The Results of Physical, Radiologic, Pedabarographic, and Quality-of-Life Assessments in Patients with Surgically Treated Intraarticular Calcaneus Fractures

Calcaneal fractures are complex injuries and have historically had a poor prognosis that results in substantial disability. However, no studies have been performed that analyze both the radiographic and plantar pressure changes after treatment of intraarticular calcaneus fracture. Patients with an intrarticular calcaneus fracture treated at our institution during the study period were identified from computerized hospital records. A total of 36 patients (34 males) completed physical examination and radiographic and dynamic pedobarographic assessments. The follow-up period was from 13 to 82 months (median 38 months). The mean pain score at rest was 3.7 and during activity was 4.0 on a 10-cm visual analogue scale. The mean range of motion of the subtalar joint was restricted. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society function scale score was 68.1; the mean Short Form-36 physical score was 41.8; and the mental score was 44.9. Pedabarographic results showed that the mean maximum force in the midfoot, forefoot, and toes (p = .001; p = .04; p = .002) and peak pressure in the midfoot, forefoot (p = .001; p = .007), and contact area of the midfoot and toes (p = .038; p = .004) were significantly increased in the injured foot. Radiologic findings showed hindfoot varus, forefoot adductus, and an increase in the medial arch. Even after appropriate anatomic realignment with open reduction and internal fixation of calcaneus fractures, residual differences in plantar pressures and radiographic measures are noted compared to uninjured foot.

Health related quality of life and perception of deformity in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

BACKGROUND

Quality of life and cosmethic appearance have gained importance as outcomes in AIS treatment. Improving aesthetic appearance and quality of life are defined as the primary aims of scoliosis treatment by health professionals. Studies that assess and compare the different treatment results in the field of quality of life and cosmethics are some what limited.

OBJECTIVE

A cross-sectional study was designed to compare quality of life and deformity perception in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) received conservative (exercise or exercise + brace) or surgical treatment.

METHODS

A total of 68 (58 females) patients aged 10-18 years with AIS received conservative (exercise or exercise+brace) or surgical treatment were invited to participate in the study. Quality of life (Scoliosis Research Society-23 (SRS-23)) and perception of deformity (Walter Reed Visual Assessment (WRVAS)) were assessed.

RESULTS

Conservatively treated patients had significantly superior scores in function domain of SRS-23 than surgically treated patients (exercise/surgery, exercise+brace/surgery; p= 0.009, 0.004). Otherwise, surgically treated patients had significantly superior scores in self-image (p= 0.000, 0.000), and satisfaction with management (p= 0.001, 0.006) domains of SRS-23, and WRVAS (p= 0.000, 0.000) than conservative groups.

CONCLUSION

In addition to radiographic assessments, quality of life, aesthetic perception, functionality, satisfaction with management, psycho-social status should carefully be taken into consideration by health professionals in the teratment of AIS.

Association between the physical activity level and the quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

[Purpose] Physical activity and regular exercise play an important role in glycemic control, which is considered an important part of the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated physical activity level and its relationship with quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. [Subjects and Methods] We evaluated 129 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus through a face-to-face interview using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Diabetes-39. Demographic data, diabetes symptoms, time of initial diagnosis, and treatment procedure/approaches were recorded. [Results] Of the study subjects, 51 (39.5%) had low, 67 had moderate (51.9%), and 11 (8.5%) had high activity levels. The mean weekly sitting duration was 302 minutes. The mean weekly walking time was 231.7 minutes. Except for the "diabetes control" domain, scores for all the subgroups and the total score in the quality-of-life assessment had a statistically significant negative correlation with physical activity level. [Discussion] Physical inactivity negatively affects the quality of life of diabetic patients. A planned exercise education program and incorporation of exercise into the lifestyle can improve the quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Comparison of efficiency of Kinesio® taping and electrical stimulation in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of Kinesio® taping and electrical stimulation in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome.

METHODS

Thirty patients (26 females, 4 females; mean age: 32.9 ± 12.2 years) with patellofemoral pain syndrome were equally divided into two groups; the KT group receiving Kinesio® taping and an exercise program, and the ES group receiving electrical stimulation and the same exercise program. All patients received stretching and strengthening exercises for the lower extremity under the supervision of a physiotherapist in the outpatient unit 3 times a week for 6 weeks (18 sessions). Patients were evaluated for pain (visual analog scale), range of motion (using a goniometer), muscle strength (manual muscle test), functional condition (step test, triple-jump test, knee flexion test and Kujala patellofemoral score), and quality of life (SF-36) before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Visual analog scale scores were reduced by 3.33 and 3.93 and Kujala patellofemoral scores increased by 8.93 and 9.66 for the KT and ES groups, respectively. Both these improvements were statistically significant (p<0.05). While improvements were observed in functional tests, range of motion, and muscle strength values in both groups; there were no significant differences between the two groups (p>0.05). There were statistically significant improvements in the SF-36 scores in both groups (p<0.05) and these improvements were of a similar rate (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Kinesio® taping and electrical stimulation have similar effects on decreasing pain, improving functional condition, increasing muscle strength and improving quality of life and neither are superior in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Validity of the Turkish version of the Kujala patellofemoral score in patellofemoral pain syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common knee problems, with major effects on quality of life and function. The Kujala patellofemoral score is a functional evaluation instrument to evaluate knee problems related to the patellofemoral system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of the Turkish version of the Kujala patellofemoral score in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

METHODS

After obtaining permission from Kujala et al., the Kujala patellofemoral score was translated into Turkish. The translated version was administered to 40 patients (32 women, 8 men; mean age 33+/-12 years; range 17 to 54 years) twice at a two-week interval to test internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the scale. All the patients had patellofemoral pain syndrome and did not receive any treatment before administration of the scale. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to assess internal consistency and Spearman's correlation analysis was used to assess test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

Cronbach's alpha calculated for internal consistency of the Kujala patellofemoral score was 0.84. Correlation coefficients of the items to estimate test-retest reliability ranged from 0.613 (p=0.004) to 1.000 (p=0.000), with the mean correlation coefficient of 0.944 (p=0.000).

CONCLUSION

There has been no functional assessment scale validated for Turkish patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Internal consistency of the Turkish version of the Kujala patellofemoral score showed good reliability and test-retest results showed high reliability, suggesting that it is an appropriate functional instrument for Turkish patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.