A significant relationship between personality traits and adhesive capsulitis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE We investigated the associations between adhesive capsulitis (AC) and a specific psychological profile. METHODS We assessed 72 patients with phase-II AC. In our study, 36 patients were affected by primary disease and 36 by secondary disease. The inclusion criteria were as follows: unilateral AC and pain in the shoulder for at least two months. The exclusion criteria were: psychiatric and neurological manifestations with a previous diagnosis and inability to comprehend the instruments. Outcomes were determined at 52 weeks. Shoulder pain severity was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale. We also measured the range of motion with a universal goniometer and the strength with the Medical Research Council. We assessed the personality traits of our patients with the Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. RESULTS Patients with primary AC needed more time to improve the symptomatology compared to the group with the secondary disease (p<0.01). Patients with primary AC complained of severe and lasting pain more frequently than patients with the secondary disease (p< 0.01). In patients with primary disease, the prevalence of perfectionism, low levels of novelty seeking, and high levels of harm avoidance were 88.2 and 86.2%, and 80.4, respectively, and below 20 percent in patients with secondary AC disease. CONCLUSION We found a significant correlation between primary AC and particular personality traits, indicating an interaction between psychological and somatic factors.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Investigar as associações entre a capsulite adesiva (CA) e um perfil psicológico específico. METODOLOGIA Foram avaliados 72 pacientes com CA fase II. Em nosso estudo, 36 pacientes foram afetados pela doença primária e 36 pela secundária. Os critérios de inclusão foram os seguintes: CA unilateral e dor no ombro durante por pelo menos dois meses. Os critérios de exclusão foram: manifestações neurológicas e psiquiátricas com um diagnóstico prévio e incapacidade de compreender os instrumentos de medição utilizados. Os resultados foram determinados após 52 semanas. A intensidade da dor no ombro foi avaliada usando a Escala Visual Analógica. Também medimos a amplitude de movimento com um goniômetro universal e a força com a escala do Conselho de Pesquisa Médica. Avaliamos os traços da personalidade dos nossos pacientes através do Inventário de Temperamento e Caráter de Cloninger e da Escala Multidimensional de Perfeccionismo. RESULTADOS Pacientes com CA primária precisaram de mais tempo para melhorar a sintomatologia quando comparados ao grupo secundário (p<0,01). Pacientes com CA primária apresentaram mais queixas de dor intensa e duradoura do que pacientes secundários (p< 0,01). Em pacientes com a doença primária, a prevalência de perfeccionismo, baixos níveis de procura por novidade, e altos níveis de prevenção de danos foram 88,2, 86,2% e 80,4, respectivamente, e abaixo de 20% em pacientes secundários. CONCLUSÃO Encontramos uma correlação significativa entre CA primária e traços de personalidade específicos, indicando uma interação entre fatores psicológicos e somáticos.

Patient-reported measures of quality of life and functional capacity in adhesive capsulitis / Medidas relatadas pelos pacientes sobre qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional em capsulite adesiva

