Epidemiology of Spinal Cord Injury: Changes to Its Cause Amid Aging Population, a Single Center Study

Objective@#To investigate the epidemiologic and demographic characteristics of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) who were admitted to a department of rehabilitation of a university hospital. @*Methods@#This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Medical records including sex, age at injury, type of disability, traumatic or non-traumatic etiology and presence of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of patients with SCI who were admitted to the department of rehabilitation between 2012 and 2018 were reviewed. @*Results@#Of the 221 cases of SCI, 161 were traumatic and 60 were non-traumatic. The mean age at injury was 52.8 years. People aged 40–49 years showed highest proportion among overall SCI patients (19.0%). The proportion of male patients was higher in traumatic SCI at 4.96:1 than in non-traumatic SCI at 1.30:1. The most common cause of traumatic SCI was falling off (37.3%), followed by motor vehicle crash (35.4%) and tripping over (19.3%). Meanwhile, the most common cause of non-traumatic SCI was neoplasm (35.0%). Tripping over was the leading cause of traumatic SCI in patients aged ≥60 years (42.6%). A high proportion of traumatic SCI patients were found to have underlying OPLL (26.1%), particularly those who were injured by tripping over (64.5%). @*Conclusion@#The mean age of SCI patients was higher than that of previous studies. Falls was the single most common cause of traumatic SCI, and tripping over was the most common cause of injury in the elderly patients. OPLL was prevalent in patients who were injured from tripping over.

Sick Sinus Syndrome Combined with Wallenberg Syndrome: a Case Report

Cardiac arrhythmia is a rare manifestation of the Wallenberg syndrome; lesions are located in the brainstem, especially the lower medulla, which regulates sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. A 55-year-old man was admitted to the university hospital with symptoms including ataxia, left ptosis, decreased sensation of pain and temperature on the right side, left facial numbness, and dizziness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed an infarction in the left dorsolateral medulla. Therefore, he was diagnosed with Wallenberg syndrome. While he underwent conservative treatment for Wallenberg syndrome, he experienced several events of self-limiting heart pounding, which required an evaluation of cardiac function. The 24-hour Holter monitor showed an increased RR interval with bradycardia and prolonged sinus pause. As a result, the diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome combined with Wallenberg syndrome was made. Sick sinus syndrome is a rare cardiac complication of the Wallenberg syndrome, and clinicians could overlook it when the initial electrocardiography shows a normal sinus rhythm. Sick sinus syndrome can cause sudden death without appropriate medical intervention. Therefore, clinicians should consider further evaluation, including a 24-hour Holter monitor, to check for the potential presence of sick sinus syndrome in the acute phase of Wallenberg syndrome.

Long Term Effect of Custom-Molded Foot Orthoses on Foot Pain and Balance in Children with Symptomatic Flexible Flat Feet

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long termeffect of custom-molded foot orthoses on foot pain and balance ability in children with symptomatic flexible flat feet after 1 year.METHOD: A total of 35 children over 6 year-old with flexible flat feet and foot pain for at least 6 months were recruited. Individual custom-molded rigid foot orthoses fabricated with the inverted orthotic technique was prescribed. Pain related parameters (pain sites, degree, and frequency) were obtained through questionnaires. Pain assessment was performed prior to application of the foot orthoses, and 1, 3, 6, 12 months after applying the orthoses. Balance ability was tested by computerized posturography. Such measures were evaluated prior to, 3 months, and 12 months after applying the foot orthoses. Additionally, the difference inbalance ability between barefoot and withfoot orthosesat 12 months was assessed to estimate carryover effect.RESULTS: 17 out of 35 children completed the study. Significant improvements were noted upto 12 months in pain parameters and balance ability. The carry over effect of the orthoses was confirmed.CONCLUSION: There were significant improvements offoot pain and balance ability in children with symptomatic flexible flat foot after wearing foot orthoses fabricated with the inverted orthotic technique over 1year period.

