Assessing the Quality of YouTube's Incontinence Information after Cancer Surgery: An Innovative Graphical Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prostate and colorectum cancers rank among the most common cancers, and incontinence is a significant postsurgical issue affecting the physical and psychological well-being of cancer survivors. Social media, particularly YouTube, has emerged as a vital source of health information. While YouTube offers valuable content, users must exercise caution due to potential misinformation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the quality of publicly available YouTube videos related to incontinence after pelvic cancer surgery. METHODS: A search on YouTube related to "Incontinence after cancer surgery" was performed, and 108 videos were analyzed. Multiple quality assessment tools (DISCERN, GQS, JAMA, PEMAT, and MQ-VET) and statistical analyses (descriptive statistics and intercorrelation tests) were used to evaluate the characteristics and popularity, educational value, quality, and reliability of these videos, relying on novel graphical representation techniques such as Sankey and Chord diagrams. RESULTS: Strong positive correlations were found among quality rating scales, emphasizing agreement. The performed graphical analysis reinforced the reliability and validity of quality assessments. CONCLUSIONS: This study found strong correlations among five quality scales, suggesting their effectiveness in assessing health information quality. The evaluation of YouTube videos consistently revealed "high" quality content. Considering the source is mandatory when assessing quality, healthcare and academic institutions are reliable sources. Caution is advised with ad-containing videos. Future research should focus on policy improvements and tools to aid patients in finding high-quality health content.

Performance of a multidisciplinary robotic surgery program at a university hospital (2012-2022).

Robotic-assisted surgery has become widely adopted for its ability to expand the indications for minimally invasive procedures. This technology aims to improve precision, accuracy, and outcomes while reducing complications, blood loss, and recovery time. Successful implementation of a robotic surgery program requires careful initial design and a focus on maintenance and expansion to maximize its benefits. This article presents a comprehensive study conducted at a University Hospital on the robotic surgery program from December 2012 to December 2022. Data from hospital databases, including patient demographics, surgical department, surgical time, operating room occupancy, and primary diagnosis, were analyzed. The analysis covered various time periods (surgical sessions, weeks, months, and years) to assess the program's evolution over time. Over the 10-year period, a total of 1847 robotic-assisted interventions were performed across five surgical services. Urology accounted for 57% of the cases, general surgery 17%, gynecology 16%, otorhinolaryngology 6%, and thoracic surgery 4%. The most frequently performed procedures included robotic prostatectomies (643 cases), hysterectomies (261 cases), and colposacropexies (210 cases). The weekly volume of interventions showed a notable increase, rising from 2 cases per week in 2013-2014 cases in 2022. Moreover, the average surgical duration per intervention exhibited a progressive decrease from 275 min in 2013 to 184 min in 2022. This study highlights the potential of a well-managed robotic surgery program as a viable alternative to conventional surgical approaches. Effective coordination and resource utilization contribute to the program's efficiency. The findings underscore the successful integration of robotic-assisted surgery in diverse surgical specialties.

Feasibility of the set-up for the different approaches in robotic head and neck surgery with the Versius Surgical System.

The Versius Surgical System is a next generation soft-tissue robot with instrument and endoscope arms split into individual modules. Despite its similarities with previous systems, the basic changes in the design raise concerns relating to the feasibility of the set-up for the different approaches in robotic head and neck surgery procedures. We used a complete unit with a surgeon's console and four modules on a training mannequin to depict the different configurations in the operating room. We tested transoral robotic surgery and the four basic configurations for the remote access to the neck: transoral/transvestibular, retroauricular, axillary and bilateral axillo-breast approaches. We obtained a high quality simulation for transoral robotic surgery, as well as for the usual remote access approaches, except for the axillary approach. We were able to obtain an optimal distribution of the modules around the surgical table and an adequate configuration of the joints allowing the instruments to reach their targets. The Versius Surgical System might be an alternative device for robotic procedures in head and neck surgery, although this needs to be proved in a clinical setting.