Summary Objective: To evaluate patient-reported measures of quality of life and functional capacity in adhesive capsulitis before and after suprascapular nerve block treatment; to analyze the influence of clinical and sociodemographic variables on both the outcome and correlation between the respective instruments. Method: A prospective clinical study was performed with adhesive capsulitis patients. Inclusion criteria were clinical diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis and a shoulder imaging test. The WHOQOL-BREF and DASH instruments were administered before and after treatment. A Constant test score of 55 points was used as a cutoff point for discontinuation of treatment. Mean values were compared using paired t-test and Wilcoxon. The Pearson or Spearman coefficients were used for correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out using variables with p<0.20 as predictors in univariate analysis and WHOQOL domains and DASH as outcomes. The significance level was 5%. Results: Forty-three patients were evaluated. The comparison between WHOQOL-BREF and DASH mean values before and after the blocks, p<0.05. DASH correlated negatively with the physical, psychological and environmental WHOQOL-BREF domains. Older patients and those with higher levels of education influenced the improvement in patients' quality of life and functional capacity. Conclusion: The improvement of adhesive capsulitis with treatment involves an improvement in quality of life and functional capacity. The greater functional capacity of the shoulder matches a better quality of life for patients. Age and education level are the variables that most influence improvement in quality of life and functional capacity.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar as medidas relatadas pelos pacientes sobre qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional em capsulite adesiva antes e após tratamento com bloqueios do nervo supraescapular; analisar a influência das variáveis clínicas e sociodemográficas em ambos os desfechos e a correlação entre os respectivos instrumentos. Método: Estudo clínico prospectivo foi realizado em pacientes com capsulite adesiva. Os critérios de inclusão foram diagnóstico clínico de capsulite adesiva e realização de exames de imagem do ombro. Os instrumentos WHOQOL-BREF e DASH foram aplicados antes e após o tratamento. Utilizou-se o escore de Constant com ponto de corte em 55 para a interrupção do tratamento. As médias dos valores foram comparadas pelos testes t-pareado e Wilcoxon. Na análise de correlação foi utilizado o coeficiente de Pearson ou de Spearman. Foi realizada análise de regressão linear múltipla utilizando como preditoras as variáveis com p<0,20 na análise univariada e como desfechos os domínios do WHOQOL e o DASH. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados: Foram avaliados 43 pacientes. A comparação entre as médias dos valores do WHOQOL-BREF e DASH antes e após os bloqueios apresentou um p<0,05. Houve correlação negativa entre o DASH e os domínios físico, psicológico e ambiental do WHOQOL-BREF. Os pacientes mais velhos e com maior grau de escolaridade influenciaram a melhora da qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional dos pacientes. Conclusão: A melhora da capsulite adesiva com o tratamento implica melhora da qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional. Quanto maior a capacidade funcional do ombro, melhor a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. A faixa etária e o grau de escolaridade são as variáveis que mais influenciam a melhora da qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional.

Upper limb function and functional independence in patients with shoulder pain after stroke / Função do membro superior e independência funcional em pacientes com ombro doloroso após AVC

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the frequency of shoulder pain following stroke. Methods Stroke patient function was evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Scale for Upper Limb Function in Stroke (SULFS). Function scores were examined and compared between the shoulder pain group (SPG) and the no shoulder pain group (No-SPG). Results A total of 58 patients, 22 women (37.9%), were included in this study. The mean patient age was 49.2±10.8 years and study evaluations were done 3.52±2.26 months after stroke. A total of 16 patients (27.6%) were in the SPG and 42 patients (72.4%) were in the No-SPG. The SPG scored significantly lower on the FIM (SPG: 91.06±14.65 vs. No-SPG 114.62 ± 2.27; p < 0.01) and SULFS (SPG median: 2 [range: 1-4], No-SPG median: 5 [range: 1-5]; p < 0.01) than the No-SPG. Conclusion Shoulder pain commonly occurs after stroke and is related to the affected upper limb function and functional independence in stroke patients.

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar a frequência de ombro doloroso após acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Métodos Avaliação funcional de pacientes pós-AVC foi realizada pela Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF) e pela Escala de Função de Membro Superior pós-AVC (EFMSA). As pontuações foram comparadas entre pacientes com ombro doloroso (PcOD) e pacientes sem ombro doloroso (PsOD). Resultados 58 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo, sendo 22 (37,9%) mulheres. A idade média dos pacientes foi 49,2±10,8 anos e a avaliação foi realizada 3,52±2,26 após o AVC. Dezesseis (27,6%) pacientes foram incluídos no grupo PcOD e 42 (72,4%) no grupo PsOD. A MIF foi menor no grupo PcOD (91,06±14,65) quando comparados ao grupo PsOD (114,62 ± 2,27), p < 0.01. A EFMSA também foi menor no grupo PcOD (mediana: 2 [intervalo: 1-4] em comparação ao grupo PsOD (mediana: 5 [intervalo: 1-5], p < 0.01. Conclusão Ombro doloroso é comum após AVC e afeta de forma significativa a função do membro superior e a independência funcional.

