A Case Report of Golf-Swing-Induced T2∼T3 Clay-Shoveler’s Fractures

Clay-shoveler’s fractures are rare stress-type avulsion fractures of the spinous processes especially in sports. There have been two case reports that discussed clay-shoveler’s fractures in golf. A 36-year-old beginner golfer presented with a pain in the back after practicing golf swing. No fractures were detected using cervical radiography; however, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed T2∼T3 spinous process fractures. The patient was treated conservatively and his pain subsided. The mechanism of injury is speculated to that of clay-shoveler’s fractures. Therefore, if a golfer suffers persistent pain in the cervicothoracic region, clay-shoveler’s fracture is one possibility to consider.

A Case Report of Golf-Swing-Induced T2∼T3 Clay-Shoveler’s Fractures

Clay-shoveler’s fractures are rare stress-type avulsion fractures of the spinous processes especially in sports. There have been two case reports that discussed clay-shoveler’s fractures in golf. A 36-year-old beginner golfer presented with a pain in the back after practicing golf swing. No fractures were detected using cervical radiography; however, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed T2∼T3 spinous process fractures. The patient was treated conservatively and his pain subsided. The mechanism of injury is speculated to that of clay-shoveler’s fractures. Therefore, if a golfer suffers persistent pain in the cervicothoracic region, clay-shoveler’s fracture is one possibility to consider.

Measurements of Multifidus Signal Intensity in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Patients with Unilateral Lumbar Radiculopathy

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively evaluate the side- and level-specific change of the multifidus muscle in unilateral radicular pain caused by lumbar disc herniation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).METHOD: Sixty-nine patients with L4-5 disc herniation who underwent electrodiagnostic study and spine MRI were enrolled and divided into the radiculopathy group (n=30) and the control group (n=39) according to the presence of L5 radiculopathy. The radiculopathy group was subdivided into the paraspinalis group (n=12) and the limb group (n=18) according to whether or not paraspinalis muscle was denervated. The cross-sectional area (CSA) and signal intensity (SI) of the multifidus muscle were measured bilaterally at L4-5 and L5-S1 middle intervertebral levels on axial T2-weighted MRI.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the CSA of the multifidus muscle between the radiculopathy group and the control group. In the radiculopathy group, multifidus SI was greater than the control group on the affected side and below the level of herniation (p=0.015). In the subgroup comparison, affected side L5-S1 multifidus SI was significantly different between the paraspinalis group and the control group (p=0.001), but not between the limb group and the control group (p>0.05).CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that quantitative measurement of multifidus SI may be indicative of the location of nerve root compromise through side- and level- specific changes.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Quantitative Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Rheologic Effect in the Patients with Post-stroke Upper Limb Spasticity: A Case Report

Post-stroke spasticity is a common complication that causes limitations of function, pain and decrement of the quality of life. Although botulinum toxin injection and anti-spastic medications are effective and widely used for the management of post-stroke spasticity, clinical applications are often limited in stroke patients because of their invasiveness and systemic side effects. Alternatively, we performed upper limb muscle-belly extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to resolve problematic spasticity in two subacute stroke patients. Serial quantitative ultrasonographic measurements of spastic muscle were conducted to investigate the rheological changes in chronological order by echogenicity comparison. After 4 sessions of weekly ESWT, gradual decrements of clinical spasticity parameters and muscle echogenicity were observed and lasted for 1 week after the cessation of the therapy. ESWT may be a useful alternative management for treating post-stroke spasticity.

The Validity of Two Neuromotor Assessments for Predicting Motor Performance at 12 Months in Preterm Infants

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) and general movements (GMs) assessment for predicting Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) score at 12 months in preterm infants. METHODS: A total of 44 preterm infants who underwent the GMs and TIMP at 1 month and 3 months of corrected age (CA) and whose motor performance was evaluated using AIMS at 12 months CA were included. GMs were judged as abnormal on basis of poor repertoire or cramped-synchronized movements at 1 month CA and abnormal or absent fidgety movement at 3 months CA. TIMP and AIMS scores were categorized as normal (average and low average and >5th percentile, respectively) or abnormal (below average and far below average or < 5th percentile, respectively). Correlations between GMs and TIMP scores at 1 month and 3 months CA and the AIMS classification at 12 months CA were examined. RESULTS: The TIMP score at 3 months CA and GMs at 1 month and 3 months CA were significantly correlated with the motor performance at 12 months CA. However, the TIMP score at 1 month CA did not correlate with the AIMS classification at 12 months CA. For infants with normal GMs at 3 months CA, the TIMP score at 3 months CA correlated significantly with the AIMS classification at 12 months CA. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that neuromotor assessment using GMs and TIMP could be useful to identify preterm infants who are likely to benefit from intervention.

