Parsonage-Turner syndrome

Neuralgic Amyotrophy: Its Importance in Orthopedics Practice

The present academic work aims to contribute to an early diagnosis of neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) because of its high prevalence in the population. This disease is a neuromuscular syndrome with unclear etiology; it affects mostly the brachial plexus, causing acute pain in the affected shoulder, paralysis, and disabilities. Considering the importance of an early treatment that can modify the prognosis of the patient, knowing the last updates about the syndrome as its clinical presentation is important. Data analysis was conducted through an online non-systematic review that indicated the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and differential diagnosis and prognosis of NA. Knowledge of the clinical features of NA is not common; however, it is important in orthopedic practice because it requires differentiation from spine pathologies.

The Role of Positional Release Therapy in Treating Recalcitrant Brachial Plexus Neuritis: A Case Report

A 17-year-old female Caucasian soccer player presented with severe right shoulder pain and scapular winging due to brachial plexus neuritis. Over the course of 6 weeks, the patient received Positional Release Therapy once a week coupled with electrical modalities, massage and a daily home exercise program. The form of brachial plexus neuritis the patient was diagnosed with was Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, a rare condition often resistant to traditional physical therapy, typically persists for six months to years, at times requiring surgical intervention. This case report is unique because it is the first to utilize Positional Release Therapy for its treatment and one which resolved more quickly than typically reported.

Nerves Around the Shoulder: What the Radiologist Should Know?

Peripheral neuropathies of the shoulder are common and could be related to traumatic injury, shoulder surgery, infection or tumour but usually they result from an entrapment syndrome. Imaging plays an important role to detect the underlying causes, to assess the precise topography and the severity of nerve damage. The key points concerning the imaging of nerve entrapment syndrome are the knowledge of the particular topography of the injured nerve, and the morphology as well signal modifications of the corresponding muscles. Magnetic Resonance Imaging best shows these findings, although Ultrasounds and Computed Tomography sometimes allow the diagnosis of neuropathy.

Chiropractic management of a geriatric patient with idiopathic neuralgic amyotrophy: a case report

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this paper is to describe chiropractic management of a patient with neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) and to provide discussion regarding presentation, differential diagnosis, management and prognosis of idiopathic NA.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 85 year old Caucasian male presented to a chiropractic clinic with right periscapular and lateral rib cage pain. The patient had previously sought evaluation and treatment from multiple health care providers and underwent multiple interventions without relief.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME

The patient was managed with a course of chiropractic care and an ongoing home exercise program was carried out. The patient reported spontaneous resolution of pain approximately 14 months post onset.

SUMMARY

NA is a poorly known clinical entity amongst health care providers and poses challenges in timely and proper diagnosis. Recognition of NA is important for patients to be best managed and for more optimal patient outcomes to be achieved.