Reliability of measuring pectoralis minor muscle resting length in subjects with and without signs of shoulder impingement

Background: Pectoralis minor adaptive shortening may change scapula resting position and scapular kinematics during arm elevation. A reliable and clinically feasible method for measuring pectoralis minor length will be useful for clinical decision making when evaluating and treating individuals with shoulder pain and dysfunction. Objectives: To evaluate intrarater, interrater, and between-day reliability of a pectoralis minor (PM) muscle length measurement in subjects with and without signs of shoulder impingement. Method: A convenience sample of 100 individuals (50 asymptomatic and 50 symptomatic) participated in this study. Intra- and interrater reliability of the measurement was estimated in 50 individuals (25 asymptomatic and 25 symptomatic), and between-day reliability of the measurement repeated over an interval of 7 days was estimated in an independent sample of 50 additional participants. Pectoralis minor length was measured using a flexible tape measure with subjects standing. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC3,k) for intrarater and interrater reliability ranged from 0.86-0.97 and 0.95 for between-day reliability in both groups. Standard error of measurements (SEM) ranged from 0.30-0.42 cm, 0.70-0.84 cm, and 0.40-0.41 cm for intrarater, interrater, and between-day reliability, respectively, across the sample. The minimal detectable change (MDC) for between-day measurements ranged from 1.13-1.14 cm for both groups. Conclusions: In asymptomatic individuals and in those with signs of shoulder impingement, a single rater or pair of raters can measure pectoralis minor muscle length using a tape measure with very good reliability. This measurement can also be reliably used by the same rater over a seven day interval.

Translation, cultural adaptation and reproducibility of the Oxford Shoulder Score questionnaire for Brazil, among patients with rheumatoid arthritis / Tradução, adaptação cultural e reprodutibilidade do questionário Oxford Shoulder Score para o Brasil em pacientes com artrite reumatoide

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Although shoulder questionnaires validated for Brazil do exist, none of them are aimed at populations with rheumatic disease. We believe that the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) may be useful in this population. The objective of this study was to translate the OSS, adapt it to Brazilian culture and test its reproducibility. DESIGN AND SETTING Validation study conducted in university outpatient clinics. METHODS The OSS was translated into Portuguese by two English teachers and was then retranslated into English by two native English teachers. These translations were reviewed by a committee to establish the version of OSS-Brazil to be administered to 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and shoulder pain, in order to test the cultural adaptation. The validity and reproducibility was tested among another 30 patients with RA and shoulder pain, of both genders and aged 18 to 65 years. The internal consistency and reproducibility were analyzed. The following instruments were evaluated: OSS-Brazil; a numerical scale for shoulder pain; DASH; HAQ and SF-36. RESULTS The internal consistency was 0.957 and the intra and inter-rater reproducibility was 0.917 and 0.861, respectively. A high level of correlation was found between OSS-Brazil and the following: HAQ (-0.663), DASH (-0.731) and the SF-36 domains of functional capacity (0.589), physical aspects (0.507), pain (0.624), general state of health (0.444), vitality (0.634) and mental health (0.578). CONCLUSION OSS-Brazil was successfully translated and adapted, and this version exhibited good internal consistency, reliability and construct validity.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO Apesar de existirem questionários de ombro validados para o Brasil, nenhum deles é voltado para a população com doenças reumáticas. Acreditamos que o Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) possa ser útil nessa população. O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir, adaptar à cultura brasileira e testar a reprodutibilidade do OSS. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL Estudo de validação realizado nos ambulatórios da universidade. MÉTODOS Foi realizada a tradução para o português por dois professores de inglês e depois a retradução para o inglês por dois professores nativos da língua inglesa. Essas traduções foram revisadas por um comitê para estabelecer a versão do OSS-Brasil, que foi aplicada em 30 pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR) e dor no ombro para testar a adaptação cultural. A validade e a reprodutibilidade foram testadas em outros 30 pacientes com AR e dor no ombro de ambos os gêneros com idade entre 18 a 65 anos. Foram analisadas a consistência interna e a reprodutibilidade. Foram avaliados os seguintes instrumentos: OSS-Brasil; escala numérica de dor no ombro; DASH; HAQ e SF-36. RESULTADOS A consistência interna foi 0,957 e a reprodutibilidade intra-avaliador e interavaliador foi 0,917 e 0,861, respectivamente. Foi observado alto nível de correlação do OSS-Brasil com HAQ (-0,663), DASH (-0,731) e os domínios do SF-36: capacidade funcional (0,589); aspectos físicos (0,507); dor (0,624); estado geral de saúde (0,444); vitalidade (0,634); saúde mental (0,578). CONCLUSÃO O OSS-Brasil foi traduzido e adaptado com sucesso, com boa consistência interna, confiabilidade e validade de construção.

