Balance Ability in Low Back Pain Patients With Lumbosacral Radiculopathy Evaluated With Tetrax: A Matched Case-Control Study

Objective@#To compare postural balance ability in patients with low back pain between groups with and without lumbosacral radiculopathy. @*Methods@#Patients who were referred for electromyography because of low back pain during the period from April 2017 through June 2018 were chosen as subjects. They were divided into groups with and without lumbosacral radiculopathy based on the results of electromyography. We used Tetrax (Sunlight Medical Ltd., Ramat Gan, Israel) to objectively evaluate postural balance ability, and to measure the fall risk, stability index, weight distribution index, and Fourier index. @*Results@#Patients in the lumbosacral radiculopathy group showed significantly higher fall risk (73.25 vs. 38.00; p<0.05), weight distribution index (8.57 vs. 5.00; p<0.05), and stability index (21.19 vs. 13.16; p<0.05) than those in the group without lumbosacral radiculopathy. The Fourier index at high-medium frequency was significantly increased in the lumbosacral radiculopathy group (8.27 vs. 5.56; p<0.05), whereas weight-bearing on the side of radiculopathy was significantly decreased. @*Conclusion@#Patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy have decreased postural balance compared with patients without this condition. Somatosensory disturbances in lumbosacral radiculopathy might cause postural balance impairment. Assessment and treatment plan not only for pain reduction but also for postural balance improvement should be considered in the management of patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy.

Treatment-Induced Neuropathy of Diabetes

Treatment-induced neuropathy in diabetes (TIND) is a reversible neuropathy that occurs in patients with diabetes, usually after a fast improvement in glycemic control. TIND is defined as the sudden onset of neuropathic pain or autonomic dysfunction with a large improvement in glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] level of ≥ 2% over 3 months). We report the first case of a 24-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus who developed TIND in Korea. Her HbA1c level had decreased from 16.7% to 7.3% within a 3-month period. She developed acute-onset, severe, and continuous burning pain affecting her back and lower extremities. She was administered tapentadol (50 mg), pregabalin (75 mg), and vitamin B with minerals twice daily for neuropathic pain. She complained of orthostatic hypotension; thus, midodrine (2.5 mg) and anti-embolic stockings were prescribed. She almost completely recovered 6 months after the onset. A physician should be aware of TIND and gradually reduce HbA1c levels to prevent the occurrence of TIDN. They must also try to provide relief from severe pain or autonomic dysfunction and emphasize on an almost complete recovery.

Treatment-Induced Neuropathy of Diabetes

Treatment-induced neuropathy in diabetes (TIND) is a reversible neuropathy that occurs in patients with diabetes, usually after a fast improvement in glycemic control. TIND is defined as the sudden onset of neuropathic pain or autonomic dysfunction with a large improvement in glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] level of ≥ 2% over 3 months). We report the first case of a 24-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus who developed TIND in Korea. Her HbA1c level had decreased from 16.7% to 7.3% within a 3-month period. She developed acute-onset, severe, and continuous burning pain affecting her back and lower extremities. She was administered tapentadol (50 mg), pregabalin (75 mg), and vitamin B with minerals twice daily for neuropathic pain. She complained of orthostatic hypotension; thus, midodrine (2.5 mg) and anti-embolic stockings were prescribed. She almost completely recovered 6 months after the onset. A physician should be aware of TIND and gradually reduce HbA1c levels to prevent the occurrence of TIDN. They must also try to provide relief from severe pain or autonomic dysfunction and emphasize on an almost complete recovery.

