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Sforza C, Margelli M, Mourad F, Brindisino F, Heick JD, Maselli F. Spontaneous spleen rupture mimicking non-specific thoracic pain: A rare case in physiotherapy practice. Physiother Theory Pract 2023; 39:641-649. [PMID: 35704038 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2021.2021578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of Thoracic Pain (TP) is estimated to be low compared to other common musculoskeletal disorders such as nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Notably, compared to LBP, TP or referral pain to the thoracic area potentially may involve serious pathologies. Visceral referral of pain may present to the thoracic spine or anteriorly in the abdomen or chest. Rupture of the spleen in the absence of trauma or previously diagnosed disease is rare and rarely documented in emergency medicine literature. The incidence of red flags are higher in the thoracic area in comparison to the lumbar or cervical regions, but TP can also be of musculoskeletal origin and for this reason it is important to assess the origin of pain. CASE DESCRIPTION This case report describes the clinical history, evaluation and management of a 60-year-old complaining of upper thoracic, bilateral shoulder, and right upper quadrant abdominal pain. The patient's clinical findings from a physiotherapist's assessment led to a referral to a physician to explore a potential non-musculoskeletal origin. A splenectomy was required due to a non-traumatic rupture of the spleen. After 20 days of hospitalization from the surgery, the patient returned to all normal activities of daily living. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The purpose of this current case report is to describe the clinical reasoning of a physiotherapist screening a patient who presented with thoracic pain due to a spontaneous rupture of the spleen, that resulted in a referral to another health practitioner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Sforza
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Department of Clinical Science and Translation Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Roma, Italy.,Department of Physiotherapy, Sport Clinic Center, Firenze, Italy
| | - Michele Margelli
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Department of Clinical Science and Translation Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Roma, Italy.,Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Department of Morphology Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Physiotherapy, Studio Andreotti-Margelli Terapika, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Firas Mourad
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Department of Clinical Science and Translation Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Roma, Italy.,Department of Physiotherapy, Lunex International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, Differdange, Luxembourg.,Luxembourg Health and Sport Sciences Research Institute A.s.b.l, Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - Fabrizio Brindisino
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Department of Clinical Science and Translation Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Roma, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Health Science "Vincenzo Tiberio," University of Molise C/o Cardarelli Hospital, ; Campobasso, Italy
| | - John D Heick
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Filippo Maselli
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetic and Maternal Infantile Sciences (Dinogmi), University of Genova - Campus of Savona, Savona, Italy.,Sovrintendenza Sanitaria Regionale Puglia INAIL, ; Bari, Italy
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2
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Vij N, Tolson H, Kiernan H, Agusala V, Viswanath O, Urits I. Pathoanatomy, biomechanics, and treatment of upper cervical ligamentous instability: A literature review. Orthop Rev (Pavia) 2022; 14:37099. [PMID: 35936808 PMCID: PMC9353694 DOI: 10.52965/001c.37099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical spine instability broadly refers to compromise of the articular congruity. It can be stratified according to spinal level, functional compromise, and mechanism of instability. Conventional wisdom advocates for use of bracing and physical therapy with only a subset of patients proceeding to obtain surgical treatment. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review article is to summarize the current state of knowledge on upper cervical ligamentous instability. METHODS The literature search was performed in Mendeley. Search fields were varied until redundant. All articles were screened by title and abstract and a preliminary decision to include an article was made. The full-text screening was performed on the selected articles. Any question regarding the inclusion of an article was discussed by 3 authors until an agreement was reached. RESULTS Many articles report on the etiological factors including ligamentous laxity, traumatic injury, syndrome instability, iatrogenic instability, congenital, and inflammatory causes. A few recent studies elucidate new findings regarding pathoanatomy through the use of finite element analysis. A few articles demonstrate the diagnosis and show that radiographs alone have a low diagnostic rate and that functional MRI may be able to better quantify instability. Conservative treatment has been described, but there are no outcome studies in the literature. Surgical treatment has been described in many different populations with good radiologic and clinical outcomes. Recently the use of preoperative 3D CT reconstruction has been described with radiographic and immediate postoperative patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION The presentation of upper cervical spinal instability can be asymptomatic, symptoms of isolated instability, symptoms of nerve irritation, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, or severe neurologic compromise. 3D fine element analysis models and motion-capture systems have the potential to increase our understanding of the pathoanatomic cascade in both traumatic and non-traumatic cases of upper cervical spinal instability. A few modalities on the horizon could increase diagnostic potential. More efforts are needed regarding the use of fine element analysis in understanding the pathoanatomic cascade, the long-term outcomes of children over a spectrum of syndromic causes, and the potential of preoperative virtual simulation to improve surgical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Vij