Comparison of Gait Speed and Peripheral Nerve Function Between Chronic Kidney Disease Patients With and Without Diabetes

OBJECTIVE: To compare overall physical function, including gait speed and peripheral nerve function, between diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and nondiabetic CKD patients and to investigate the association between gait speed and peripheral nerve function in CKD patients. METHODS: Sixty adult CKD patients (35 with and 25 without diabetes), who received maintenance hemodialysis (HD), were included in this study. Demographic data, past medical history, current medical condition and functional data—usual gait speed, vibration perception threshold for the index finger (VPT-F) and the great toe (VPT-T), activity of daily living (ADL) difficulty, and peripheral neuropathy (PN) along with the degree of its severity—were collected and compared between the two groups. Correlations between the severity of PN and the impairment of other functions were identified. RESULTS: Diabetic CKD patients showed significantly slower gait speed (p=0.029), impaired sensory function (VPT-F, p=0.011; VPT-T, p=0.023), and more frequent and severe PN (number of PN, p<0.001; severity of PN, p<0.001) as compared to those without diabetes. Usual gait speed had a significant negative correlation with the severity of PN (rho=−0.249, p=0.013). By contrast, VPT-F (rho=0.286, p=0.014) and VPT-T (rho=0.332, p=0.035) were positively correlated with the severity of PN. ADL difficulty was comparatively more frequent in the patients with more severe PN (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: In CKD patients with maintenance HD, their gait speed, sensory functions, and peripheral nerve functions were all significantly impaired when they have diabetes, and the severity of PN was negatively correlated with their gait speed, sensory function, and ADL function. Adverse effects of diabetes impacted physical performance of CKD patients. The physical disability of those patients might be attributable to PN and its severity.

Overall Profile of a Pediatric Multidisciplinary Feeding Clinic

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the overall profile of children with feeding disorders and their relationships to medical conditions in an outpatient feeding clinic of a tertiary hospital. METHODS: The medical records of 143 children who had visited the feeding clinic between January 2010 and June 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The presence of a feeding disorder (feeding behavior disorder, dysphagia, and/or failure to thrive [FTT]) and the children's medical conditions were examined by a physiatrist. RESULTS: Half of the patients (n=74, 51.7%) were under 15 months of age, and 68 (47.6%) were born preterm. Ninety-three patients (65.0%) met the criteria for any combination of feeding behavior disorder, dysphagia, or FTT. Cardiorespiratory disease was the most common medical condition; children with this condition were more likely to show sensory food aversion and FTT. Feeding behavior disorders were significantly associated with gastrointestinal problems, and dysphagia was significantly related to almost all medical conditions. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary approach to children with feeding difficulties is proposed for comprehensive evaluation and treatment because combinations of feeding problems are very common among children. This overall profile could provide clinicians with a clear understanding of the complexity of feeding disorders and their relationships with various medical conditions in children.

Delay of the Blink Reflex in Patients Receiving Platinum-Analogue Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of cranial neuropathy in patients with platinum-analogue chemotherapy using electrodiagnostic evaluations. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients whose chemotherapy was completed within a month and 40 control subjects were enrolled in the study. Electrodiagnostic evaluation was performed using sensory and motor nerve conduction studies and blink reflex studies, in addition to the two-point discrimination test. RESULTS: The chemotherapy group had significantly longer latencies of bilateral R1 responses (left p<0.001; right p<0.001) and greater distance in two-point discrimination (p<0.001) compared to the control group. In the subgroup with peripheral polyneuropathy, the left R1 (p=0.01), both R2i (left p=0.02; right p=0.03) and the left R2c (p=0.02) were prolonged relative to those without the polyneuropathy, and both R1 (left p<0.001; right p<0.001), R2i (left p=0.01; right p=0.03), and the left R2c (p=0.01) were prolonged relative to the controls. On the other hand, the subgroup without the polyneuropathy showed only prolongation of both R1 (left p=0.006; right p<0.001) relative to the controls. CONCLUSION: In the present study, comparison of blink reflex and two-point discrimination showed the likelihood of subclinical cranial neuropathy following platinum-analogue chemotherapy. Cranial neuropathy caused by platinum agents was more profound in patients with peripheral polyneuropathy and may be dependent on the cumulative dose of the drug. The blink reflex may be of value in detecting subclinical cranial neuropathy in patients undergoing platinum-analogue chemotherapy.