Clinical and Biomechanical Effects of Low-Dye Taping and Figure-8 Modification of Low-Dye Taping in Patients With Heel Pad Atrophy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the effect of low-dye taping (LDT) and figure-8 modification of LDT (MLDT) on peak plantar pressure and heel pain in patients with heel pad atrophy. METHODS: There were reviewed 32 feet of 19 patients who have been diagnosed with heel pad atrophy who were enrolled in this study. The patients were diagnosed with heel pad atrophy with clinical findings, and loaded heel pad thickness measured by ultrasonography. At the first visit, patients were taught how to do LDT and MLDT. They were instructed to do daily living with barefoot, LDT and MLDT at least one time per day. Patients performed pedobarography with barefoot, LDT and MLDT within 2 weeks. The severity of heel pain was also checked with the visual analogue scale (VAS) during daily living with barefoot, LDT and MLDT. RESULTS: VAS of hindfoot were significantly decreased after LDT and MLDT (p < 0.01). Peak plantar pressure under hindfoot were also decreased after LDT and MLDT (p < 0.01). The effect of MLDT in decreasing peak plantar pressure of hindfoot (p < 0.01) and pain relief (p=0.001) was better than the effect of LDT. CONCLUSION: The LDT technique is clinically useful for pain management and reducing peak plantar pressure of hindfoot in patients with heel pad atrophy. MLDT is more effective than LDT in reducing peak plantar pressure and heel pain in patients with heel pad atrophy.

Relationship Between Functional Level and Muscle Thickness in Young Children With Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between functional level and muscle thickness (MT) of the rectus femoris (RF) and the gastrocnemius (GCM) in young children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: The study participants were comprised of 26 children (50 legs) with spastic CP, aged 3–6 years, and 25 age-matched children with typical development (TD, 50 legs). The MT of the RF, medial GCM, and lateral GCM was measured with ultrasound imaging. The functional level was evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 (GMFM-88), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and based on the mobility area of the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). The measurement of spasticity was evaluated with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). RESULTS: We note that the height, weight, body mass index, and MT of the RF, and the medial and lateral GCM were significantly higher in the TD group (p < 0.05). There was a direct relationship between MT of the RF and medial GCM and the GMFM-88, GMFCS, and mobility scores of the K-MBI in individuals with early CP. In addition, we have noted that there was a direct relationship between MT of the lateral GCM and the GMFM-88 and GMFCS. Although there was a tendency toward lower MT with increasing MAS ratings in the knee and ankle, the correlation was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In young children with CP, MT of the RF and GCM was lower than in age-matched children with TD. Furthermore, it is noted with confidence that a significant positive correlation existed between MT and functional level as evaluated using the GMFM-88, GMFCS, and mobility area of K-MBI.

Calcaneal Osteomyelitis due to Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria: A Case Report

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by bacteria or other germs. Gram-positive cocci are the most common etiological organisms of calcaneal osteomyelitis; whereas, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are rarely documented. We reported a case of NTM calcaneal osteomyelitis in a 51-year-old female patient. She had been previously treated in many local clinics with multiple local steroid injection over 50 times and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy over 20 times with the impression of plantar fasciitis for 3 years prior. Diagnostic workup revealed a calcaneal osteomyelitis and polymerase chain reaction assay on bone aspirate specimens confirmed the diagnosis of non-tuberculous mycobacterial osteomyelitis. The patient had a partial calcanectomy with antitubercular therapy. Six months after surgery, a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed localized chronic osteomyelitis with abscess formation. We continued anti-tubercular therapy without operation. At 18-month follow-up after surgery and comprehensive rehabilitation therapy, she was ambulating normally and able to carry out her daily activities without any discomfort.

Usefulness of Submental Ultrasonographic Evaluation for Dysphagia Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the usefulness of ultrasonographic measurement of hyoid bone movement during swallowing. METHODS: Fifty-two patients who had swallowing dysfunction were enrolled in this study. When a patient swallowed 5 mL of water while maintaining an upright sitting position, hyoid bone movement during swallowing was measured with ultrasonography. Recorded images were analyzed to measure the maximum change in hyoid bone displacement. Mandible was used as reference point to calculate hyoid bone displacement. The farthest distance from resting position and the nearest distance during swallowing were measured and their differences were recorded. Participants also underwent videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). Based on penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), they were grouped to non-aspirators (PAS 1), penetrators (PAS 2-5), or aspirators (PAS 6-8). Measured hyoid bone displacements by submental ultrasonography were compared among groups. RESULTS: The mean hyoid bone displacement in non-aspirators group (n=21, 15.9±2.7 mm) was significantly (p<0.05) greater than that in penetrators group (n=20, 11.5±2.8 mm) or aspirators group (n=11, 8.0±1.0 mm). Hyoid bone displacement below 13.5 mm as a cutoff point for detecting penetration or aspiration had a sensitivity and specificity of 83.9% and 81.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Submental ultrasonographic evaluation was well correlated with PAS measured by VFSS. Therefore, submental ultrasonographic evaluation could be a useful screening tool for dysphagic patients.