- University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix
| | | | | | - Veena Agusala
- Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine
| | - Omar Viswanath
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport
| | - Ivan Urits
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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Cho S, Shlobin NA, Dahdaleh NS. Os odontoideum: A comprehensive review. JOURNAL OF CRANIOVERTEBRAL JUNCTION AND SPINE 2022; 13:256-264. [PMID: 36263339 PMCID: PMC9574117 DOI: 10.4103/jcvjs.jcvjs_71_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Os odontoideum (OO) is a rare craniocervical anomaly that is characterized by a round ossicle separated from the C2 vertebral body. With a controversial etiology and unknown prevalence in the population, OO may be asymptomatic or present in patients with myelopathic and neurological symptoms. In this literature review, we aimed to investigate epidemiology, embryology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and the role of diagnostic radiography in OO. By providing an overview of different management strategies, surgical complications, and postoperative considerations for OO, our findings may guide neurosurgeons in providing proper diagnosis and treatment for OO patients. A literature review was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases. A search using the query "os odontoideum" yielded 4319 results, of which 112 articles were chosen and analyzed for insights on factors such as etiology, clinical presentation, and management of OO. The presentation of OO varies widely from asymptomatic cases to severe neurological deficits. Asymptomatic patients can be managed either conservatively or surgically, while symptomatic patients should undergo operative stabilization. Although multiple studies show different techniques for surgical management involving posterior fusion, the diversity of such cases illustrates how treatment must be tailored to the individual patient to prevent complications. Conflicting studies and the paucity of current literature on OO highlight poor comprehension of the condition. Further understanding of the natural history of OO is critical to form evidence-based guidelines for the management of OO patients. More large-center studies are thus needed to promote accurate management of OO patients with optimal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sia Cho
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nathan A. Shlobin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nader S. Dahdaleh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Luedtke K, Schoettker-Königer T, Hall T, Enns C, Grassold M, Hasselhoff-Styhler P, Neulinger C, Obrocki M, Przyhoda P, Schäfer A. Concurrent validity and reliability of measuring range of motion during the cervical flexion rotation test with a novel digital goniometer. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:535. [PMID: 32781990 PMCID: PMC7422569 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Headache is a common and costly health problem. Although the pathogenesis of headache is heterogeneous, reported contributing factors are dysfunctions of the upper cervical spine. The flexion rotation test (FRT) is a commonly used diagnostic test to detect upper cervical movement impairment. A digital goniometer may support precise measurement of movement impairment in the upper cervical spine. However, its reliability and validity is not assessed, yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the digital goniometer compared to an ultrasound-based movement analysis system. METHODS Two separate cross-sectional studies were conducted using the digital goniometer EasyAngle (Meloq AB, Stockholm, Sweden) for a) investigating the concurrent validity of upper cervical range of motion (ROM) during the FRT and b) determining the inter- and intra-rater reliability in the target population of patients with head and neck pain. Sixty-two participants, 39 with and 23 without head and neck pain, were recruited for the concurrent validity study. For the reliability study, a total of 50 participants were recruited. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland Altmann plots were used to assess validity and ICC values, Bland Altmann plots as well as Kappa coefficients were used for estimating intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. RESULTS Concurrent validity was strong with an ICC (2,1) of 0.97 for ROM to either side (95%CI = 0.95-0.98). Bland Altman Plots revealed a mean difference between measurement systems of 0.5° for the left and 0.11° for the right side. The inter-rater ICC (2,1) was 0.66 (95%CI 0.47-0.79, p < 0.001, SEM 6.6°), indicating good reliability. The limits of agreement were between 10.25° and - 11.89°, the mean difference between both raters was - 0.82°. Intra-rater reliability for the measurement of ROM during the FRT was between 0.96 (ICC 3,1) for rater 1 and 0.94 (ICC 3,1) for rater 2. CONCLUSIONS The digital goniometer demonstrated strong concurrent validity and good to strong reliability and can be used in clinical practice to accurately determine movement impairment in the upper cervical spine. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Registry of Clinical Trials DRKS00013051 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Luedtke
- Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
- Institute of Health Sciences, Academic Physiotherapy, University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thomas Schoettker-Königer
- Faculty of Social Work and Health, University of Applied Science and Art (HAWK), Goschentor 1, 31134 Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Toby Hall
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Christine Enns
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Neustadtswall 30, 28199 Bremen, Germany
| | - Maike Grassold
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Neustadtswall 30, 28199 Bremen, Germany
| | - Petra Hasselhoff-Styhler
- Faculty of Social Work and Health, University of Applied Science and Art (HAWK), Goschentor 1, 31134 Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Christian Neulinger
- Faculty of Social Work and Health, University of Applied Science and Art (HAWK), Goschentor 1, 31134 Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Max Obrocki
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Neustadtswall 30, 28199 Bremen, Germany
| | - Philipp Przyhoda
- Faculty of Social Work and Health, University of Applied Science and Art (HAWK), Goschentor 1, 31134 Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Axel Schäfer
- Faculty of Social Work and Health, University of Applied Science and Art (HAWK), Goschentor 1, 31134 Hildesheim, Germany
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Sillevis R, Swanick K. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging and clinical reasoning in the management of a patient with cervicogenic headache: a case report. Physiother Theory Pract 2019; 37:1252-1262. [PMID: 31686564 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2019.1686793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Clinical decision-making within the physical therapy treatment process typically follows the hypothetical-deductive method. The accuracy and reliability of clinical tests affect this reasoning process. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging (MSK US) is an emerging valid and reliable diagnostic tool in physical therapy. MSK US allows for dynamic visualization of tissues in real time with devices that are often portable.Case Description: The patient was a 55-year-old female, who presented by direct access. She had been suffering from cervicogenic headaches since the age of 18. It was hypothesized that this patient presented with a right rotation positional default of atlas and facet hypomobility at C5-6.Outcomes: After six visits (over 7 weeks) of manual therapy interventions, the patient reported that her headaches and neck pain were no longer present. Her physical therapy goals had been met and she was discharged with the instruction to continue working on her posture correction and self-management.Discussion: This case report describes the use of MSK US imaging as part of the clinical decision-making process when treating a patient with cervicogenic headaches. This case illustrates the successful management using manual therapy to restore position, mobility, decrease muscle tone, and normalize upright posture. Complementary research is necessary to further validate MSK US imaging as the preferred method to objectivize joint mobility and guide decision-making. Additionally, the cause-effect relationship between the treatment and positive outcomes in this case report has to be further validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Sillevis
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA
| | - Kathy Swanick
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA
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Mansfield CJ, Domnisch C, Iglar L, Boucher L, Onate J, Briggs M. Systematic review of the diagnostic accuracy, reliability, and safety of the sharp-purser test. J Man Manip Ther 2019; 28:72-81. [PMID: 31526113 DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2019.1667045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The Sharp-Purser Test (SPT) is used to assess for atlantoaxial instability (AI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The test is commonly used by clinicians; however, many experts argue it lacks reliability and validity along with concerns of safety. The primary purpose of this review is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the SPT to detect AI.Methods: A search of five databases was performed from inception to 19 December 2018 using search terms related to the SPT. Studies were eligible for inclusion if the SPT was used on a patient/participant. Methodological quality assessment of diagnostic studies was performed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) for studies that reported data to calculate sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive likelihood ratio (+LR), and negative likelihood ratio (-LR).Results: The search yielded 1009 articles, and 32 studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Meta-analysis on diagnostic accuracy studies assessing the SPT was not possible due to statistical heterogeneity. Six diagnostic accuracy studies assessed the SN of the SPT ranging from 0.19 to 1.00. Four of the studies assessed SP of the SPT ranging from 0.71 to 0.98. The +LR was identified in 4 studies was 0.655, 1.73, 22, and 17.25. The -LR was 1.14, 0.799, 0.571, and 0.323. Seven RCTs utilized the SPT to screen for AI, and the SPT was used in 18 case reports.Conclusion: The SPT may be inappropriate to use due to inconsistent validity, poor inter-rater reliability, and potential to cause harm.Level of evidence: 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J Mansfield
