PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation
-
To investigate the influence of thrombolysis on functional outcomes after rehabilitation. ⋯ Although the bulk of neurological improvement occurred before the inpatient rehabilitation, thrombolysis-treated patients continue to improve faster and to a larger extent during the rehabilitation period suggesting that the beneficial effects of thrombolysis continue beyond the acute phase.
-
A retrospective chart review was undertaken of cases of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump/catheter malfunction and the diagnostic tests performed to identify the problem. An internal review was performed to develop a diagnostic flow chart to have a systematic method for identifying ITB pump and catheter complications. ⋯ On the basis of an internal review of the diagnostic studies used to identify patients with suspected ITB pump/catheter malfunction, a troubleshooting flow chart was developed. Timely identification and correction of potential ITB complications could improve the clinical effectiveness of ITB and may reduce unnecessary health-care costs.
-
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disease entity that encompasses both deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. During the past decade there have been significant advances in the understanding of prophylaxis and treatment of VTE. ⋯ Our goal is to highlight studies that have the most clinical applicability for the care of VTE patients from a physiatrist's perspective. At times, information about acute care protocols is included in our discussion because these situations are encountered during the consultation process that identifies patients for rehabilitation needs.
-
To identify the volumes of contrast material needed to reach specific landmarks during lumbar transforaminal epidural injections (L-TFEIs). ⋯ This study demonstrates injectate volumes needed to reach specific anatomic landmarks in L-TFEIs. A volume of 4.0 mL of injectate reaches both the superior aspect of the superior IVD and the inferior aspect of the inferior IVD 93% of the time.