Health professionals identify components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in questionnaires for the upper limb

BACKGROUND: Several Brazilian studies have addressed the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), but few have analyzed the knowledge of the health professionals with regards to the ICF. OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the classification of the items in the Brazilian-Portuguese versions of The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and The Disabilities Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaires, obtained from health professionals who worked with patients having upper limb injuries, could be related to ICF components as defined by others studies. METHOD: There were 4 participants for the group "professionals with high familiarity of the ICF (PHF)" and 19 for the group of "professionals with some or no familiarity of the ICF (PSNF)". The participants judged whether the items on the two questionnaires belonged to the ICF body function, body structure or activity-participation component, and marked a confidence level for each trial using a numerical scale ranging from zero to 10. The items were classified by the discriminant content validity method using the Student'st-test and the Hochberg correction. The ratings were compared to the literature by the percentage of agreement and Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The percentage of agreement of the rating from the PSNF and the PHF groups with the literature was equal to or greater than 77%. For the DASH, the agreement of the PSNF and PHF groups with the literature were, respectively, moderate (Kappa=0.46 to 0.48) and substantial (Kappa=0.62 to 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals were able to correlate the three components of the ICF for most items on the 2 questionnaires, demonstrating some ease of understanding the ICF components. However, the relation of concept of pain with body function component is not clear for professional and deserves a more attentive approach.

Cervical and shoulder postural assessment of adolescents between 15 and 17 years old and association with upper quadrant pain

Background: There is sparse literature that provides evidence of cervical and shoulder postural alignment of 15 to 17-year-old adolescents and that analyzes sex differences. Objectives: To characterize the postural alignment of the head and shoulder in the sagittal plane of 15 to 17-year-old Portuguese adolescents in natural erect standing and explore the relationships between three postural angles and presence of neck and shoulder pain. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two secondary schools in Portugal. 275 adolescent students (153 females and 122 males) aged 15 to 17 were evaluated. Sagittal head, cervical, and shoulder angles were measured with photogrammetry and PAS software. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Assessment (ASES) was used to assess shoulder pain, whereas neck pain was self-reported with a single question. Results: Mean values of sagittal head, cervical, and shoulder angles were 17.2±5.7, 47.4±5.2, and 51.4±8.5º, respectively. 68% of the participants revealed protraction of the head, whereas 58% of them had protraction of the shoulder. The boys showed a significantly higher mean cervical angle, and adolescents with neck pain revealed lower mean cervical angle than adolescents without neck pain. 53% of the girls self-reported regular neck pain, contrasting with 19% of the boys. Conclusions: This data shows that forward head and protracted shoulder are common postural disorders in adolescents, especially in girls. Neck pain is prevalent in adolescents, especially girls, and it is associated with forward head posture. .

Posterior shoulder tightness and rotator cuff strength assessments in painful shoulders of amateur tennis players

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown a relationship between shoulder posterior capsule tightness and shoulder pain in overhead athletes. However, this relationship has not been studied in tennis players. OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the shoulder range of motion (ROM), strength and posterior capsule tightness of skilled amateur tennis players who had complaints of dominant shoulder pain in comparison with tennis players without pain. METHOD: Forty-nine skilled amateur tennis players were distributed in 2 groups: Control Group (n=22) and Painful Group (n=27). The first group was composed of asymptomatic subjects, and the second was composed of subjects with shoulder pain on the dominant side. These groups were evaluated to determine the dominant and non-dominant shoulder ROM (internal and external rotation), isometric shoulder strength (internal and external rotation) and posterior shoulder tightness by blind evaluators. RESULTS: The ANOVA results indicated significant differences between the groups in the dominant shoulder ROM, posterior capsule tightness, external rotation strength and strength ratio (p<0.05). The intragroup analysis (dominant versus non-dominant) in the Painful Group displayed a significant difference for ROM, posterior capsule tightness and external rotation strength (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The tennis players with pain in the dominant shoulder presented greater posterior capsule tightness, internal rotation deficit (ROM), external rotation gain (ROM) and deficits in external rotation strength than the tennis players without pain. .