Femoral Neuropathy Secondary to Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Case Report

Compressive femoral neuropathy is a disabling condition accompanied by difficulty in hip flexion and knee extension. It may result from retroperitoneal hematoma or bleeding, or from complications associated with pelvic, hip surgery, and renal transplants. A 55-year-old female with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease presented with proximal muscle weakness in lower extremities. The patient experienced recurrent renal cyst infection, with aggravated weakness during each event. Electromyography and nerve conduction study revealed bilateral femoral neuropathy. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance images were added to further identify the cause. As a result, a diagnosis of femoral neuropathy caused by enlarged polycystic kidney was made. Cyst infection was managed with antibiotics. Renal function was maintained by frequent regular hemodialysis. While avoiding activities that may increase abdominal pressure, rehabilitation exercises were provided. Motor strength in hip flexion and knee extension improved, and was confirmed via electrodiagnostic studies.

Efficacy of Mirror Therapy Containing Functional Tasks in Poststroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of mirror therapy containing functional tasks on upper extremity function and activities of daily living in patients with subacute stroke. METHODS: The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the mirror therapy group (30 patients) and the sham therapy group (30 patients). The mirror therapy group underwent a mirror therapy program together with conventional therapy for 20 minutes per day on 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The control group received a sham conventional therapy program under the same schedule as the mirror therapy group. The Fugl-Meyer Motor Function Assessment (FMA), Brunnstrom motor recovery stage, and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were evaluated 4 weeks after the treatment. RESULTS: The upper extremity function on the affected side and ability to perform daily life activities after the intervention were significantly improved in both groups. After 4 weeks of intervention, improvements in the FMA (p=0.027) and MBI (p=0.041) were significantly greater in the mirror therapy group than the sham therapy group. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that the mirror therapy containing functional task was effective in terms of improving the upper extremity functions and activities of daily living in patients with subacute stroke.

Effect of Custom-Molded Foot Orthoses on Foot Pain and Balance in Children With Symptomatic Flexible Flat Feet

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of custom-molded foot orthoses on foot pain and balance in children with symptomatic flexible flat foot 1 month and 3 months after fitting foot orthosis. METHOD: A total of 24 children over 6 years old with flexible flat feet and foot pain for at least 6 months were recruited for this study. Their resting calcaneal stance position and calcaneal pitch angle were measured. Individual custom-molded rigid foot orthoses were prescribed using inverted orthotic technique to control foot overpronation. Pain questionnaire was used to obtain pain sites, degree, and frequency. Balancing ability was determined using computerized posturography. These evaluations were performed prior to custom-molded foot orthoses, 1 month, and 3 months after fitting foot orthoses. RESULT: Of 24 children with symptomatic flexible flat feet recruited for this study, 20 completed the study. Significant (p<0.001) improvements in pain degree and frequency were noted after 1 and 3 months of custom-molded foot orthoses. In addition, significant (p<0.05) improvement in balancing ability was found after 3 months of custom-molded foot orthoses. CONCLUSION: Short-term use of custom-molded foot orthoses significantly improved foot pain and balancing ability in children with symptomatic flexible flat foot.

Effect of Foot Orthoses on Children With Lower Extremity Growing Pains

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of custom molded foot orthoses on children with growing pains of the lower extremities. METHODS: Children with growing pains were recruited during a clinic visit. None had any bony deformities, inflammatory joint disease or depression. Resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP) and calcaneal pitch angle were measured, and individual custom molded rigid foot orthoses were prescribed using the inverted orthotic technique to control for foot overpronation using the RCSP angle. Pain sites, degree and frequency of pain, and balance ability were evaluated using Balance Master computerized posturography prior to foot orthosis fitting, and 1 and 3 months later. RESULTS: Twenty children completed the study. Seventeen (75%) had overpronated feet. Significant improvements were noted after 1 and 3 months in pain degree and frequency, and after 3 months in balancing ability. CONCLUSION: The use of custom molded foot orthoses is a good method for treating children with multiple musculoskeletal pains in the leg.

Effect of Low-Frequency rTMS and NMES on Subacute Unilateral Hemispheric Stroke With Dysphagia

