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Cocco G, Ricci V, Corvino A, Pacini P, Boccatonda A, Naňka O, Sensi SL, Caulo M, Delli Pizzi A. Ultrasound Imaging of the Sciatic Nerve. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2023; 44:e263-e273. [PMID: 37832532 DOI: 10.1055/a-2095-2842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The sciatic nerve (SN) is the biggest nerve in the human body and innervates a large skin surface of the lower limb and several muscles of the thigh, leg, and foot. It originates from the ventral rami of spinal nerves L4 through S3 and contains fibers from both the posterior and anterior divisions of the lumbosacral plexus. After leaving the neural foramina, the nerve roots merge with each other forming a single peripheral nerve that travels within the pelvis and thigh. Non-discogenic pathologies of the SN are largely underdiagnosed entities due to nonspecific clinical tests and poorly described imaging findings. Likewise, to the best of our knowledge, a step-by-step ultrasound protocol to assess the SN is lacking in the pertinent literature. In this sense, the aim of the present manuscript is to describe the normal sono-anatomy of the SN from the greater sciatic foramen to the proximal thigh proposing a standardized and simple sonographic protocol. Then, based on the clinical experience of the authors, a few tips and tricks have been reported to avoid misinterpretation of confounding sonographic findings. Last but not least, we report some common pathological conditions encountered in daily practice with the main purpose of making physicians more confident regarding the sonographic "navigation" of a complex anatomical site and optimizing the diagnosis and management of non-discogenic neuropathies of the SN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Cocco
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Ultrasound in Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ricci
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio Corvino
- Movement Sciences and Wellbeing Department, University of Naples Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pacini
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences, Umberto I Polyclinic of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Ondřej Naňka
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Advanced Computing Core, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Massimo Caulo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Delli Pizzi
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Rossetto G, Lopomo NF, Shaikh SZ. Longitudinal Movements and Stiffness of Lower Extremity Nerves Measured by Ultrasonography and Ultrasound Elastography in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Populations: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2023:S0301-5629(23)00140-0. [PMID: 37331920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of ultrasonography (US) and ultrasound elastography (UE) in evaluating longitudinal sliding and stiffness of nerves. In line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, we analyzed 1112 publications (range: 2010-2021) extracted from MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science focusing on specific outcomes, including shear wave velocity (m/s), shear modulus (kPa), strain ratio (SR) and excursion (mm). Thirty-three papers were included and evaluated for overall quality and risk of bias. From the analysis of data concerning 1435 participants, mean shear wave velocity (SWV) in the sciatic nerve was 6.70 ± 1.26 m/s in controls and 7.51 ± 1.73 m/s in participants presenting with leg pain; in the tibial nerve, mean SWV was 3.83 ± 0.33 m/s in controls and 3.42 ± 3.53 m/s in participants presenting with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The mean shear modulus (SM) was 20.9 ± 9.33 kPa for sciatic nerve, whereas it was an average of 23.3 ± 7.20 kPa for the tibial nerve. Considering 146 subjects (78 experimental, 68 controls) no significant difference was observed in SWV when comparing participants with DPN with controls (standard mean difference [SMD]: 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54, 1.97), whereas a significant difference was observed in the SM (SMD: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.25); furthermore, we found significant differences between left and right extremity nerves (SMD:1.14. 95% CI: 0.45, 1.83) among 458 participants (270 with DPN and 188 controls). No descriptive statistics are available for excursion because of the variability in participants and limb positions, whereas SR is considered only a semiquantitative outcome and therefore not comparable among different studies. Despite the presence of some limitations in study designs and methodological biases, on the basis of our findings, we can conclude that US and UE are effective methods in assessing longitudinal sliding and stiffness of lower extremity nerves in both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Rossetto
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Summaiva Zareen Shaikh
- Department of Neuro-physiotherapy, SIA College of Health Sciences, College of Physiotherapy, Thane, India.