Randomized Controlled Trial for Efficacy of Capsular Distension for Adhesive Capsulitis: Fluoroscopy-Guided Anterior Versus Ultrasonography-Guided Posterolateral Approach

OBJECTIVE: To find the most effective procedure to treat adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, we evaluated the clinical effects of an ultrasonographic-guided anterior approach capsular distension and a fluoroscopy-guided posterolateral approach capsular distension. We expected the anterior approach to be better than the posterolateral approach because the rotator interval, a triangular anatomic area in the anterosuperior aspect of the shoulder, which is considered an important component of the pathology of adhesive capsulitis. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: 27 patients in group A were injected by an anterior approach with 2% lidocaine (5 mL), contrast dye (5 mL), triamcinolone (40 mg), and normal saline (9 mL) under fluoroscopic guidance in the operating room. Twenty-seven patients in group B were injected using a posterolateral approach with 2% lidocaine (5 mL), triamcinolone (40 mg), and normal saline (14 mL) under ultrasonographic guidance. After injection, all patients received physiotherapy four times in the first postoperative week and then two times each week for eight more weeks. Treatment effects were assessed using the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), visual numeric scale (VNS), passive range of motion (PROM), hand power (grip and pinch) at baseline and at one week, five and nine weeks after injection. RESULTS: SPADI, VNS, PROM, and hand power improved in one week, five and nine weeks in both groups. Statistically significant differences were not observed in SPADI, VNS, PROM, or hand power between groups. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography-guided capsular distension by a posterolateral approach has similar effects to fluoroscopy-guided capsular distension by an anterior approach.

Novel Influenza A (H1N1)-Associated Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy: A Case Report

Several cases of acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) with influenza A (H1N1) have been reported to date. The prognosis of ANE associated with H1N1 is variable; some cases resulted in severe neurologic complication, whereas other cases were fatal. Reports mostly focused on the diagnosis of ANE with H1N1 infection, rather than functional recovery. We report a case of ANE with H1N1 infection in a 4-year-old Korean girl who rapidly developed fever, seizure, and altered mentality, as well as had neurologic sequelae of ataxia, intentional tremor, strabismus, and dysarthria. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed lesions in the bilateral thalami, pons, and left basal ganglia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ANE caused by H1N1 infection and its long-term functional recovery in Korea.

Relationship Between Gross Motor Function and Daily Functional Skill in Children With Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between gross motor function and daily functional skill in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to explore how this relationship is moderated by the Gross Motor Function Classification System, Bimanual Fine Motor Function (BFMF), neuromotor types, and limb distribution of CP. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 112 children with CP (range, 4 years to 7 years and 7 months) was performed. Gross motor function was assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) and functional skill was assessed with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Functional Skills Scale (PEDI-FSS). RESULTS: GMFM-66 scores explained 49.7%, 67.4%, and 26.1% of variance in the PEDI-FSS scores in the self-care, mobility, and social function domains, respectively. Significant moderation by the distribution of palsy and BFMF classification levels II, III, and IV was found in the relationship between GMFM-66 and PEDI-FSS self-care. Further significant moderation by the distribution of palsy was also observable in the relationship between GMFM-66 and PEDI-FSS mobility. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that limb distribution and hand function must be considered when evaluating gross motor function and functional skills in children with CP, especially in unilateral CP.

Sequential Analysis of Postural Control Resource Allocation During a Dual Task Test

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the postural control factors influencing the automatic (reflex-controlled) and attentional (high cortical) factors on dual task. METHODS: We used a dual task model to examine the attentional factors affecting the control of posture, subjecting test subjects to vibration stimulation, one-leg standing and verbal or nonverbal task trials. Twenty-three young, healthy participants were asked to stand on force plates and their centers of pressure were measured during dual task trials. We acquired 15 seconds of data for each volunteer during six dual task trials involving varying task combinations. RESULTS: We observed significantly different sway patterns between the early and late phases of dual task trials, which probably reflect the attentional demands. Vibration stimulation perturbed sway more during the early than the late phases; with or without vibration stimulation, the addition of secondary tasks decreased sway in all phases, and greater decreases in sway were observed in the late phases, when subjects were assigned nonverbal tasks. Less sway was observed during the nonverbal task in a sequential study. CONCLUSION: The attentional and automatic factors were analyzed during a sequential study. By controlling the postural control factors, optimal parameters and training methods might be used in clinical applications.

Correction: Relationship Between Gross Motor Function and Daily Functional Skill in Children With Cerebral Palsy

We found that a number of tables were inadvertently omitted.

Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study Findings in Full-Term and Preterm Infants With Dysphagia

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical characteristics and videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) findings in infants with suspected dysphagia and compare the clinical characteristics and VFSS findings between full-term and preterm infants. METHODS: A total of 107 infants (67 full-term and 40 preterm) with suspected dysphagia who were referred for VFSS at a tertiary university hospital were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical characteristics and VFSS findings were reviewed by a physiatrist and an experienced speech-language pathologist. The association between the reasons of referral for VFSS and VFSS findings were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean gestational age was 35.1+/-5.3 weeks, and mean birth weight was 2,381+/-1,026 g. The most common reason for VFSS referral was 'poor sucking' in full-term infants and 'desaturation' in preterm infants. The most common associated medical condition was 'congenital heart disease' in full-term infants and 'bronchopulmonary dysplasia' in preterm infants. Aspiration was observed in 42 infants (39.3%) and coughing was the only clinical predictor of aspiration in VFSS. However, 34 of 42 infants (81.0%) who showed aspiration exhibited silent aspiration during VFSS. There were no significant differences in the VFSS findings between the full-term and preterm infants except for 'decreased sustained sucking.' CONCLUSION: There are some differences in the clinical manifestations and VFSS findings between full-term and preterm infants with suspected dysphagia. The present findings provide a better understanding of these differences and can help clarify the different pathophysiologic mechanisms of dysphagia in infants.

Depression and Life Quality in Chronic Renal Failure Patients with Polyneuropathy on Hemodialysis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between severity of peripheral polyneuropathy (PPN) and degree of depression and quality of life in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients on hemodialysis (HD). METHOD: Forty seven chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis were recruited (22 male, 25 female, mean age of 63.17+/-12.52) and etiology, disease duration, hemodialysis duration, creatinine and hemoglobin were recorded. Motor and sensory nerve conduction studies were carried out on bilateral median, ulnar, tibial and peroneal nerves for diagnosis of polyneuropathy according to our laboratory criteria. The Korean version of Beck depression inventory (BDI) questionnaire translated into Korean for diagnosis of depression, and Korean version of Short Form 36 health survey (SF-36) questionnaire for measurement of general health level were measured in those diagnosed with uremic PPN. RESULTS: Out of 52 patients, 47 were diagnosed with polyneuropathy and mean score for BDI was 18.49+/-9.18. Mean scores for each of Mental Component Summary (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) of SF-36 were 50.84+/-15.42 and 47.41+/-18.68. The correlation between the scores and polyneuropathy were analyzed by Pearson coefficient. The MCS score was the significant (p<0.05) correlation parameter with depression (R=-0.635) and the PCS score was the only parameter with a significant (p<0.05) correlation with polyneuropathy (R=-0.340). CONCLUSION: Uremic polyneuropathy is commonly observed in chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis. Depression in CRF with uremic PPN is affected by psychological factors other than the PPN itself.

Clinical Usefulness of Schedule for Oral-Motor Assessment (SOMA) in Children with Dysphagia

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical usefulness of the Schedule for Oral-Motor Assessment (SOMA) in children with dysphagia by comparing findings of SOMA with those of the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). METHOD: Both SOMA and VFSS were performed in 33 children with dysphagia (21 boys and 12 girls; mean age 17.3+/-12.1 months) who were referred for oropharyngeal evaluation. Ratings of oral-motor functions indicated by SOMA were based upon the cutting score of each specific texture of food (puree, semi-solids, solids, cracker, liquid-bottle, and liquid-cup). Abnormalities of either the oral phase, or the pharyngeal phase as indicated by VFSS were assessed by a physician and a speech-language pathologist. RESULTS: There was significant consistency between the findings of SOMA and the oral phase evaluation by VFSS (Kappa=0.419, p=0.023). SOMA reached 87.5% sensitivity, 66.6% specificity, and 95.4% positive predictive value when compared with the oral phase of the VFSS. We were able to evaluate oral-motor function by using SOMA in 6 children who were unable to complete the oral phase evaluation by VFSS, due to fear and crying during the study. The findings of SOMA failed to show any consistency with the pharyngeal phase evaluation by VFSS (Kappa=-0.105, p=0.509). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that SOMA is a reliable method for evaluation of oral-motor function in children with dysphagia. In particular, SOMA is recommended for children that were unable to complete the oral phase evaluation by VFSS due to poor cooperation.