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on post-stroke dysphagia. METHODS: Subacute (<3 months), unilateral hemispheric stroke patients with dysphagia were randomly assigned to the conventional dysphagia therapy (CDT), rTMS, or NMES groups. In rTMS group, rTMS was performed at 100% resting motor threshold with 1 Hz frequency for 20 minutes per session (5 days per week for 2 weeks). In NMES group, electrical stimulation was applied to the anterior neck for 30 minutes per session (5 days per week for 2 weeks). All three groups were given conventional dysphagia therapy for 4 weeks. We evaluated the functional dysphagia scale (FDS), pharyngeal transit time (PTT), the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), and the American Speech-Language Hearing Association National Outcomes Measurement System (ASHA NOMS) swallowing scale at baseline, after 2 weeks, and after 4 weeks. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients completed the study; 15 in the CDT group, 14 in the rTMS group, and 18 in the NMES group. Mean changes in FDS and PAS for liquid during first 2 weeks in the rTMS and NMES groups were significantly higher than those in the CDT group, but no significant differences were found between the rTMS and NMES group. No significant difference in mean changes of FDS and PAS for semi-solid, PTT, and ASHA NOMS was observed among the three groups. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that both low-frequency rTMS and NMES could induce early recovery from dysphagia; therefore, they both could be useful therapeutic options for dysphagic stroke patients.

Cardiovascular Response During Submaximal Underwater Treadmill Exercise in Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cardiovascular response during head-out water immersion, underwater treadmill gait, and land treadmill gait in stroke patients. METHODS: Ten stroke patients were recruited for underwater and land treadmill gait sessions. Each session was 40 minutes long; 5 minutes for standing rest on land, 5 minutes for standing rest in water or on treadmill, 20 minutes for treadmill walking in water or on land, 5 minutes for standing rest in water or on treadmill, and 5 minutes for standing rest on land. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured during each session. In order to estimate the cardiovascular workload and myocardial oxygen demand, the rate pressure product (RPP) value was calculated by multiplying systolic BP (SBP) by HR. RESULTS: SBP, DBP, mean BP (mBP), and RPP decreased significantly after water immersion, but HR was unchanged. During underwater and land treadmill gait, SBP, mBP, DBP, RPP, and HR increased. However, the mean maximum increases in BP, HR and RPP of underwater treadmill walking were significantly lower than that of land treadmill walking. CONCLUSION: Stroke patients showed different cardiovascular responses during water immersion and underwater gait as opposed to standing and treadmill-walking on land. Water immersion and aquatic treadmill gait may reduce the workload of the cardiovascular system. This study suggested that underwater treadmill may be a safe and useful option for cardiovascular fitness and early ambulation in stroke rehabilitation.

Evaluation of Pain and Ultrasonography on Shoulder in Poliomyelitis Wheelchair Basketball Players / 대한스포츠의학회지

The purpose of this study was to determine shoulder pain and shoulder ultrasonographic findings in poliomyelitis Wheelchair Basketball (WB) players. Three physicians performed physical examinations and interviewed WB players about their shoulder pain by using Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI), Performance-Corrected WUSPI (PC-WUSPI), and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). One physician performed shoulder ultrasonography on WB players. All confirmed their International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) classifications through Korean Wheelchair Basketball Federation (KWBF). Seventeen men and 6 women players were enrolled in the study, with 46 shoulders evaluated. Nine players had unilateral lower extremity weakness and 14 players were bilateral weakness. Six players used wheelchair for daily living, and 17 players used wheelchair only when playing WB. They were 44.35+/-5.42 years old on average. They had played WB for 11.09+/-9.49 years and trained 8.69+/-3.83 hours a week. PC-WUSPI was significantly correlated with age (p=0.014). There were no significant differences between time spent playing WB, training time for WB, types of poliomyelitis involvement, their use of wheelchair, and WUSPI, PC-WUSPI and SPADI. Tendon tear prevalence was significantly different with training time for WB (p=0.021). Most common abnormal shoulder ultrasonographic findings were subscapularis and supraspinatus tendinopathy. Tendinopathy and tendon tear prevalence did not differ significantly with age, time spent playing WB, types of poliomyelitis, and the use of wheelchair. High prevalence of shoulder pain and rotator cuff pathology were found by physical and ultrasonographic examination in the poliomyelitis wheelchair basketball players. Rotator cuff injury prevention program are needed for prevent shoulder pain and rotator cuff pathology.

Activity of Daily Living and Motor Evoked Potentials in the Subacute Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of the daily living activity and motor evoked potential (MEP) in the subacute stroke patients. METHODS: Nineteen subjects with subacute ischaemic/hemorrhagic stroke developed in the last three months were enrolled, and MEP was measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score were evaluated in both groups before and 4 weeks after comprehensive rehabilitative management. According to the presence of MEP response in the affected hemisphere, subjects were divided into MEP positive and negative group. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, sex, and post-onset duration. Four weeks later, the change in total FIM and self-care score improved significantly in the MEP-positive group, when compared to the MEP-negative group (p<0.05). However, cognitive improvement had no relationship with MEP responsiveness. CONCLUSION: We concluded that initial measurement of MEP is a useful assessment tool in predicting functional outcome of subacute stroke patients.

