Arthroscopy; Contracture; Humans; Knee Injuries; Knee Joint; Orthopedic Procedures; Pain Management; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postoperative Care; Radiography; Range of Motion, Articular; Tissue Adhesions; Treatment Outcome; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 25583236
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2014.06.026 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2023Collagen VI exerts several functions in the tissues in which it is expressed, including mechanical roles, cytoprotective functions with the inhibition of apoptosis and... (Review)
Review
Collagen VI exerts several functions in the tissues in which it is expressed, including mechanical roles, cytoprotective functions with the inhibition of apoptosis and oxidative damage, and the promotion of tumor growth and progression by the regulation of cell differentiation and autophagic mechanisms. Mutations in the genes encoding collagen VI main chains, and , are responsible for a spectrum of congenital muscular disorders, namely Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD), Bethlem myopathy (BM) and myosclerosis myopathy (MM), which show a variable combination of muscle wasting and weakness, joint contractures, distal laxity, and respiratory compromise. No effective therapeutic strategy is available so far for these diseases; moreover, the effects of collagen VI mutations on other tissues is poorly investigated. The aim of this review is to outline the role of collagen VI in the musculoskeletal system and to give an update about the tissue-specific functions revealed by studies on animal models and from patients' derived samples in order to fill the knowledge gap between scientists and the clinicians who daily manage patients affected by collagen VI-related myopathies.
Topics: Humans; Collagen Type VI; Muscular Dystrophies; Muscular Diseases; Contracture; Muscle, Skeletal; Mutation; Myopathies, Structural, Congenital
PubMed: 36982167
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065095 -
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation... Feb 2015Patients with cerebral palsy present with a variety of adaptations to muscle structure and function. These pathophysiologic symptoms include functional deficits such as... (Review)
Review
Patients with cerebral palsy present with a variety of adaptations to muscle structure and function. These pathophysiologic symptoms include functional deficits such as decreased force production and range of motion, in addition to changes in muscle structure such as decreased muscle belly size, increased sarcomere length, and altered extracellular matrix structure and composition. On a cellular level, patients with cerebral palsy have fewer muscle stem cells, termed satellite cells, and altered gene expression. Understanding the nature of these changes may present opportunities for the development of new muscle treatment therapies.
Topics: Cerebral Palsy; Contracture; Elasticity; Gene Expression; Humans; Muscle, Skeletal; Stem Cells
PubMed: 25479779
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2014.09.005 -
Journal of Physiotherapy Apr 2017Is stretch effective for the treatment and prevention of contractures in people with neurological and non-neurological conditions? (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
QUESTION
Is stretch effective for the treatment and prevention of contractures in people with neurological and non-neurological conditions?
DESIGN
A Cochrane Systematic Review with meta-analyses of randomised trials.
PARTICIPANTS
People with or at risk of contractures.
INTERVENTION
Trials were considered for inclusion if they compared stretch to no stretch, or stretch plus co-intervention to co-intervention only. The stretch could be administered in any way.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The outcome of interest was joint mobility. Two sets of meta-analyses were conducted with a random-effects model: one for people with neurological conditions and the other for people with non-neurological conditions. The quality of evidence supporting the results of the two sets of meta-analyses was assessed using GRADE.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies involving 549 participants examined the effectiveness of stretch in people with neurological conditions, and provided useable data. The pooled mean difference was 2 deg (95% CI 0 to 3) favouring stretch. This was equivalent to a relative change of 2% (95% CI 0 to 3). Eighteen studies involving 865 participants examined the effectiveness of stretch in people with non-neurological conditions, and provided useable data. The pooled standardised mean difference was 0.2 SD (95% CI 0 to 0.3) favouring stretch. This translated to an absolute mean increase of 1 deg (95% CI 0 to 2) and a relative change of 1% (95% CI 0 to 2). The GRADE level of evidence was high for both sets of meta-analyses.
CONCLUSION
Stretch does not have clinically important effects on joint mobility. [Harvey LA, Katalinic OM, Herbert RD, Moseley AM, Lannin NA, Schurr K (2017) Stretch for the treatment and prevention of contracture: an abridged republication of a Cochrane Systematic Review. Journal of Physiotherapy 63: 67-75].
Topics: Contracture; Humans; Muscle Spasticity; Muscle Stretching Exercises; Patient Satisfaction; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 28433236
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2017.02.014 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Jan 2019Freeman-Burian syndrome (FBS) is a rare congenital myopathic craniofacial syndrome. Considerable variability in severity is seen, but diagnosis requires the following:... (Review)
Review
CLINICAL DESCRIPTION
Freeman-Burian syndrome (FBS) is a rare congenital myopathic craniofacial syndrome. Considerable variability in severity is seen, but diagnosis requires the following: microstomia, whistling-face appearance (pursed lips), H or V-shaped chin defect, and prominent nasolabial folds. Some patients do not have limb malformations, but essentially all do, typically camptodactyly with ulnar deviation of the hand and talipes equinovarus. Neuro-cognitive function is not impaired.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Population prevalence of FBS is unknown.
AETIOLOGY
Environmental and parental factors are not implicated in pathogenesis. Allelic variations in embryonic myosin heavy chain gene are associated with FBS. White fibrous tissue within histologically normal muscle fibres and complete replacement of muscle by fibrous tissue, which behaves like tendinous tissue, are observed.
MANAGEMENT
Optimal care seems best achieved through a combination of early craniofacial reconstructive surgery and intensive physiotherapy for most other problems. Much of the therapeutic focus is on the areas of fibrous tissue replacement, which are either operatively released or gradually stretched with physiotherapy to reduce contractures. Operative procedures and techniques that do not account for the unique problems of the muscle and fibrous tissue replacement have poor clinical and functional outcomes. Important implications exist to facilitate patients' legitimate opportunity to meaningfully overcome functional limitations and become well.