Paraplegia in a Patient With IgG4-Related Sclerosing Disease: A Case Report

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related sclerosing disease is a systemic disease, characterized by mass forming inflammatory lesions which respond well to steroid therapy. Pancreas is the most common site of involvement, and other organ involvements are also common. However, there are only a few reports about central nervous system involvement. We report a case of IgG4-related sclerosing disease which involves spinal cord causing paraplegia. A middle-aged female presented with sudden lower limb weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a soft tissue mass which was diffusely compressing spinal cord along the C7 to T5 levels. Intravenous steroid pulse therapy and emergent operation was performed. The immunopathologic findings revealed IgG4-related sclerosing pachymeningitis postoperatively. There was no evidence of other organ involvement. Her neurologic deficit remained unchanged after two months of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy.

Femoral Neuropathy and Meralgia Paresthetica Secondary to an Iliacus Hematoma

Compressive femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathies from an iliacus hematoma are unusual presentation. We report a case of a 16-year-old boy who developed right femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathies as a complication of traumatic ipsilateral iliacus hematoma formation. The patient complained of numbness in the right thigh and calf as well as right leg weakness, and pain in the right inguinal area. Nerve conduction study and needle electromyography identified the neuropathies. After the electrodiagnostic studies, the pelvic bone MRI revealed a large, 9x5x4.5 cm right iliacus hematoma. As a result, diagnosis of a right iliacus hematoma compressing the femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves was made, and the patient underwent an operation to remove the hematoma. Symptoms and neurological signs showed notable improvement after surgical decompression. Subsequent follow-up electrodiagnostic studies after 11 weeks demonstrated regeneration evidence.

Reliability of the Supraspinatus Muscle Thickness Measurement by Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: To assess the intrarater and interrater reliability of the supraspinatus thickness measured by ultrasonography (US) in normal subjects and to identify the relationship between the supraspinatus thickness measured by US and cross sectional area (CSA) of the supraspinatus muscle by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in hemiplegic patients. METHOD: We examined 20 shoulders of normal subjects and 10 shoulders of hemiplegic patients. In normal subjects, one examiner measured the supraspinatus thickness twice by US at the scapular notch and another examiner measured the supraspinatus thickness several days later. The intrarater and interrater reliability of supraspinatus thickness measurements were then evaluated. In hemiplegic patients, the supraspinatus thickness at the scapular notch was measured by US in affected side and compared with CSA of the supraspinatus muscle at the scapular notch and the Y-view of MRI. RESULTS: One examiner's supraspinatus thickness measurement average was 1.72+/-0.21 cm and 1.74+/-0.24 cm, and the other examiner's supraspinatus thickness measurement average was 1.74+/-0.22 cm in normal subjects. Intraclass correlation coefficients of intrarater and interrater examination were 0.91 and 0.88, respectively. For hemiplegic patients, the supraspinatus thickness measured by US was 1.66+/-0.13 cm and CSA by MRI was 4.83+/-0.88 cm2 at the Y-view and 5.61+/-1.19 cm2 at the scapular notch. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient between the supraspinatus thickness at the scapular notch and the CSA at the Y-view was 0.72 and that between the supraspinatus thickness and CSA at the scapular notch was 0.76. CONCLUSION: The supraspinatus thickness measurement by US is a reliable method and is positively correlated with the CSA of the supraspinatus muscle in MRI in hemiplegic patients. Therefore, supraspinatus thickness measurement by US can be used in the evaluation of muscle atrophy and to determine therapeutic effects in hemiplegic patients.