Comparison of Cardiopulmonary Endurance among Positions in Middle School Soccer Players and Their Sports Injuries / 대한스포츠의학회지

The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in cardiopulmonary endurance among positions in middle school soccer, and to identify the incidence of sports injuries in association with soccer matches and training. Ninety-six (32 forwards, 27 defenders, 29 midfielders, and eight goalkeeper [GK]) middle school soccer players (12.77+/-0.53 years) participated in this study. They had no medical problems. Their height, weight and body mass index (BMI) were measured, and they also went through tests for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). We interviewed middle school soccer players about their soccer careers and their history of sports-related injuries. Physical fitness was compared among players in different playing positions. VO2max was significantly higher in forward and defender groups than GK group. There was no significant relationship in cardiopulmonary endurance among outfield players. GK were taller and heavier than outfield players. BMI was significantly higher in GK group than midfielder group. They had played soccer for 39.08+/-20.28 months on average. During matches and training, forwards suffered 13 injuries (36.1%); defenders suffered 10 injuries (27.8%); midfielders suffered 12 injuries (33.3%); and only one GK came down with an injury (2.8%). The most common types of injuries were to knees (36.1%) and ankles (33.3%).

Correction: Changes in Balancing Ability of Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability After Foot Orthotics Application and Rehabilitation Exercises

We found the funding acknowledgment in this article was omitted as published.

Changes in Balancing Ability of Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability After Foot Orthotics Application and Rehabilitation Exercises

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of foot orthotics and rehabilitation exercises by assessing balancing ability and joint proprioception in athletes who have chronic ankle instability. METHODS: Forty-one athletes who visited hospitals due to chronic ankle instability were randomly assigned to two groups. One group had ankle rehabilitation exercises while the other group had the same rehabilitation exercises as well as foot orthotics. Joint position sense of the ankle joint was examined by using an isokinetic exercise machine. Balancing abilities categorized into static, dynamic and functional balance abilities were evaluated by using computerized posturography. We tested the subjects before and after the four-week rehabilitation program. RESULTS: After the four-week treatment, for joint reposition sense evaluation, external 75% angle evaluation was done, revealing that the group with the application of foot orthotics improved by -1.07+/-1.64 on average, showing no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Static, dynamic and functional balancing abilities using balance masters were evaluated, revealing that the two groups improved in some items, but showing no significant difference between them (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study found that athletes with chronic ankle instability who had foot orthotics applied for four weeks improved their proprioceptive and balancing abilities, but did not show additional treatment effects compared with rehabilitation exercise treatment.

The Therapeutic Effect of Neurologic Music Therapy and Speech Language Therapy in Post-Stroke Aphasic Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of neurologic music therapy (NMT) and speech language therapy (SLT) through improvement of the aphasia quotient (AQ) in post-stroke aphasic patients. METHODS: Twenty-one post-stroke, nonfluent aphasia patients who had ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke on radiologic evaluation were divided into the NMT and SLT groups. They received NMT and SLT for 1 month. Language function was assessed by Korean version-Western Aphasia Battery before and after therapy. NMT consisted of therapeutic singing and melodic intonation therapy, and SLT consisted of language-oriented therapy. RESULTS: Significant improvements were revealed in AQ, repetition, and naming after therapy in the NMT group and improvements in repetition in the SLT group of chronic stroke patients (p<0.05). There were significant improvements in language ability in the NMT group of subacute stroke patients. However, there was no significant improvement in the SLT group of subacute stroke patients. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the two therapies are effective treatments in the chronic stage of stroke and NMT is effective in subacute post-stroke aphasic patients.

Back Pain Secondary to Brucella Spondylitis in the Lumbar Region

Brucellosis is a systemic, infectious disease caused by the bacterial genus Brucella and a common zoonosis that still remains a major health problem in certain parts of the world such as the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and Latin America. It may involve multiple organs and tissues. Osteoarticular involvement is the most frequent complication of brucellosis, in which the diagnosis of brucellar spondylitis is often difficult since the clinical presentation may be obscured by many other conditions. There are only a few reports on brucellar spondylitis in Korea. Here, we report a case of spondylitis due to brucella in an elderly male.