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Vining R, Onifer SM, Twist E, Ziegler AM, Corber L, Long CR. Thoracolumbar fascia mobility and chronic low back pain: Phase 1 of a pilot and feasibility study assessing repeated measures and the influence of paraspinal muscle contraction. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2023; 34:19-27. [PMID: 37301552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differential movement, or shear strain (SS), between layers of thoracolumbar fascia is reduced with chronic low back pain. To provide a foundation for clinical research involving SS, this study assessed temporal stability and the effect of paraspinal muscle contraction on SS in persons with chronic low back pain. METHODS We used ultrasound imaging to measure SS in adults self-reporting low back pain ≥1 year. Images were obtained by placing a transducer 2-3 cm lateral to L2-3 with participants lying prone and relaxed on a table moving the lower extremities downward 15°, for 5 cycles at 0.5 Hz. To assess paraspinal muscle contraction effects, participants raised the head slightly from the table. SS was calculated using 2 computational methods. Method 1 averaged the maximum SS from each side during the third cycle. Method 2 used the maximum SS from any cycle (2-4) on each side, prior to averaging. SS was also assessed after a 4-week no manual therapy period. RESULTS Of 30 participants (n = 14 female), mean age was 40 years; mean BMI 30.1. Mean (SE) SS in females with paraspinal muscle contraction was 66% (7.4) (method 1) and 78% (7.8) (method 2); 54% (6.9) (method 1) and 67% (7.3) (method 2) in males. With muscles relaxed, mean SS in females was 77% (7.6) (method 1) or 87% (6.8) (method 2); 63% (7.1) (method 1) and 78% (6.4) (method 2) in males. Mean SS decreased 8-13% in females and 7-13% in males after 4-weeks CONCLUSION: Mean SS in females was higher than males at each timepoint. Paraspinal muscle contraction temporarily reduced SS. Over a 4-week no-treatment period, mean SS (with paraspinal muscles relaxed) decreased. Methods less likely to induce muscle guarding and enabling assessment with broader populations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Vining
- Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady St, Davenport, IA, USA.
| | - Stephen M Onifer
- Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady St, Davenport, IA, USA
| | - Elissa Twist
- Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady St, Davenport, IA, USA
| | - Anna-Marie Ziegler
- Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady St, Davenport, IA, USA
| | - Lance Corber
- Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady St, Davenport, IA, USA
| | - Cynthia R Long
- Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady St, Davenport, IA, USA
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Corrêa LA, Bittencourt JV, Mainenti Pagnez MA, Mathieson S, Saragiotto BT, Telles GF, Meziat-Filho N, Calazans Nogueira LA. Neural management plus advice to stay active on clinical measures and sciatic neurodynamic for patients with chronic sciatica: Study protocol for a controlled randomised clinical trial. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263152. [PMID: 35120149 PMCID: PMC8815873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Advice to stay active is the primary management strategy for sciatica. Other conservative treatments such as neural management techniques may also contribute to sciatica recovery, but currently, the effects have not been robustly assessed. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare the effects of adding neural management to advice to stay active versus advice to stay active alone in improving pain intensity and functional limitation. Secondarily, to compare the effects of the experimental intervention in the sciatic neurodynamic, pain modulation, and psychosocial factors. A parallel-group, controlled, examiner-blinded superiority clinical trial randomised at a 1:1 allocation will be conducted in 210 participants with chronic sciatica. Patients will be recruited from outpatient physiotherapy clinics and community advertisements. The experimental group will receive neural mobilisation techniques and soft tissue mobilisation techniques for 30 minutes per session, 10 weekly sessions, plus advice to stay active on their activities of daily living, information on physical activity, imaging tests, and sciatica for 5 biweekly sessions lasting 25-30 minutes. The control group will receive advice to stay active only. The re-evaluation will be performed out after 5 weeks, 10 weeks, and 26 weeks after randomisation and primary endpoints will be pain intensity and functional limitation at 10 weeks. Secondary outcomes will include neuropathic symptoms, sciatic neurodynamic, pain modulation, and psychosocial factors. Adverse events and patient satisfaction will be assessed. Ethical approval has been granted from an Institutional Human Research Ethics Committee. Trial registration: Trial was prospectively registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (number: RBR-3db643c).
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Amaral Corrêa
- Rehabilitation Science Postgraduation Program, Augusto Motta University Centre (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana Valentim Bittencourt
- Rehabilitation Science Postgraduation Program, Augusto Motta University Centre (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Alice Mainenti Pagnez
- Rehabilitation Science Postgraduation Program, Augusto Motta University Centre (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Stephanie Mathieson
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Gustavo Felicio Telles
- Rehabilitation Science Postgraduation Program, Augusto Motta University Centre (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ney Meziat-Filho
- Rehabilitation Science Postgraduation Program, Augusto Motta University Centre (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leandro Alberto Calazans Nogueira