Topics: Abnormalities, Multiple; Contracture; Craniofacial Dysostosis; Humans; Limb Deformities, Congenital
PubMed: 30630514
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0984-2 -
Science (New York, N.Y.) Jan 2023Distal arthrogryposis (DA) is a collection of rare disorders that are characterized by congenital joint contractures. Most DA mutations are in muscle- and joint-related...
Distal arthrogryposis (DA) is a collection of rare disorders that are characterized by congenital joint contractures. Most DA mutations are in muscle- and joint-related genes, and the anatomical defects originate cell-autonomously within the musculoskeletal system. However, gain-of-function mutations in PIEZO2, a principal mechanosensor in somatosensation, cause DA subtype 5 (DA5) through unknown mechanisms. We show that expression of a gain-of-function PIEZO2 mutation in proprioceptive sensory neurons that mainly innervate muscle spindles and tendons is sufficient to induce DA5-like phenotypes in mice. Overactive PIEZO2 causes anatomical defects through increased activity within the peripheral nervous system during postnatal development. Furthermore, botulinum toxin (Botox) and a dietary fatty acid that modulates PIEZO2 activity reduce DA5-like deficits. This reveals a role for somatosensory neurons: Excessive mechanosensation within these neurons disrupts musculoskeletal development.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Arthrogryposis; Contracture; Mechanotransduction, Cellular; Mutation; Sensory Receptor Cells; Ion Channels
PubMed: 36634173
DOI: 10.1126/science.add3598 -
Clinical Rehabilitation Mar 2021Does early treatment of spasticity with botulinum-toxin (BoNTA), in (hyper)acute stroke patients without arm-function, reduce contractures and improve function. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Does early treatment of spasticity with botulinum-toxin (BoNTA), in (hyper)acute stroke patients without arm-function, reduce contractures and improve function.
DESIGN
Randomised placebo-controlled-trial.
SETTING
Specialised stroke-unit.
PARTICIPANTS & INTERVENTION
Patients with an Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) grasp-score⩽2 who developed spasticity within six-weeks of a first stroke were randomised to receive injections of: 0.9%sodium-chloride solution (placebo) or onabotulinumtoxin-A (treatment).
OUTCOME-MEASURES
Spasticity, contractures, splint use and arm function (ARAT) were taken at baseline, 12-weeks post-injection and six-months after stroke. Additionally, spasticity and contractures were measured at weeks-two, four and six post-injection.
RESULTS
Ninety three patients were randomised. Mean time to intervention was 18-days (standard deviation = 9.3). Spasticity was lower in the treatment group with difference being significant between week-2 to 12 (elbow) and week-2 to 6 (wrist). Mean-difference (MD) varied between -8.5(95% CI -17 to 0) to -9.4(95% CI -14 to -5) µV.Contracture formation was slower in the treatment group. Passive range of motion was higher in the treatment group and was significant at week-12 (elbow MD6.6 (95% CI -0.7 to -12.6)) and week-6 (wrist MD11.8 (95% CI 3.8 to 19.8)). The use of splints was lower in the treatment group odds ratio was 7.2 (95% CI 1.5 to 34.1) and 4.2 (95% CI 1.3 to 14.0) at week-12 and month-6 respectively.Arm-function was not significantly different between the groups MD2.4 (95% CI -5.3 to 10.1) and 2.9 (95% CI -5.8 to 11.6) at week-12 and month-6 respectively.
CONCLUSION
BoNTA reduced spasticity and contractures after stroke and effects lasted for approximately 12-weeks. BoNTA reduced the need for concomitant contracture treatment and did not interfere with recovery of arm function.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
EudraCT (2010-021257-39) and ClinicalTrials.gov-Identifier: NCT01882556.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Contracture; Female; Hand Strength; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Spasticity; Neuromuscular Agents; Splints; Stroke; Wrist Joint
PubMed: 33040610
DOI: 10.1177/0269215520963855 -
Journal of Applied Physiology... May 2019Skeletal muscle contractures represent the permanent shortening of a muscle-tendon unit, resulting in loss of elasticity and, in extreme cases, joint deformation. They... (Review)
Review
Skeletal muscle contractures represent the permanent shortening of a muscle-tendon unit, resulting in loss of elasticity and, in extreme cases, joint deformation. They may result from cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, stroke, muscular dystrophy, and other neuromuscular disorders. Contractures are the prototypic and most severe clinical presentation of increased passive mechanical muscle force in humans, often requiring surgical correction. Intraoperative experiments demonstrate that high muscle passive force is associated with sarcomeres that are abnormally stretched, although otherwise normal, with fewer sarcomeres in series. Furthermore, changes in the amount and arrangement of collagen in the extracellular matrix also increase muscle stiffness. Structural light and electron microscopy studies demonstrate that large bundles of collagen, referred to as perimysial cables, may be responsible for this increased stiffness and are regulated by interaction of a number of cell types within the extracellular matrix. Loss of muscle satellite cells may be related to changes in both sarcomeres and extracellular matrix. Future studies are required to determine the underlying mechanism for changes in muscle satellite cells and their relationship (if any) to contracture. A more complete understanding of this mechanism may lead to effective nonsurgical treatments to relieve and even prevent muscle contractures.
Topics: Animals; Cerebral Palsy; Contracture; Extracellular Matrix; Humans; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Skeletal; Tendons
PubMed: 30571285
DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00278.2018