Ultrasound-guided glenohumeral joint injections for shoulder pain in ALS: A case series.

Introduction: Shoulder pain is a common secondary impairment for people living with ALS (PALS). Decreased range of motion (ROM) from weakness can lead to shoulder pathology, which can result in debilitating pain. Shoulder pain may limit PALS from participating in activities of daily living and may have a negative impact on their quality of life. This case series explores the efficacy of glenohumeral joint injections for the management of shoulder pain due to adhesive capsulitis in PALS. Methods: People living with ALS and shoulder pain were referred to sports medicine-certified physiatrists for diagnostic evaluation and management. They completed the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale and a questionnaire asking about their pain levels and how it impacts sleep, function, and quality of life at baseline pre-injection, 1-week post-injection, 1 month post-injection, and 3 months post-injection. Results: We present five cases of PALS who were diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis and underwent glenohumeral joint injections. Though only one PALS reported complete symptom resolution, all had at least partial symptomatic improvement during the observation period. No complications were observed. Conclusions: People living with ALS require a comprehensive plan to manage shoulder pain. Glenohumeral joint injections are safe and effective for adhesive capsulitis in PALS, but alone may not completely resolve shoulder pain. Additional therapies to improve ROM and reduce pain should be considered.

The Impact of the Early COVID-19 Pandemic on Inpatient Clinical Experience for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Resident Physicians.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this retrospective, observational study was to quantitatively study the impact of the early COVID-19 pandemic on the inpatient clinical experience of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation resident physicians in an inpatient rehabilitation facility setting. Inpatient clinical experience as evidenced by admissions, rehabilitation diagnosis, medical emergencies, acute care transfers, and resident work hours from January to June 2019 (prepandemic) were compared January to June 2020 (immediately before and during pandemic). There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean daily admissions in April 2020 and a significant increase in medically complex admissions in June 2020, reflective of medical patterns due to the pandemic. There was a decrease in mean work hours during the pandemic, but no statistically significant difference in admission rate of other rehabilitation diagnoses, medical emergencies, or transfers to acute care. This study demonstrates no substantial pandemic-related impact on inpatient clinical experience for physical medicine and rehabilitation residents in the studied program.