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,OSU Sports Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.,Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Charlie Domnisch
- OSU Sports Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Laura Iglar
- OSU Sports Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.,Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Laura Boucher
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Sports Medicine Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James Onate
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Sports Medicine Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew Briggs
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,OSU Sports Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.,Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.,Sports Medicine Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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Harry Von P, Maloul R, Hoffmann M, Hall T, Ruch MM, Ballenberger N. Diagnostic accuracy and validity of three manual examination tests to identify alar ligament lesions: results of a blinded case-control study. J Man Manip Ther 2019; 27:83-91. [PMID: 30935337 DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2018.1539434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tests to evaluate the integrity of the alar ligaments are important clinical tools for manual therapists, but there is limited research regarding their validity. METHOD A single blinded examiner assessed alar ligament integrity using the lateral shear test (LST), rotation stress test (RST) and side-bending stress test (SBST) on a sample of convenience comprising 7 subjects with MRI confirmed alar ligament lesions and 11 healthy people. Alar ligament lesions were identified using both supine and high-field strength upright MRI. RESULTS The RST had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 69.2%. The SBST and the LST both showed a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 76.9%. In cases where all three tests were positive, the specificity increased to 84.6%. DISCUSSION Tests of manual examination of alar ligament integrity have some diagnostic utility; however, these findings require further corroboration in a larger sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piekartz Harry Von
- a Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitationscience , University of Applied Science Osnabrueck , Osnabrueck , Germany
| | - Rakan Maloul
- b Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation , University of Applied Science Osnabrück , Osnabrueck , Germany
| | - Marisa Hoffmann
- c Privatpraxis Schwerpunkte Manuelle Therapie Kiefer-/Kopf-/Gesichtsschmerz , Nieder-Olm , Germany
| | - Toby Hall
- d School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science , Curtin University , Perth , Australia
| | - Med Martin Ruch
- e Die Radiologen Weiterstadt Dr. Martin Ruch , Weiterstadt- D , Germany
| | - Nicolaus Ballenberger
- f Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitationscience , University of Applied Science , Osnabrueck , Germany
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Mansfield CJ. Cervical myelopathy causing numbness and paresthesias in lower extremities: A case report identifying the cause of a false positive Sharp-Purser test. Physiother Theory Pract 2018; 35:401-408. [PMID: 29474100 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1443361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The patient was referred to an outpatient physical therapy clinic for lumbar radiculopathy by a primary care physician and subsequently referred for imaging due to suspicion of cervical myelopathy. The case highlights the clinical reasoning of the physical therapist differentiating between lumbar stenosis, cervical myelopathy, and upper cervical instability. To the author's knowledge, this is the only case report in the literature to describe the mechanism that could underpin a false positive Sharp-Purser test (SPT). The case also highlights the importance of interpreting the outcomes of special tests cautiously. CASE DESCRIPTION A 55-year-old female was referred to outpatient physical therapy for lumbar radiculopathy. The patient's complaint was a one-year history of intermittent bilateral lower buttock paresthesias radiating to the bilateral posterior thighs. She reported a three-month history of bilateral anterior thigh numbness that would present after sitting for 30 minutes. Lumbar stenosis was initially suspected, however the patient's failure to improve but rather worsen with flexed postures suggested this diagnosis was improbable. The patient experienced bilateral anterior thigh numbness with active cervical flexion, and had a reduction in symptoms with the SPT. OUTCOMES Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multi-focal disc-osteophyte complexes with central canal stenosis from C4-7. The patient underwent an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with a good outcome. DISCUSSION A large disc herniation causing central canal stenosis could underpin a false positive SPT. Special tests should always be used with caution, as they can lead to inaccurate diagnoses if there is a false positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J Mansfield
- a Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship, OSU Sports Medicine , Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center , Columbus , OH , USA