Socioeconomic status and treatment outcomes in women with genito-pelvic pain penetration disorder: A longitudinal study of a therapeutic educational program dataset.

Sexual health is crucial for overall well-being, and dyspareunia (genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder) is a common sexual disorder that can be addressed through multimodal physiotherapy approaches, including education. However, it's unclear whether socioeconomic factors influence the effectiveness of educational therapies for dyspareunia. The dataset presented in this article was used in a pilot randomized controlled trial that aimed to investigate any potential correlation between socioeconomic status and the outcomes of a therapeutic educational program for dyspareunia, evaluating the impact of a therapeutic educational program on 69 women. The data measured pain intensity, pain-related outcomes, and sexual functioning over time. In February 2022, socioeconomic status measurements (age, educational level, household monthly income, and job rank) were collected. The analysis used Pearson's correlation index and Spearman's rho statistic to assess any correlations between these variables. The results of the correlation analysis indicated that there was no significant correlation between any of the outcomes of the intervention and the socioeconomic status measurements. The data analysis findings suggest that a therapeutic educational program can effectively improve pain intensity, pain-related outcomes, and sexual functioning in patients with persistent pelvic pain, regardless of their socioeconomic status. These findings have policy implications, as they suggest that education is a powerful tool that can improve sexuality outcomes for patients with dyspareunia, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The dataset contains the collected raw data, including partial participant demographics data and scores categorized by question group, as well as scores for each participant at each time point (before and after the intervention). This dataset can be used to further analyze the results and the study can be potentially replicated.

Assessing the outcomes of manual physical therapy and conventional treatment for chronic pediatric constipation: A dataset analysis of quality of life.

The dataset presented in this article was used in a pilot randomized and controlled trial that evaluated the effectiveness of manual physical therapy (MPT) compared to conventional pharmacologic treatment (CPT) for treating chronic pediatric functional constipation (CPC). The pilot trial was carried out at the Central University Hospital of Asturias in Oviedo, Spain, with 47 children between 2 and 12 years old being evaluated by a Pediatric Gastroenterologist. Participants received 9 sessions of MPT which were spaced out weekly for the first two months and bi-weekly for the third month. The Pediatric Quality of Life questionnaire (PedsQLTM) scores were assessed at the start of the trial (Time 1), its end (Time 2), and 5 years later (Time 3). The dataset contains the collected raw data, including participant demographics data and PedsQLTM scores categorized by question group, as well as total scores for each participant at each time point. This dataset can be used to further analyze the results and the study can be potentially replicated.

Characterization of pain in the first two weeks after tonsillectomy in children 3 to 8 years old. A pilot study

Introduction and objective: To study the pain in children is a challenge. Tonsillectomy is a very common and painful surgical procedure in which there are still barriers to warrant an adequate pain management. The purpose of this study is to characterize the pain after surgery in children between 3 and 8 years-old who underwent tonsillectomy. Method: We performed a descriptive, observational and prospective study in children aged 3 to 8 who underwent tonsillectomy. The data collection was made through a pain questionnaire based in the intensity of pain from 0-10 in the Wong Baker scale (based on drawn faces). Parents also fulfilled other questions about the days that the children could not attend the school and the working days that the parents themselves lost. The analgesic treatment that each child received was also recorded. Results: Twenty-nine patient were included, 14 girls and 15 boys with a median age of 4. The highest level of pain was found the second day with a median value of 3,0. This second day was so chosen to compare the level of pain between indications. The median pain was 3,0 when it was for obstructive disease, but 4,0 when obstruction was associated with facial growth disorders. Children lost a median of 8 days at school and their parents 2 days at work each one. Discussion: Our limited data suggest that the long-term side effects of the upper airway obstruction due to tonsillar hypertrophy like disorders of facial growth made the surgery more painful and that the pain had in our environment a greater impact in patients and their parents lifes. It appears to be important to stablish a scheduled analgesic treatment for the first 10 days after surgery. (AU)