Shoulder pain and dysfunction in 150 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients / Dor e disfunção do ombro em 150 pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 2

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of shoulder pain and dysfunction in patients from Southern Brazil with diabetes mellitus (DM) and to evaluate the association of pain and dysfunction with diabetes control and epidemiological factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied 150 patients with type 2 DM for pain and shoulder dysfunction with the UCLA-m (modified University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale); for epidemiological and treatment data, values of Hb A1C and plasma glucose were analyzed. RESULTS: Pain was present in 63.4%, and dysfunction in 53.4% of the studied sample; 26.6% of the patients rated shoulder performance as bad. No association was found between Hb A1C or plasma glucose and joint function, except for active flexion of the shoulder and fasting glucose (p = 0.026). Women had worse shoulder performance (p = 0.0043), as did elderly patients (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder pain and dysfunction is highly prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes; these disorders affect more women and the elderly.

OBJETIVO: Estudar a prevalência de dor e disfunção do ombro em pacientes com diabetes melito (DM) do sul do Brasil e verificar a possível associação com controle glicêmico e fatores epidemiológicos. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Estudaram-se 150 pacientes com DM tipo 2 para dor e disfunção do ombro pelo instrumento UCLAm (University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale modificada), dados epidemiológicos e de tratamento, valores de Hb A1C e glicemia de jejum. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que havia dor em 63,4% e disfunção em 53,4% da amostra estudada. Em 26,6% dos pacientes, o desempenho do ombro foi considerado ruim. Não se encontrou associação de Hb A1C e glicemia de jejum com dor e disfunção do ombro salvo pela associação entre flexão ativa dessa articulação com glicemia de jejum (p = 0,026). As mulheres tinham pior desempenho do ombro (p = 0,0043), assim como os mais idosos (p < 0,0001). CONCLUSÕES: Existe uma prevalência muito alta de dor e disfunção do ombro em pacientes com DM tipo 2, sendo maior em mulheres e idosos.

Spinal accessory nerve neuropathy following neck dissection / Neuropatia do nervo acessório espinhal secundária à cirurgia de esvaziamento cervical

Tthe most common complication of neck dissection is shoulder dysfunction due to manipulation of spinal accessory nerve, resulting in trapezius muscle atrophy mainly in procedures involving the posterior neck triangle. AIM: This study used electromyography to evaluate the injury to the spinal accessory nerve following neck dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective case series of 51 patients submitted to 60 neck dissections followed by physical therapy evaluation of shoulder dysfunction. Nerve integrity was evaluated before and after the surgery by means of surface EMG registering the electric activity of the trapezius muscle during voluntary contraction. The patients were grouped according to the type of neck dissection, presence of shoulder pain, impairment during abduction movement and hypotrophy/atrophy of the trapezius muscle. RESULTS: Action potential had median values of 54.3 microV before surgery and 11.6 microV after it (p<0.001). There was a mean decrease of 70 percent comparing to preoperative values. The median was 12.5 microV after dissection including level IIb, and 8.9 microV after dissection including levels IIb and V (p<0.002). CONCLUSION: Surface EMG is a sensitive and painless method for spinal accessory nerve dysfunction evaluation. The results suggest the usefulness of the trapezius muscle electromyography to confirm diagnosis and early physical therapy intervention in neuropathies of the spinal accessory nerve.

Uma das complicações mais comuns do esvaziamento cervical é a disfunção do ombro devido à manipulação do nervo acessório, que resulta na atrofia do músculo trapézio. OBJETIVO: Avaliar com eletromiografia de superfície (EMGs) a lesão do XI par decorrente do esvaziamento cervical. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo com 51 pacientes (60 esvaziamentos cervicais) tratados de câncer de cabeça e pescoço. A função do nervo acessório foi avaliada no período pré e pós-operatório com registro da atividade elétrica das fibras descendentes do músculo trapézio em contração isométrica voluntária máxima. Os pacientes foram agrupados pelo tipo de esvaziamento e movimento de abdução do braço. RESULTADOS: O potencial de ação apresentou mediana de 54,3 microV no pré-operatório e 11,6 microV no pós-operatório (p<0,001). Os valores registrados no pós-operatório apresentaram decréscimo médio de 70 por cento (20 por cento a 94 por cento) em relação aos valores pré-operatórios. Com relação à extensão do EC, foram observadas medianas de 12,5 microV após o esvaziamento do nível iib e 8,9 microV com o esvaziamento dos níveis iib+V (p=0,002). CONCLUSÃO: A eletromiografia de superfície é um método quantitativo, sensível e indolor para complementar o diagnóstico da disfunção do XI par. Os achados sugerem a utilidade da EMGs do músculo trapézio para confirmar o diagnóstico e orientar a intervenção precoce da fisioterapia.