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Cunningham S. Upper cervical instability associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report. J Man Manip Ther 2016; 24:151-7. [PMID: 27559285 DOI: 10.1179/2042618614y.0000000096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects between 1 and 2 million individuals in the United States. Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) has been shown to have 40-85% prevalence among individuals with RA. Despite the high incidence of craniovertebral involvement, overt symptoms of instability are rare. The high risk of AAI and limited symptomology should increase therapist suspicion of potential contraindications and precautions to initiation of therapy for the cervical spine without prior diagnostic imaging. The purpose of this case study is to describe the historical, clinical, and diagnostic imaging complexity of AAI associated with RA, and to illustrate the use of these factors in the clinical reasoning within a patient case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shala Cunningham
- University of Evansville, IN, USA; Ola Grimsby Institute, UT, USA
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Vernon H, Lawson G. Development of the headache activities of daily living index: initial validity study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2015; 38:102-11. [PMID: 25618575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to develop a novel instrument for assessing headache-related disability focusing solely on important activities of daily living. METHODS Part 1: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar, supplemented by hand searches in bibliographies to retrieve the original article for any instrument for the assessment of headache-related disability. Each instrument was evaluated for item categories, specific item content, measurement scale format for each item, and instructions to users. Together, these features constituted the construct validity of these instruments. Qualitative evaluations of these results were summarized with respect to the adequacy of each component. Psychometric features such as reliability and validity were not assessed. Part 2: An existing instrument for assessing self-rated disability, the Neck Disability Index, was modified for content and format and subjected to 2 rounds of clinician and patient review. Item contents and formats received final consensus, resulting in a 9-item instrument: the Headache Activities of Daily Living Index (HADLI). This instrument was tested in a sample of headache patients. Cronbach α and individual item correlations were obtained. Principal Components Analysis was performed. RESULTS Part 1: The search identified 6 reports on 5 preexisting instruments for self-rating of headache-related disability. Problems in content were found in all instruments, especially relating to the lack of items for specific activities of daily living. Problems were noted in most of the instruments for scaling and instructions with respect to the effect of headache on activities of daily living. Part 2: The authors first identified suitable items from an existing instrument for self-rating of disability. These were supplemented by items drawn from the literature. A panel of 3 clinicians and 2 laypersons evaluated these items. Two more focus groups of 7 headache sufferers each reviewed the new instrument. After this, a 9-item instrument for assessing activities of daily living in headache sufferers, the HADLI, was finalized. After this, 53 participants were recruited to study the face validity of the instrument. The sample consisted of 41 women and 12 men with a mean age of 37.3 (12) years; mean duration of headaches was 7.4 (8.3) years; mean frequency of headaches per week was 3.4 (2.4); and the intensity was 6 (2.4). The mean HADLI score was 26.2 (13.4), or 52%. There were no floor or ceiling effects for total score. The total Index Cronbach α was 0.96. The Principal Components Analysis identified one component which accounted for 75% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS The HADLI was created using theory and empirical-based methods. Face validity was assessed by focus group input and by first-level psychometrics. The HADLI has good face validity and is suitable for further reliability and validity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Vernon
- Professor, Division of Research, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Gordon Lawson
- Associate Professor, Division Clinical Education, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with neck pain, headache, torticollis, or neurological signs should be screened carefully for upper cervical spine instability, as these conditions are "red flags" for applying physical therapy interventions. However, little is known about the diagnostic accuracy of upper cervical spine instability tests. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of upper cervical spine instability screening tests in patients or people who are healthy. DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and RECAL Legacy databases were searched from their inception through October 2012. STUDY SELECTION Studies were included that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of upper cervical instability screening tests in patients or people who are healthy and in which sensitivity and specificity were reported or could be calculated using a 2 × 2 table. DATA EXTRACTION AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and the methodological quality assessment using the QUADAS-2. DATA SYNTHESIS Depending on heterogeneity, statistical pooling was performed. All diagnostic parameters (sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios) were recalculated, if possible. RESULTS Five studies were included in this systematic review. Statistical pooling was not possible due to clinical and statistical heterogeneity. Specificity of 7 tests was sufficient, but sensitivity varied. Predictive values were variable. Likelihood ratios also were variable, and, in most cases, the confidence intervals were large. LIMITATIONS The included studies suffered from several biases. None of the studies evaluated upper cervical spine instability tests in patients receiving primary care. CONCLUSIONS The membranes tests had the best diagnostic accuracy, but their applicability as a test for diagnosing upper cervical spine instability in primary care has yet to be confirmed.