Factors that Influence Quiet Standing Balance of Patients with Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors influencing the quiet standing balance of patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries. Also to find the correlations between posturographic parameters and clinical balance tests as well as to find the correlation between posturographic parameters and functional independence. METHOD: We conducted a tetra-ataxiometric posturography, lower extremity motor score (LEMS), Korean version of the Berg Balance Scale (K-BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and Korean Version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) of 10 patients. 10 healthy adults carried out the posturography. We checked stability, weight distribution, Fourier and synchronization indices of eight positions, and the fall index of the posturography. RESULTS: The patient group showed significantly higher stability and weight distribution indices in all eight positions. Stability indices significantly increased with eyes closed or standing on pillows. Weight distribution indices were significantly higher with eyes closed or the head bent backwards. The patient group showed significantly higher Fourier indices of low, low-medium, and high frequency in eight positions. The Fourier indices at high-medium frequency were significantly higher with eyes closed on pillows or in variable head positions. There were no significant differences of synchronization indices between the patient and the control group. The falling index of the patient group significantly correlated with K-BBS, TUG, and K-MBI. LEMS had significant correlation with some synchronization indices, but not with the falling index. CONCLUSION: The quiet standing balance of the patients was influenced by somatosensory limitations or insufficient visual compensation. We should try to improve the postural balance and functional independence of patients through proper proprioceptive and lower extremity strength training for better postural and pedal control, and to make efforts to minimize environmental hazards.

Nutritional Status of Children with Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to compare their anthropometric and functional indices. METHOD: Seventy children with cerebral palsy, were at class I (12), II (17), III (18), IV (9) and V (14) on Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). They varied by age from 25 to 130 months with a mean of 48 months, and consisted of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (30), quadriplegia (28), triplegia (3), hemiplegia (4), athetoid (4) and hypotonia (1). Evaluation of weight, height, subcutaneous fat thickness, brachial circumference, Body Mass Index (BMI), level of albumin, lymphocyte and blood ferritn were conducted. To identify the factors affecting nutritional status, dietary status and symptoms of dysphagia were investigated. RESULTS: Low BMI percentile was in 23 children (32.9%) and obese condition in 3 children (4.3%). Low BMI percentile tends to frequently observed in groups III, IV, V of GMFCS. BMI percentile with subcutaneous fat thickness, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) score were significantly related (p<0.05). Seen from the symptom of dysphagia, low BMI percentile was correlated with decreased tongue motion (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Cerebral palsy children with lower GMFM score, decreased tongue motion were significantly related with low BMI percentile. Subcutaneous fat thickness can be useful tool for evaluation of malnutrition of cerebral palsy children.

The Effects of Modified Low-Dye Taping in the Patient with Heel Pad Atrophy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the change of heel pad thickness improves the pain after Modified Low-Dye Taping (MLDT) in the patient with heel pad atrophy. METHOD: Thirty-five feet of 20 volunteers with heel pad atrophy were selected for the measurement of heel-pad thickness and compressibility index (CI) of the center of calcaneus bone using ultrasound. The subjects were laid in prone with the knees flexed to 90degrees, and an electronic body weight scale was inserted beneath the anterior surface of their knees to take measurements of both UHPT (unloaded heel pad thickness) and LHPT (6 kg-loaded heel pad thickness), which were repeated 3 times respectively. CI was calculated base on LHPT divided by UHPT. After MLDT, the same method was repeated. visual analogue scale (VAS) score was checked at first visit and followed up at second visit. RESULTS: Prior to MLDT, the average value of UHPT (cm), LHPT (cm) and CI value was 0.92+/-0.11, 0.25+/-0.06 and 0.27+/-0.04 respectively. After MLDT, the average was 1.24+/-0.17 for UHPT (cm) and 0.42+/-0.11, for LHPT (cm) while CI stood at 0.33+/-0.06. VAS before MLDT was 7.35+/-1.27 and after MLDT was 3.50+/-1.36, which presented 54% of decrease than initial. CONCLUSION: It was confirmed that the average values of the heel-pad thickness, CI and VAS of patients with heel pad atrophy were improved for MLDT. Accordingly it is considered that application of MLDT is an efficacious treatment and thus further study is needed to develop foot orthoses for heel pad atrophy using the principle of MLDT.

