American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2011
Comparative StudyBilateral deficits in fine motor control and pinch grip force are not associated with electrodiagnostic findings in women with carpal tunnel syndrome.
: The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in deficits in fine motor control and pinch grip force between patients with minimal, moderate/mild, or severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and healthy age- and hand dominance-matched controls. ⋯ : The current study revealed similar bilateral deficits in fine motor control and pinch grip force in patients with minimal, moderate, or severe CTS, supporting that fine motor control deficits are a common feature of CTS not associated with electrodiagnostic findings.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · May 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialSensory transcutaneous electrical stimulation fails to decrease discomfort associated with neuromuscular electrical stimulation in healthy individuals.
Sensory transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is frequently used for pain modulation. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation used to induce strong muscle contractions is often limited by muscular discomfort and by discomfort associated with the electrical current. The objective of this study was to determine whether the application of TENS can reduce the discomfort associated with neuromuscular electrical stimulation, leading to stronger maximal electrically induced contractions. ⋯ Sensory TENS was not effective in modulating the discomfort associated with neuromuscular electrical stimulation in individuals with no known impairment. During periods of maximal electrically induced contractions, the pulling sensation of the muscle is generally more disconcerting than the sensation of the electrical current. Further studies are necessary to determine the effect of different stimulation parameters in patients with pathologic conditions.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Apr 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyThe effectiveness of triamcinolone acetonide vs. procaine hydrochloride injection in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.
Corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel is frequently used for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Steroids are usually mixed with local anesthetics, which have positive effects that can aid the treatment of CTS by inhibiting the spontaneous discharge ability of excitable cells. The aim of this study was 3-fold: (1) to determine the efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide injection in the treatment of CTS, (2) to determine the efficacy of procaine hydrochloride (HCl) in the treatment of CTS, and (3) to compare the efficacy of triamcinolone acetonide and that of procaine HCl in the treatment of CTS. ⋯ Local procaine HCl injection and steroid injection effectively reduced the symptoms of CTS and equally improved electrophysiologic findings. As such, procaine HCl can be used in CTS patients in whom steroid use is contraindicated.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Mar 2011
Case ReportsSympathetic storming in a patient with intracranial basal ganglia hemorrhage.
Neurologic deficits and medical complications are common sequelae after intracranial hemorrhage. Among the medical complications, sympathetic storming is relatively rare. We describe a case of a patient with an acute right basal ganglia hemorrhage. ⋯ A complete laboratory work-up and imaging studies were unremarkable for infectious etiology, new intracranial hemorrhage, and deep vein thrombosis. The patient was diagnosed with sympathetic storming, a relatively uncommon cause of these symptoms. The storming was secondary to a kinked Foley catheter, and subsequent placement of a new catheter resulted in the resolution of his symptoms.
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Feb 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialDetectable threshold of knee effusion by ultrasonography in osteoarthritis patients.
The aim of this study was to identify the detectable threshold of knee effusion by ultrasonography while infusing saline. ⋯ To detect knee effusion by ultrasonography, infusion of 4.26 ml (SD, 1.92 ml) of solution is needed. We think that a depth of 2 mm is more appropriate than 4 mm as the definition of knee effusion using ultrasonography.