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Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Resident's case problem. BACKGROUND Abdominal pain is a common symptom, but not a common diagnosis, of patients referred to physical therapists for examination and intervention. For patients with primary symptoms of abdominal pain, a thorough evaluation must be performed to determine if symptoms are musculoskeletal in nature or of a nonmusculoskeletal origin that would warrant a referral to a different healthcare provider. This report describes the management of 3 adults with primary complaints of abdominal pain who were referred for physical therapy evaluation and treatment. DIAGNOSIS Two of the patients had secondary symptoms of hip and/or low back pain and had previously undergone extensive medical testing for their chronic abdominal pain, without a definitive diagnosis having been determined. A physical therapy evaluation was conducted, and treatment, including manual physical therapy and exercise, was administered to address all relative impairments, once the physical therapist had determined that the patients' symptoms were of musculoskeletal origin. The third patient included in this series was referred to a physical therapist with a diagnosis of greater trochanteric versus iliopsoas bursitis. However, the patient had abdominal pain that was more acute in nature and a history and physical examination findings that were concerning for abdominal pain of nonmusculoskeletal origin. Both patients with abdominal pain of musculoskeletal origin showed marked improvement in pain and disability after 7 treatment sessions. The third patient was referred to her primary care physician, and ultrasound examination of the abdomen revealed several intrauterine masses that were consistent with uterine fibroids. Following uterine fibroid embolization, the patient was symptom free. DISCUSSION Although not routinely managed by physical therapists, abdominal pain is a relatively common patient symptom that can have several causes, both musculoskeletal and nonmusculoskeletal. This paper emphasizes the importance of physical therapists having the necessary differential diagnostic skills to determine if patients with primary symptoms of abdominal pain require physician referral or physical therapist intervention.
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Osmotherly PG, Rivett DA, Rowe LJ. The anterior shear and distraction tests for craniocervical instability. An evaluation using magnetic resonance imaging. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 17:416-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2012.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Physical therapists referring patients to physicians: a review of case reports and series. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012; 42:446-54. [PMID: 22282166 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2012.3890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Descriptive. BACKGROUND An important role for physical therapists in the healthcare delivery system is to recognize when patient referral to a physician or other healthcare provider is indicated. Few studies exist describing physical therapists' evaluative and diagnostic processes leading to patient referral to a physician. OBJECTIVE To summarize published patient case reports that described physical therapist/patient episodes of care that resulted in the referral of the patient to a physician and a subsequent diagnosis of medical disease. METHODS A literature search identified 78 case reports describing physical therapist referral of patients to physicians with subsequent diagnosis of a medical condition. Two evaluators reviewed the cases and summarized (1) how and when patients accessed physical therapy services, (2) timing of patient referral to a physician, (3) resultant medical diagnoses, (4) physical therapists' role in referral of patients for diagnostic testing, and (5) relevant patient symptom description, health history, review of systems, and physical examination findings. RESULTS Fifty-eight (74.4%) of 78 patients had been referred to a physical therapist by their physician, while the remaining 20 patients accessed physical therapy services via direct access. The patients' primary presenting symptoms included pain (n = 60), weakness (n = 4), tingling/numbness (n = 2), or a combination (n = 12). Patient referrals to a physician occurred at the initial physical therapy session in 58 (74.4%) of 78 cases. A majority of patient referrals to a physician (n = 65) were related to primary presenting symptoms, including manifestations inconsistent with physician diagnosis, recent worsening without cause, unusual accompanying symptoms such as fatigue and/or weakness, and inadequate response to treatment. Resultant diagnoses included neuromusculoskeletal disorders (n = 53; fractures and tumors most common), visceral disorders (n = 14; cardiovascular involvement most common), and medication-related disorders (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS This review of published patient case reports provides numerous examples of physical therapists using effective multifactorial screening strategies for referred and direct-access patients, leading to timely patient referrals to physicians. The therapist-initiated patient referral to a physician led to subsequent diagnosis of a wide range of conditions and pathological processes.