Comparison of Coracohumeral Ligament Thickness between Asymptomatic Shoulders and Adhesive Capsulitis in Korean

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference of coracohumeral ligament (CHL) thickness between asymptomatic shoulders and adhesive capsulitis. METHOD: Ultrasound examination was performed in 44 consecutive shoulders of 24 individuals (12 males and 12 females). Nine were diagnosed as adhesive capsulitis by clinical examination. We measured the maximum thickness of CHL. For CHL assessment, participants were scanned in sitting position with shoulder in maximal external rotation, elbow in 90 degrees flexion, forearm in neutral position, and hand in fist. The transducer was positioned between coracoid process and greater tuberosity of humerus. We used t test to compare the CHL thickness between asymptomatic and adhesive capsulitis and bivariate correlation analysis to assess a correlation between age and CHL thickness. RESULTS: There was a significant positive linear relationship between age and CHL thickness (p<0.01, gamma=0.424). In female, there was a positive linear relationship between age and CHL thickness (p<0.01, gamma=0.610). However, in male, there was no significant correlation (gamma=0.224). The mean value of CHL thickness was 1.53 mm in 9 adhesive capsulitis and 0.92 mm in 35 asymptomatic ones. CHL thickness was significantly greater in adhesive capsulitis than in asymptomatic ones (p < 001). CONCLUSION: The thickened CHL is a good suggestive diagnostic value of adhesive capsulitis.

Ultrasonographic Measurement of Gastrocnemius Muscle Thickness in Spastic Cerebral Palsy and Influencing Factors

OBJECTIVE: To identify the thickness of gastrocnemius muscles (GCM) in normal children and children with spastic cerebral palsy using ultrasonography and to determine the influencing factors in order to increase the accuracy of intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin A. METHOD: Fifty-six children with spastic cerebral palsy (Group A) with no fixed contractures or operation history were involved in this study and they were compared with normal children (Group B). Children lay prone and one examiner measured the thickness of medial and lateral GCM using ultrasonography. Relationship between GCM thickness and clinical variables (age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), calf circumference, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, spasticity, number of botulinum toxin injections) were determined with Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: The thickness of medial and lateral GCM were 78.06+/-14.66 mm, 66.90+/-12.23 mm respectively, in Group A, and 103.44+/-12.04 mm, 79.95+/-9.76 mm respectively, in Group B. Medial GCM were thicker than lateral GCM in both groups. The age, height, weight, BMI, calf circumference and the thickness of GCM were higher in Group B. In group A, weight, BMI, calf circumference showed positive correlations with the thickness of medial GCM and GMFCS showed negative correlation with the thickness of medial GCM. CONCLUSION: To increase the accuracy of intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin A, we should keep in mind that the thickness of GCM may be influenced by several factors. Further controlled study including larger group is needed.

Comparisons of Spinal Stabilization Exercise and Lumbar Extensor Strengthening Exercise in Chronic Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of spinal stabilization exercise against with lumbar extensor strengthening exercise. METHOD: Sixty patients with chronic low back pain were enrolled into the study and randomly classified into three groups. Groups were treated with spinal stabilization exercise (Group 1), lumbar extensor strengthening exercise using a MedX machine (Group 2), or with a combination program (Group 3) for 8 weeks. Patients were not given any other treatment modalities. Isometric peak torque of the lumbar extensors, pain rating score (PRS), Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) score, and the Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire (OLBPD-Q) were assessed at 0, 4, and 8 weeks of exercise. RESULTS: 1) After 8 weeks, all groups showed incremental improvements in maximal isometric torque of the lumbar extensors and exhibited improvement in SF-36, PRS, and OLBD-Q scores (p<0.05). 2) There were no significant differences in the degree of improvement among the three groups after 8 weeks of exercise. 3) The percentage of patients with scores of good or excellent in Group 3 was higher than in Groups 1 and 2 according to all evaluation tools. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of chronic low back pain, all exercise groups showed decreased pain, improved quality of life, and increased lumbar extensor strength regardless of the exercise type employed. We suggest that exercise programs in general are effective for the treatment of chronic low back pain and a combination exercise program seems to be most beneficial.