- Rehabilitation Science Postgraduation Program, Augusto Motta University Centre (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Physiotherapy Department, Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Muñoz-Vergara D, Grabowska W, Yeh GY, Khalsa SB, Schreiber KL, Huang CA, Zavacki AM, Wayne PM. A systematic review of in vivo stretching regimens on inflammation and its relevance to translational yoga research. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269300. [PMID: 35648793 PMCID: PMC9159623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review evaluating the impact of stretching on inflammation and its resolution using in vivo rodent models. Findings are evaluated for their potential to inform the design of clinical yoga studies to assess the impact of yogic stretching on inflammation and health. METHODS Studies were identified using four databases. Eligible publications included English original peer-reviewed articles between 1900-May 2020. Studies included those investigating the effect of different stretching techniques administered to a whole rodent model and evaluating at least one inflammatory outcome. Studies stretching the musculoskeletal and integumentary systems were considered. Two reviewers removed duplicates, screened abstracts, conducted full-text reviews, and assessed methodological quality. RESULTS Of 766 studies identified, 25 were included for synthesis. Seven (28%) studies had a high risk of bias in 3 out of 10 criteria. Experimental stretching protocols resulted in a continuum of inflammatory responses with therapeutic and injurious effects, which varied with a combination of three stretching parameters--duration, frequency, and intensity. Relative to injurious stretching, therapeutic stretching featured longer-term stretching protocols. Evidence of pro- and mixed-inflammatory effects of stretching was found in 16 muscle studies. Evidence of pro-, anti-, and mixed-inflammatory effects was found in nine longer-term stretching studies of the integumentary system. CONCLUSION Despite the overall high quality of these summarized studies, evaluation of stretching protocols paralleling yogic stretching is limited. Both injurious and therapeutic stretching induce aspects of inflammatory responses that varied among the different stretching protocols. Inflammatory markers, such as cytokines, are potential outcomes to consider in clinical yoga studies. Future translational research evaluating therapeutic benefits should consider in vitro studies, active vs. passive stretching, shorter-term vs. longer-term interventions, systemic vs. local effects of stretching, animal models resembling human anatomy, control and estimation of non-specific stresses, development of in vivo self-stretching paradigms targeting myofascial tissues, and in vivo models accounting for gross musculoskeletal posture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Muñoz-Vergara
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Weronika Grabowska
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Gloria Y. Yeh
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Sat Bir Khalsa
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Kristin L. Schreiber
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Christene A. Huang
- The Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Ann Marie Zavacki
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Peter M. Wayne
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Abstract
Tensioning techniqueswere the first neurodynamic techniques used therapeutically in the management of people with neuropathies. This article aims to provide a balanced evidence-informed view on the effects of optimal tensile loading on peripheral nerves and the use of tensioning techniques. Whilst the early use of neurodynamics was centered within a mechanical paradigm, research into the working mechanisms of tensioning techniques revealed neuroimmune, neurophysiological, and neurochemical effects. In-vitro and ex-vivo research confirms that tensile loading is required for mechanical adaptation of healthy and healing neurons and nerves. Moreover, elimination of tensile load can have detrimental effects on the nervous system. Beneficial effects of tensile loading and tensioning techniques, contributing to restored homeostasis at the entrapment site, dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord, include neuronal cell differentiation, neurite outgrowth and orientation, increased endogenous opioid receptors, reduced fibrosis and intraneural scar formation, improved nerve regeneration and remyelination, increased muscle power and locomotion, less mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and allodynia, and improved conditioned pain modulation. However, animal and cellular models also show that ‘excessive’ tensile forces have negative effects on the nervous system. Although robust and designed to withstand mechanical load, the nervous system is equally a delicate system. Mechanical loads that can be easily handled by a healthy nervous system, may be sufficient to aggravate clinical symptoms in patients. This paper aims to contribute to a more balanced view regarding the use of neurodynamics and more specifically tensioning techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ellis
- School of Clinical Sciences, Active Living and Rehabilitation: Aotearoa, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Giacomo Carta
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (Nico), University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy.,ASST Nord Milano, Sesto San Giovanni Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Ricardo J Andrade
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Australia.,School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Queensland, USA
| | - Michel W Coppieters
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Australia.,Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ellis R, Richards N, Archer L, Whittington C, Mawston G. Assessing Sciatic Nerve Excursion and Strain with Ultrasound Imaging during Forward Bending. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:2560-2569. [PMID: 34218969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Entrapment neuropathies affecting the sciatic nerve tract may adversely affect neural biomechanical features such as excursion and strain. There is a paucity of in vivo evidence examining the effects of forward bending upon sciatic nerve excursion and strain. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of ultrasound imaging in measuring sciatic nerve excursion and strain during forward bending movements. Secondary aims were to quantify sciatic nerve excursion and strain during forward bending movements and to assess the relationship between sciatic nerve excursion and movements of the hip and lumbar spine. The reliability of measuring sciatic nerve excursion was high to excellent whilst measurement of sciatic nerve strain was moderate. The amount of hip flexion, during forward bending, was a strong predictor of sciatic nerve excursion. These findings will support clinicians in the assessment and treatment of entrapment neuropathies, in addition to providing a foundation for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ellis
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand; Active Living and Rehabilitation: Aotearoa New Zealand, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Nathan Richards
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Logan Archer
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chris Whittington
- BioDesign Lab, School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Grant Mawston