Correlación clínico-ecográfica en pacientes operados de reparación artroscópica del manguito rotator / Clinical and echographic correlationship between patients with rotator cuff tear arthroscopic repair

Rotator cuff (RC) is crucial in shoulder’s movement. Lesions due to degenerative changes because of aging and activity are frequent. Surgery is an adequate approach when conservative measures have failed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and echographic evolution of patients with RC surgical repair. Methods: patients with arthroscopic RC repair underwent pre and postsurgical clinical–echographic evaluation. Results: From 24 evaluated shoulders, 8 were found to have RC tear and 24 were found to not have tear. Clinical evaluation improve substantially in both groups, with no statistical differences among them. Conclusion: There is a significant amount of patients without RC tear after surgical repair. Although there are patients with RC tear on the echographic evaluation, therte are no clinical differences compared with patients with no RC tear. Older has higher risk of retear.

El manguito rotador (MR), es fundamental para el movimiento del hombro. Su lesión es frecuente debido a los cambios degenerativos que ocurren con la edad y la actividad. La cirugía es la alternativa cuando fracasan los tratamientos conservadores. Se plantea un estudio que permita evaluar la evolución clínica y ecográfica de pacientes a los que se le reparó el MR. Metodología: A pacientes operados mediante reparación artroscópica del MR se les realizó ecografías de control y evaluación clínica del dolor pre y postquirúrgico. Resultados: De 24 hombros evaluados se encontró 16 sin rotura y 8 con rotura. La evaluación clínica mejoró sustancialmente en ambos grupos, no encontrándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ellos. Conclusiones: Existe un porcentaje importante de pacientes con MR sin lesión completa posterior a reparación. A pesar de haber pacientes con rotura de MR en la evaluación ecográfica, no hay diferencias clínicas con respecto a los sin rotura. A mayor edad existe una mayor posibilidad de re-rotura.

The effectiveness of low laser therapy in subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized placebo controlled double-blind prospective study

OBJECTIVES: Conflicting results were reported about the effectiveness of Low level laser therapy on musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of 850-nm gallium arsenide aluminum (Ga-As-Al) laser therapy on pain, range of motion and disability in subacromial impingement syndrome. METHODS: A total of 52 patients (33 females and 19 males with a mean age of 53.59±11.34 years) with subacromial impingement syndrome were included. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Group I (n = 30, laser group) received laser therapy (5 joule/cm² at each point over maximum 5-6 painful points for 1 minute). Group II (n = 22, placebo laser group) received placebo laser therapy. Initially cold pack (10 minutes) was applied to all of the patients. Also patients were given an exercise program including range of motion, stretching and progressive resistive exercises. The therapy program was applied 5 times a week for 14 sessions. Pain severity was assessed by using visual analogue scale. Range of motion was measured by goniometer. Disability was evaluated by using Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. RESULTS: In group I, statistically significant improvements in pain severity, range of motion except internal and external rotation and SPADI scores were observed compared to baseline scores after the therapy (p<0.05). In Group II, all parameters except range of motion of external rotation were improved (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were recorded between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Low level laser therapy seems to have no superiority over placebo laser therapy in reducing pain severity, range of motion and functional disability.