The Effect of Obturator Nerve Block in Cerebral Palsy under Sevoflurane Anesthesia with Face Mask

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of obturator nerve block with 5% phenol under sevoflurane mask inhalation general anesthesia and its influence on vital signs in spastic cerebral palsy children during the procedure. METHOD: 26 cerebral palsy children with spastic hip adductor muscles went under inhalation general anesthesia by anesthesiologist for phenol block of obturator nerve. After induction with thiopental sodium and sustained with sevoflurane by face mask without the use of muscle relaxant, the vital signs including heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation were closely monitored throughout the procedure. The obturator nerve block was carried out with 5% phenol using a stimulator. Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and range of motion of hip were measured before and after the procedure to compare the effects of nerve block. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed from the vital signs before, during and after the procedure. The MAS score improved from average 2.50+/-0.71 to 1.12+/-0.32. The range of motion increased from 24.31+/-12.32degrees and 25.88+/-12.28degrees right and left relatively to 39.62+/-10.10degrees and 40.96+/-11.14degrees. CONCLUSION: Both spasticity and range of motion of hip adductor muscles improved significantly after obturator nerve block with 5% phenol under inhalation general anesthesia in the operating room with face mask, and no adverse effects or complications were seen in all 26 cerebral palsy children. Therefore phenol nerve block under inhalation general anesthesia in operation room for cerebral palsy children with poor cooperation or positioning difficulty due to spasticity should be considered as a useful method.

Seated Postural Control in Elderly on Unstable Plate

OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences of the postural control in unstable sitting position between elderly and young adults. METHOD: Twenty five healthy elderly and twenty five healthy young adults were included. The evaluation system for postural control consisted of unstable plate, frame, safety harness, monitor and computer. Subjects sat on an unstable plate with arms crossed. Using two tilt sensor and postural control software in unstable platform measured the center of pressure (COP) of subject. COP sway (COP was maintained on the center circle and the distance from the central location for 30 sec) time and mean absolute deviation (MAD), COP maintaining (COP was maintained on the desired target in anterior, posterior, left or right directions during 30 sec) time and MAD, COP moving time (the time required to move the COP to desired target location away from center), COP sine curve maintaining (COP was maintained on the circle on moving sine curve during 30 sec) time and MAD were recorded in both groups. Each subject performed three trials and the mean value of the trials was used for analysis. RESULTS: In static evaluation, there was no significant difference in COP sway between two groups. In dynamic evaluations, elderly showed significantly decreased maintaining time in all four directions, decreased sine curve trace and increased moving time in all eight directions (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Elderly revealed significantly impaired dynamic sitting postural control, regardless of directions. It might be related to decreased movement and proprioception of trunk.

Effect of Botulinum Toxin A for Upper Limb Function in Post Stroke Spastic Hemiplegia

OBJECTIVE: Botulinum Toxin A (BoNT-A) is one of the therapeutic methods for the spastic decrement of the upper limb which appears from the patient after stroke. Decrement of stiffness is announced from many studies, but the effect of functional improvement was few examined closely so far clearly. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of BoNT-A for the improvement of upper limb function in post stroke spastic hemiplegia. METHOD: Eleven chronic stroke patients (mean age 44.4 years) were included and injected BoNT-A (Dysport®, Ipsen, UK) according to degree of stiffness of each individual. Motor assessment scale, Box and Block test, Peg board test, Ashworth Scale, manual muscle test, Visual analogue scale, and subject satisfaction were applied at the baseline, and 1 week, 1, 2 and 3 months after interventions. All subjects were also submitted to ongoing rehabilitation therapy. RESULTS: Motor assessment scale results were statistically significant improvements at 1, 2 and 3 months after intervention (p<0.05). Also, statistically significant decreases in muscle tone as determined by the Ashworth scale were found at 1 week, 1, 2 and 3 months after injections (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Botulinum Toxin A could derive the functional improvements as well as the tone reduction of upper limb in post stroke spastic hemiplegia.

The Analysis of Postural Control of Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy in Unstable Sitting

OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences in the dynamic postural control in unstable sitting position between children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) and normally developing children. METHOD: Sixteen children with spastic diplegic CP who could sit alone and walk independently and sixteen age- matched normally developing children were included. The evaluation system for postural control consisted of unstable platform, force plate, frame, safety harness, monitor and computer. Force plate on unstable platform measured center of pressure (COP) of the subject. COP sway, COP maintaining time and COP moving time were recorded in both groups. In diplegic CP group, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) was evaluated. RESULTS: In COP sway, the distance away from central location was significantly increased and time maintaining on circle at center decreased significantly in diplegic CP group (p<0.05). The children with diplegic CP showed significant decrease in maintaining time and significant increase in moving time in all directions. COP sway was significantly correlated with GMFM. CONCLUSION: Postural control in children with spastic diplegic CP walking independently was revealed to be significantly worse compared to normal age-matched children. Further studies are necessary to find out whether the training for seated postural control could improve the motor function.