Bmc Musculoskel Dis
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Bmc Musculoskel Dis · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of the carrier frequency of interferential current on pain modulation in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a protocol of a randomised controlled trial.
Low back pain is an important public health problem that is associated with poor quality of life and disability. Among the electrophysical treatments, interferential current (IFC) has not been studied in patients with low back pain in a high-quality randomised controlled trial examining not only pain, but pain mechanisms and function. ⋯ The use of a placebo group and double-blinding assessor and patients strengthen this study. The present study is the first to compare different IFC carrier frequencies in patients with chronic low back pain.
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Bmc Musculoskel Dis · Jan 2013
The Ilizarov external fixator--a useful alternative for the treatment of proximal tibial fractures. A prospective observational study of 30 consecutive patients.
In dislocated proximal tibial fractures, the most frequently used treatment is ORIF with screws and plates. Minimally-invasive techniques using external fixation are an alternative. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical and radiological results using the Ilizarov technique in both uni- and bicondylar tibial fractures. ⋯ The Ilizarov method produces a good clinical outcome and is a valuable treatment alternative in proximal tibial fractures of all types.
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Bmc Musculoskel Dis · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of pre-operative neuromuscular training on functional outcome after total knee replacement: a randomized-controlled trial.
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is the standard treatment for patients with severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). Significant improvement in pain and function are seen after TKR and approximately 80% of patients are very satisfied with the outcome. Functional status prior to TKR is a major predictor of outcome after the intervention. Thus, improving functional status prior to surgery through exercise may improve after surgery outcome. However, results from several previous trials testing the concept have been inconclusive after surgery. ⋯ To our knowledge this is the first single-blinded RCT to test the effect of pre-operative neuromuscular training plus knee school against knee school alone--on knee function and pain, assessed immediately after the interventions prior to surgery and repeatedly after surgery.
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Bmc Musculoskel Dis · Jan 2013
Detecting insomnia in patients with low back pain: accuracy of four self-report sleep measures.
Although insomnia is common in patients with low back pain (LBP), it is unknown whether commonly used self-report sleep measures are sufficiently accurate to screen for insomnia in the LBP population. This study investigated the discriminatory properties of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Pittsburgh questionnaire), Insomnia Severity Index (Insomnia index), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Epworth scale) and the sleep item of the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (Roland item) to detect insomnia in patients with LBP by comparing their accuracy to detect insomnia to a sleep diary. The study also aimed to determine the clinical optimal cut-off scores of the questionnaires to detect insomnia in the LBP population. ⋯ The Pittsburgh questionnaire and Insomnia index had similar ability to screen for insomnia in patients with low back pain.
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Bmc Musculoskel Dis · Jan 2013
Comparative StudyDisability and health-related quality of life in patients undergoing spinal fusion: a comparison with a general population sample.
The aim of the present study was to compare one-year-follow-up data on disability and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between spinal fusion patients and age- and sex-matched general population. ⋯ Disability and HRQoL improved significantly after spinal fusion surgery during a one- year follow-up. However, the patients did not reach the level of the general population in the ODI or in the physical component of HRQoL at that time, although in the mental component the difference disappeared.