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Abstract
Musculoskeletal imaging of the spine can be an invaluable tool to inform clinical decision making in patients with spinal pain. An understanding of the technology involved in producing and interpreting high-resolution images produced from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the human spine is necessary to better appreciate which sequences can be used for, or tailored to, individual patients and their conditions. However, there is substantial variability in the clinical meaningfulness of some MRI findings of spinal tissues. For example, normal variants can often mimic significant musculoskeletal pathology, which could increase the risk of misinformed clinical decisions and, even worse, poor or adverse outcomes. This clinical commentary will highlight some of the pearls and pitfalls of MRI for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, and include cases to illustrate some of the common imaging artifacts and normal variants for MRI of the spine.
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Knowledge and use of craniovertebral instability testing by Australian physiotherapists. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 16:357-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2010.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Revised: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Thoracic spine thrust manipulation versus cervical spine thrust manipulation in patients with acute neck pain: a randomized clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011; 41:208-20. [PMID: 21335931 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2011.3640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Randomized clinical trial. OBJECTIVE To determine if patients who met the clinical prediction rule (CPR) criteria for the success of thoracic spine thrust joint manipulation (TJM) for the treatment of neck pain would have a different outcome if they were treated with a cervical spine TJM. BACKGROUND A CPR had been proposed to identify patients with neck pain who would likely respond favorably to thoracic spine TJM. Research on validation of that CPR had not been completed when this trial was initiated. In our clinical experience, though many patients with neck pain responded favorably to thoracic spine TJM, they often reported that their symptomatic cervical spine area had not been adequately addressed. METHODS Twenty-four consecutive patients, who presented to physical therapy with a primary complaint of neck pain and met 4 out of 6 of the CPR criteria for thoracic TJM, were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups. The thoracic group received thoracic TJM and a cervical range-of-motion (ROM) exercise for the first 2 sessions, followed by a standardized exercise program for an additional 3 sessions. The cervical group received cervical TJM and the same cervical ROM exercise for the first 2 sessions, and the same exercise program given to the thoracic group for the next 3 sessions. Outcome measures collected at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 6 months from start of treatment included the Neck Disability Index, numeric pain rating scale, and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire. RESULTS Patients who received cervical TJM demonstrated greater improvements in Neck Disability Index (P ≤.001) and numeric pain rating scale (P ≤.003) scores at all follow-up times. There was also a statistically significant improvement in the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire physical activity subscale score at all follow-up times for the cervical group (P ≤.004). The number needed to treat to avoid an unsuccessful overall outcome was 1.8 at 1 week, 1.6 at 4 weeks, and 1.6 at 6 months. CONCLUSION Patients with neck pain who met 4 of 6 of the CPR criteria for successful treatment of neck pain with a thoracic spine TJM demonstrated a more favorable response when the TJM was directed to the cervical spine rather than the thoracic spine. Patients receiving cervical TJM also demonstrated fewer transient side-effects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapy, level 1b.
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