The Effects of Isokinetic Strengthening of Trunk Muscles on Balance in Hemiplegic Patients

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of isokinetic strengthening of trunk muscles on balance in hemiplegic patients after stroke. METHOD: All participants were ambulatory hemiplegic patients, injured at least 6 months prior to study. The patients (n=16) were randomly divided into two groups. The control group received neurodevelopmental treatments and gait training 3 times a week. In addition to the same treatments provided for the control group, the experimental group received trunk isokinetic strengthening exercises using isokinetic dynamometer 3 times a week. Trunk muscle peak torque and balance in the experimental group were compared with those in control group at baseline and 4 weeks after treatments. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, lesion of hemiplegia, time after stroke onset, trunk muscle strength and Berg balance score before treatments between two groups. In the experimental group, peak torques of trunk extensor increased significantly at 60degrees/sec and 90degrees/sec at 4 weeks (p<0.05), but there were no significant improvements in peak torques of trunk flexor at all degree and extensor peak torques at 120degrees/sec. Both the extensor and flexors showed no significant changes in the control groups. In the experimental group, a mean percent change in peak torque involving the trunk extensor was significantly increased at 60degrees/sec. In the experimental group, Berg balance scores, 10 m gait velocity, sit to stand and gait 3 m and return, and 10 seconds stair up and down were improved (p<0.05). No significant improvements were noted in the control group. CONCLUSION: Isokinetic strengthening of trunk muscles can improve balance in hemiplegic patients.

Change of Ultrasonographic Findings according to the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis in Hemiplegic Shoulder

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical importance of effusion in bicipital tendon sheath and the change of ultrasonographic findings according to the treatment. METHOD: Thirty patients with hemiplegia, clinically diagnosed as adhesive capsulitis in hemiplegic shoulder, were investigated. To confirm the location and existence of effusion and to measure the largest diameter and cross sectional area (CSA) of bicipital tendon sheath, the longitudinal and transverse scan of the shoulder were used. Each patient was treated with a series of three intraarticular injections with triamcinolone under ultrasonographic guidance. After each intraarticular injection, the diameter and CSA of bicipital tendon sheath, and passive range of motion of the affected shoulder were measured and compared to the unaffected side. RESULTS: The initial ultrasonographic examination showed increased amount of effusion in the affected bicipital tendon sheath compared to the unaffected side (p<0.01). After intraarticular injection, the amount of effusion was decreased (p<0.01) and passive range of motion of the shoulder was increased (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The ultrasonographic evaluation of effusion in the bicipital tendon sheath, and interval change of effusion according to the treatment, can be useful tool for diagnosis and follow-up of adhesive capsulitis in hemiplegic shoulder.

Comparison of Blind Technique and Ultrasonography Guided Technique of Intraarticular Injection of the Shoulder

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography (US) guided intraarticular injection technique comparing to blind technique of the shoulder joint. METHOD: Thirty patients with hemiplegia clinically diagnosed as adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint were included. Each patient was treated with serial intraarticular injections with both blind and US guided technique, and then was confirmed by X-ray. We analyzed possible factor including range of motion of the shoulder joint, degree of shoulder subluxation, and clinical stage by Cyriax contributing to failure of intraarticular injection with blind technique. RESULTS: The accuracy of intraarticular injection using blind technique were 46.7% and 33.3% in each physician without significant interpersonal difference. However, US guided intraarticular injection showed the accuracy of 93.3%, significantly higher than blind technique (p<0.05). We could not find significant differences in clinical stage by Cyriax, degree of subluxation between success and failure group by blind technique. However, the range of external and internal rotation of the shoulder joint was more limited in failure group by blind technique (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography guided injection into the shoulder joint improved the accuracy of injection without exposure to radiation and could be used as one of the promising treatment for patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

Effect of Isokinetic Eccentric Knee Extensor and Flexor Strengthening Exercise in Patients with Chronic Hemiplegia

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of isokinetic eccentric knee extensor and flexor strengthening training on affected limbs of patients with chronic hemiplegia. METHOD: Twenty-one subjects with chronic stroke were participated in this study. All subjects were indoor ambula tors. The hemiplegic knee flexors and extensors of the experimental group (n=11) were trained eccentrically using Cybex 770 dynamometer 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Conventional rehabilitation treatment was administrated to the control group at the same duration and frequency as the experimental group. Total peak torque, total work and functional parameters were measured before and after training. RESULTS: Significantly higher mean percent changes of peak torque and total work were observed in the experimental group compared to the control group at all eccentric angular velocities tested. Functional parameters also showed significant improvements in the gait speed, a timed stair climb up and down, and sit-to-stand time compared to the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The isokinetic eccentric strengthening training of knee extensors and flexors in patients with chronic hemi plegia were useful in strengthening the affected leg and functional improvement.