O uso da terapia por ondas de choques radiais no ombro doloroso por subluxação após um acidente vascular cerebral: série de casos / The use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the painful shoulder condition due to subluxation in the stroke patient: case series

Uma das principais causas de ombro doloroso após o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) parece ser o tracionameneto das estruturas periarticulares devido à luxação ou subluxação, o que acarreta um processo inflamatório crônico nestas estruturas. A terapia por ondas de choque radiais (TOC radias) vem se mostrando um importante recurso para tratar dores crônicas, que falharam ao tratamento convencional. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito das TOC radias no ombro doloroso por subluxação após AVC. Participaram do estudo nove pacientes hemiparéticos com dor no ombro associada a subluxação, sem sucesso ao tratamento conservador por pelo menos seis meses.Os pacientes receberam três aplicações da TOC radiais (2000 pulsos, com freqüência de 6 Hz), com intervalos de duas semanas. Um paciente foi excluído do estudo por ter sido submetido a bloqueio químico durante o tratamento. Os oito restantes tiveram alívio considerável da dor (entre 100 por cento e 34 por cento, segundo a escala visual analógica) que se manteve até um mês após o final do tratamento. Houve associação do alívio da dor com melhora da mobilidade ativa, amplitude articular, sono e redução do uso de medicamentos analgésicos. Não foram descritos efeitos colaterais de qualquer natureza. Os autores concluem que as TOC radiais podem ser um recurso efetivo para o controle da dor no ombro de pacientes hemiplégicos, além de lançar mais evidências no esclarecimento da possível etiologia inflamatória da dor no ombro desses pacientes.

Intensidade da dor em pacientes com síndrome do ombro doloroso / Pain severity in patients with painful shoulder syndrome

O objetivo do estudo é avaliar intensidade da dor e associações com características clínicas em grupo de pacientes com Síndrome do Ombro Doloroso (SOD). Realizou-se estudo descritivo utilizando dados retrospectivos de 77 prontuários. Como instrumento de avaliação utilizamos Escala Visual Numérica (EVN). Foram consideradas variáveis de interesse: EVN (77), diagnóstico (57), ombro acometido (77), sexo (77), idade (76), localização da dor (77), uso de medicamentos (59) e problema cervical associado (77). Destes 53,2 por cento eram do sexo feminino com média de idade 50,4±15,7 anos. O ombro direito foi o mais afetado (57,1 por cento). Dor intensa foi referida por 41,6 por cento dos pacientes sendo mais freqüente no sexo feminino (56,1 por cento vs 25,0 por cento; p=0,006). Os pacientes queixaram-se de dor intensa com mais freqüência em ombro esquerdo (57,7 por cento vs 31,8 por cento, p=0,034). Dos pacientes estudados, 59 (81,3 por cento) usavam medicamentos, sendo mais freqüente o antinflamatório. A síndrome do manguito rotador estava presente em 80,7 por cento (57) e dor cervical associada em 15,6 por cento (77). Localização da dor exclusivamente no ombro correspondeu a 76,6 por cento. Evidenciamos que a síndrome do manguito rotador foi causa mais freqüente da SOD, sendo mais comum e intensa em mulheres com idade próxima de 51 anos. A EVN mostrou-se instrumento relevante para mensurar a dor na SOD.

The aim of this study was to assess the severity of pain and its correlations to clinical characteristics in Painful Shoulder Syndrome (PSS) patients. A descriptive study was conducted using retrospective data from 77 medical record files. The Visual Numerical Scale (VNS) was used as an assessment instrument. The following variables of interest were considered: VNS (77), diagnosis (57), affected shoulder (77), sex (77), age (76), pain site (77), use of medications (59) and associated cervical pain (77). 53.2 percent of the patients were females and the mean age was 50.4±15.7 years. The right shoulder was the most affected side (57.1 percent). Severe pain was reported by 41.6 percent of patients, more frequently in women (56.1 percent vs 25.0 percent; p=0.006), and on left shoulder (57.7 percent vs 31.8 percent, p=0.034). Of the studied patients, 59 (81.3 percent) used medications, most frequently anti-inflammatory drugs. The rotator cuff syndrome was present in 80.7 percent (57) and associated cervical pain in 15.6 percent (77). Pain exclusively on the shoulder accounted for 76.5 percent. The rotator cuff syndrome was shown to be the most frequent cause of PSS, more commonly and severely affecting women close to 51 years old. EVN was shown to be a relevant instrument for measuring pain in PSS.