Sonographically Guided Alcohol Injection in Painful Stump Neuroma

Stump neuroma is a common cause of pain from disorganized proliferation of nerve fascicles occurring after limb amputation. Ultrasound guided alcohol injection in painful stump neuroma has been tried as a new treatment approach. Herein, we report 2 male patients, who had traumatic amputation and claimed severe and diffuse burning pain in the stump area. Neuroma at the distal end of an amputated nerve was clearly identified on sonography. The patients gradually developed increasing severe pain that could not be managed with conservative care. They were treated with neurolysis using alcohol solution. Using ultrasonographical guidance, 1.2 ml of 100% dehydrated alcohol was injected into the nerves proximal to neuroma. No complications occurred. The patients were initially pain free. After a few months, however, their stump pain recurred slightly. Repeat neurolysis was performed using 0.3 ml of 100% dehydrated alcohol. During the three months follow-up period, mild stump pain occurred but the patients did not require any analgesics.

Shoulder Joint Infectious Arthritis and Acromioclavicular Joint Osteomyelitis due to Candida

Candida species inhabit the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals with low virulence, and osteomyelitis due to candida is very rare. However, the incidence of invasive candidal infection caused by intravenous drug use, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and indwelling central venous catheter is increasing. A 73-year old man visited the outpatient clinic complaining of right shoulder pain that radiated to the right acromioclavicular joint. He had undergone multiple injection procedures followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy for several weeks. The ultrasonographic findings showed a heterogeneous mass around the right acromioclavicular joint, while the right shoulder MRI and the overall findings of the body bone scan were suggestive of osteomyelitis. Pathologic findings of ultrasonographically guided joint aspiration fluid showed acute and chronic nonspecific inflammation, while the tissue culture and staining revealed Candida parapsilosis.

The Effect of Power-walking in Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of power walking (PW) training on a treadmill in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and to compare the cardiovascular effects of PW with usual walking (UW). METHOD: Patients were recruited as participants in phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation program after receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to acute coronary syndrome from our hospital. The participants were divided into the PW group (n=16) and UW group (n=18). All participants received graded exercise test (GXT) and significant difference in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2Max) was not observed between the groups. Aerobic exercise training on treadmill was given for 50 minutes per session, three times a week, for six weeks. Physiological and hematological parameters were tested before and 6 weeks after the cardiac rehabilitation program. Exercise duration, VO2Max, heart rate, blood pressure, and rate pressure product were evaluated through graded exercise test. Hematological measurements included serum lipid profile, and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in resting heart rate, maximal heart rate, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures, lipid profile, hs-CRP, VO2Max, and RPP between the PW group and UW group. However, after 6 weeks of the intervention, VO2Max in the PW group (36.03+/-5.69 ml/kg/min) was significantly higher than that in the UW group (29.73+/-5.63 ml/kg/min) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: After six weeks of phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation program, the PW group showed significant improvement in VO2Max than the UW group. Thus, it will beneficial to recommend power walking in cardiac rehabilitation program.

Computerized Posturographic Measurement in Elderly Women with Unilateral Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To identify the subtle change of postural control in elderly patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) with computerized dynamic posturography. METHOD: Twenty-two healthy women and twenty-six women with unilateral knee OA, aged 60 and over, were enrolled. The computerized posturographic measures included a weight bearing pattern during squatting and sit-to-stand, sway velocity of center of gravity (COG) during one leg standing, on-axis velocity and directional control of COG during rhythmic weight shift, rising index during sit-to-stand, end sway during tandem walk, and movement time during step up/over. RESULTS: It was shown that patients bore significantly less weight on the affected side during the 30degrees and 60degrees squat and sit-to-stand. Sway velocity of COG during one leg standing was greater whereas the on-axis velocity and directional control during the front/back rhythmic weight shift were significantly lower in the patient group. The rising index during sit-to-stand was significantly lower and movement time during step up/over with the affected side was significantly longer in patients. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated in detail a decline of postural balance by utilizing computerized posturography in elderly women with unilateral knee OA. They had less weight-bearing, more sway, and less ability of intentional postural control on the affected side.