Rheumatology international
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The therapeutic effects of Cserkeszölö thermal water in osteoarthritis of the knee: a double blind, controlled, follow-up study.
The effects of thermal water from Cserkeszölö in Hungary were appraised in a randomised, double blind study conducted on 58 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Balneotherapy was delivered as a 15-day course of 30-min daily sessions performed with thermal water (active treatment) or tap water of similar colour and odour (placebo treatment). ⋯ Study endpoints (initial pain, range of motion, tenderness on palpation, stair climbing, physicians' opinion and subjective rating by patients, and ambulation) were assessed using visual analogue scales and symptom scores. Both groups improved; however, the magnitude of improvement was significantly greater in patients treated with thermal water from Cserkeszölö.
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We report a case of osteoblastoma in the uncommon location of the L5 lumbar vertebra, detailing the clinical and radiologic aspects. Although the plain radiographs of the patient were normal, computed tomographic scans of the lumbar region confirmed the diagnosis of osteoblastoma or osteoid osteoma of the L5 vertebra. The patient was referred to the orthopedic department for operation. ⋯ Although osteoblastoma is extremely rare in the spine, it should be included in the differential diagnosis as a cause of chronic back pain, especially in young males with painful scoliosis and/or radicular-type leg pain. The tumor is often not readily apparent on plain radiographs. Therefore, advanced radiological investigation is necessary to establish the correct diagnosis.