Avaliação isocinética de 18 pacientes do sexo masculino submetidos à correção cirúrgica da luxação acromioclavicular aguda com seguimento mínimo de dois anos / Isokinetic evaluation of eighteen male patients submitted to surgical corretion of acute acromioclavicular luxation with a minimum two-year follow-up

Foram estudados 18 pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico de luxação acromioclavicular aguda do grau III da classificação de ALLMAN-TOSSY, todos do sexo masculino com idade média de 36 anos, foram avaliados sob o ponto de vista isocinético com tempo de evolução variando de 24 até 127 meses. A avaliação isocinética foi realizada através de um dinamômetro computadorizado marca CYBEX® modelo 6000 na velocidade angular de 60º/segundo e demonstrou resultados significantes no movimento de abdução no plano neutro, com déficit no pico de torque do lado operado, quando comparado com o lado contra-lateral. Quando comparados os ombros com e sem subluxação, os com subluxação demonstraram défcit no trabalho total tanto na adução quanto na abdução no plano neutro.

Anormalidades intraarticulares detectadas mediante artroresonancia en pacientes con hombro doloroso y artrografía convencional normal

Propósito: Determinar la frecuencia y tipo de anormalidades detectables en la artroresonancia en pacientes con dolor y limitación funcional del hombro y estudio de artrografía convencional normal. Tipo de estudio: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Pacientes y métodos: Pacientes con hombro doloroso y artrografía convencional normal remitidos para artroresonancia. La artroresonancia se realizó con apliación de medio de contraste paramagnético intraarticular. Se clasificaron las lesiones sin conocimiento de la historia clínica. Se describen los hallazgos como proporciones (porcentaje) sobre el total de pacientes. Resultados: Se estudiaron 26 pacientes, 25 artroresonancias fueron anormales. De los hallazgos anormales, se presentaron en orden de frecuencia signos de tendinosis en 16 pacientes (66 por ciento), bursitisen 10 pacientes (39 por ciento), osteoartrosis en ocho (31 por ciento), pinzamiento en seis casos (23 por ciento), lesión anteroposterior del labrum superior en cuatro (16 por ciento), tres rupturas completas del manguito de los rotadores (12 por ciento) y una crónica, y en los restantes daño del labrum anterior, rupturas completas del manguito de los rotadores y una lesión de Hill-Sachs. Conclusión: La artroresonancia con técnica de supresión de grasa es capaz de detectar con alta frecuencia anormalidades intrarticulares en pacientes con hombro doloroso y limitación funcional y artrografía convencional previa normal. esta información puede ser de utilidad para el manejo posterior del paciente con síntomas y limitación funcional persistentes.

Dolor de hombro: la tendinopatía del manguito de los rotadores

El complejo de tendones y músculos situados alrededor del hombro y conocido como el "manguito rotador" o también, "manguito de los rotadores", suele sufrir lesiones como consecuencia de trauma, ejercicio fuerte y repetido, o más frecuentemente por varios factores al mismo tiempo. Las nuevas técnicas de imágenes facilidan el diagnóstico de estos problemas, pero siguen siendo indispensables la historia clínica detallada y el cuidadoso examen físico del enfermo, para precisar la situación y ordenar el tratamiento más apropiado

Morfología del Acromión y Síndrome del Hombro Doloroso

Se presenta una clasificación morfológica del acromión y del espacio subacromial y se determinan las relaciones entre ésta y el síndrome de pinzamiento del espacio subacromial mediante un estudio de cohortes. En 53 pacientes, 23 con hombro doloroso y 30 sanos, se analiza la forma del acromión mediante los siguientes valores radiográficos: anchura, altura máxima, altura promedio, ángulo de apertura de los bordes superior e inferior, área del borde anterior, altura del espacio subacromial y morfología en la proyección oblicua posterior. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los siguientes valores: aumento en la anchura, altura media y area del acromión, y disminución en la altura del espacio subacromial. También se encontró una relación entre la curvatura del acromión y la sintomatología. La correlación encontrada entre esta disminución en el espacio subacromial y la conformación anatómica del acromión en los pacientes sintomáticos nos lleva a pensar que la conformación del acromión puede ser la causa directa de los procesos inflamatorios crónicos del espacio subacromial y explicar la respuesta solamente pasajera a los tratamientos no quirúrgicos