Europa medicophysica
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Europa medicophysica · Mar 2007
ReviewThe diagnosis and treatment of nonspecific neck pain and whiplash.
Nonspecific (simple) neck pain is the commonest cause of neck symptoms and results from postural and mechanical causes. It includes pain following whiplash injury provided there is no bony injury or objective neurological deficit. The anatomy of the cervical spine is described, with the degenerative changes that are seen in patients with nonspecific neck pain, but also occur with ageing. ⋯ The epidemiology, clinical presentation, investigation, and complications of nonspecific neck pain are described with a discussion of the controversial aspects of natural history, prognosis and therapy. Chronic whiplash is very common in some countries, but nonexistent in other countries and the factors which might explain this difference are considered. There is a great need for better quality studies to explore pathogenesis, natural history and factors including therapy that influence outcome.
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Europa medicophysica · Mar 2007
Case ReportsCompressive neuropathy of long thoracic nerve and accessory nerve secondary to heavy load bearing. A case report.
Carrying heavy loads that compress the shoulders is a possible etiological factor for both accessory and long thoracic nerve entrapment. In our patient, shouldering heavy loads damaged both nerves. ⋯ An EMG confirmed entrapment of long thoracic and accessory nerves. An exercise program was instituted; 16 months after initial referral, though winged scapula was still noted, manual muscular strength had returned without functional limitation.
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Europa medicophysica · Mar 2007
Quality of life in aphasia: Greek adaptation of the stroke and aphasia quality of life scale - 39 item (SAQOL-39).
Health-related quality of life (HRQL) measures are becoming increasingly popular in evaluating health care interventions and services. The stroke and aphasia quality of life scale-39 item (SAQOL-39) is an English questionnaire that measures HRQL in people with aphasia. There is currently no measure to assess the HRQL of Greek-speaking people with aphasia. This study began the cross-cultural adaptation of the SAQOL-39 into Greek, by translating and linguistically validating the instrument. ⋯ By employing the Mapi approach to linguistic validation, a close matching between the original and the Greek version of the SAQOL-39 was ensured. The Greek SAQOL-39 is accessible and acceptable to people with aphasia. Further research is needed on the psychometric properties of the Greek SAQOL-39 and on its appropriateness as a clinical outcome measure.
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Europa medicophysica · Mar 2007
Prognostic factors in prosthetic rehabilitation of bilateral dysvascular above-knee amputee: is the stump condition an influencing factor?
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors for rehabilitation outcome in bilateral dysvascular lower limb amputees, specifically to ascertain how the stump condition can influence the mobility outcome. ⋯ In our homogeneous group of bilateral amputees, age reduced the possibility of improving the level of autonomy. Good stump quality is one of the major determinants of mobility outcome. Efforts should be made to minimize stump complications. In particular, incorrect positioning of the stump, which is responsible for hip flexor retraction, should be avoided after surgery.