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Northcote, Auckland, New Zealand; Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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Cornelson SM, Ruff AN, Wells C, Sclocco R, Kettner NW. Sonographic measures and sensory threshold of the normal sciatic nerve and hamstring muscles. J Ultrasound 2021; 25:47-57. [PMID: 33515412 PMCID: PMC8964850 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-020-00552-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The sciatic nerve innervates the hamstring muscles. Occasionally, the sciatic nerve is injured along with a hamstring muscle. Detailed biomechanical and sensory thresholds of these structures are not well-characterized. Therefore, we designed a prospective study that explored high-resolution ultrasound (US) at multiple sites to evaluate properties of the sciatic nerve, including cross-sectional area (CSA) and shear-wave elastography (SWE). We also assessed SWE of each hamstring muscle at multiple sites. Mechanical algometry was obtained from the sciatic nerve and hamstring muscles to assess multi-site pressure pain threshold (PPT). METHODS Seventy-nine asymptomatic sciatic nerves and 147 hamstring muscles (25 males, 24 females) aged 18-50 years were evaluated. One chiropractic radiologist with 4.5 years of US experience performed the evaluations. Sciatic nerves were sampled along the posterior thigh at four sites obtaining CSA, SWE, and algometry. All three hamstring muscles were sampled at two sites utilizing SWE and algometry. Descriptive statistics, two-way ANOVA, and rater reliability were assessed for data analysis with p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS A significant decrease in sciatic CSA from proximal to distal was correlated with increasing BMI (p < 0.001). Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for CSA was moderate and poor, respectively. Elastographic values significantly increased from proximal to distal with significant differences in gender and BMI (p = 0.002). Sciatic PPT significantly decreased between sites 1 and 2, 1 and 3, and 1 and 4. Significant correlation between gender and PPT was noted as well as BMI (p < 0.001). Hamstring muscle elastographic values significantly differed between biceps femoris and semitendinosus (p < 0.001) and biceps femoris and semimembranosus (p < 0.001). All three hamstring muscles demonstrated increased PPT in males compared to females (p < 0.001). In addition, PPT of the biceps femoris correlated with BMI (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION High-resolution US provided useful metrics of sciatic nerve size and biomechanical properties. PPT for the normal sciatic nerve and hamstring muscles was obtained for future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey M Cornelson
- Department of Radiology, Logan University, 1851 Schoettler Rd, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA.
| | - Ashley N Ruff
- Department of Radiology, Logan University, 1851 Schoettler Rd, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Courtney Wells
- Human Performance Center, Logan University, Chesterfield, MO, USA
| | - Roberta Sclocco
- Department of Radiology, Logan University, 1851 Schoettler Rd, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Norman W Kettner
- Department of Radiology, Logan University, 1851 Schoettler Rd, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA
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Wee TC, Simon NG. Ultrasound elastography for the evaluation of peripheral nerves: A systematic review. Muscle Nerve 2019; 60:501-512. [PMID: 31269240 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve disorders are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Electrodiagnostic studies remain the cornerstone of the evaluation of nerve disorders. More recently, ultrasound has played an increasing complementary role in the neuromuscular clinic. Ultrasound elastography is a technique that measures the elastic properties of tissues. Given the histological changes that occur in diseased peripheral nerves, nerve ultrasound elastography has been explored as a noninvasive way to evaluate changes in nerve tissue composition. Studies to date suggest that nerve stiffness tends to increase in the setting of peripheral neuropathy, regardless of etiology, consistent with loss of more compliant myelin, and replacement with connective tissue. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the current literature on the use of ultrasound elastography in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathy. Limitations of ultrasound elastography and gaps in current literature are discussed, and prospects for future clinical and research applications are raised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tze Chao Wee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Neil G Simon
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
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Whittaker JL, Ellis R, Hodges PW, OSullivan C, Hides J, Fernandez-Carnero S, Arias-Buria JL, Teyhen DS, Stokes MJ. Imaging with ultrasound in physical therapy: What is the PT's scope of practice? A competency-based educational model and training recommendations. Br J Sports Med 2019; 53:1447-1453. [PMID: 31023858 PMCID: PMC6900235 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Physical therapists employ ultrasound (US) imaging technology for a broad range of clinical and research purposes. Despite this, few physical therapy regulatory bodies guide the use of US imaging, and there are limited continuing education opportunities for physical therapists to become proficient in using US within their professional scope of practice. Here, we (i) outline the current status of US use by physical therapists; (ii) define and describe four broad categories of physical therapy US applications (ie, rehabilitation, diagnostic, intervention and research US); (iii) discuss how US use relates to the scope of high value physical therapy practice and (iv) propose a broad framework for a competency-based education model for training physical therapists in US. This paper only discusses US imaging—not ‘therapeutic’ US. Thus, ‘imaging’ is implicit anywhere the term ‘ultrasound’ is used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie L Whittaker
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richard Ellis
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Paul William Hodges
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cliona OSullivan
- Department of Physiotherapy and Performance Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julie Hides
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | - Deydre S Teyhen
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Maria J Stokes
- School of Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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