Introducción y objetivo: El dolor en niños ha sido siempre un reto terapéutico. La amigdalectomía es una cirugía muy prevalente y dolorosa, la cual aun presenta barreras para garantizar un adecuado control analgésico. El objetivo fue describir la mediana de dolor postoperatorio en niños entre 3 y 8 años que han sido intervenidos de una cirugía amigdalar.Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional, prospectivo y longitudinal en niños de 3 a 8 años del Hospital Universitario Quirón Pozuelo Madrid intervenidos de amigdalectomía durante el año 2020. La recogida de datos se realizó mediante un cuestionario de dolor, marcando la intensidad de este del 0-10 en la escala de dolor de Wong Baker (basado en dibujos con caras). Además, completaron otras preguntas sobre la indicación quirúrgica, los días lectivos perdidos por el niño y los laborables por los padres y la analgesia que recibió el niño.Resultados: Se incluyeron 29 pacientes, 14 niñas y 15 niños con una mediana de edad de 4. La mediana de dolor más alto se encontró el 2º día con un valor de 3,0. Por tanto, elegimos el 2º día para comparar la magnitud de dolor entre las distintas indicaciones. En función de la indicación quirúrgica, la mediana de dolor por obstrucción fue de 3,0, en cambio fue de 4,0 en los intervenidos por obstrucción en conjunto con alteraciones del crecimiento facial. Los niños perdieron una mediana de 8 días en el colegio y los padres perdieron una mediana de 2 días cada uno en el trabajo.Discusión: Los datos limitados que tenemos sugieren que la cronicidad de la obstrucción por la hipertrofia amigdalar dando lugar a alteraciones del crecimiento facial hizo la operación más dolorosa y además, el dolor tuvo unas mayores consecuencias en la vida diaria del paciente y sus progenitores. Es de gran importancia esforzarnos en cumplir una pauta analgésica en el postoperatorio los 10 primeros días. (AU)

Test-Retest Reliability, Validity, and Minimal Detectable Change of the Measurement of Lower Limb Muscular Strength with Handheld Dynamometry in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

Background: Chronic kidney disease is an exponentially growing medical and economic worldwide problem. There are specific elements used to assess patient's functional capacity loss and overall deterioration in order to determine the patient's clinical status, and muscle impairment is one of the most common. It is therefore necessary to develop reliable and applicable methods to determine muscle impairment in patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods: This is a prospective, nonexperimental, descriptive methodological investigation performed in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study analyzes the reliability and validity of muscle strength assessments performed with handheld dynamometry in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. Results: Results show overall high reliability and validity in the assessment of muscle strength of the lower limbs. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess handheld dynamometry in patients undergoing hemodialysis, presenting promising results with a relatively affordable and easily applicable method.

Actualización en cirugía tiroidea y paratiroidea de acceso remoto / Update in thyroid and parathyroid remote access surgery

Introducción y objetivo: El desarrollo de las técnicas de acceso remoto para cirugía de tiroides y paratiroides en los últimos años ha llevado a la consolidación de las cuatro configuraciones que actualmente se utilizan de manera estándar. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir la experiencia acumulada en tiroidectomía y paratiroidectomía por abordaje axilar, axilo-pectoral bilateral, retroauricular y transoral, así como exponer los resultados publicados por los diferentes grupos.Síntesis: El abordaje transaxilar fue el primero que se describió y tiene las series más antiguas y algunas de las más numerosas, cuyos resultados reproducen los estándares de la cirugía abierta para las mismas indicaciones. Sin embargo en los últimos años se ha ido abandonando a favor de abordajes alternativos. El abordaje retroauricular se describió inicialmente para la cirugía de tiroides, pero sus indicaciones han migrado hacia otra patología cervical. El abordaje axilopectoral bilateral ha sido extensamente utilizado en cirugía de tiroides y reproduce no solo los exigentes estándares respecto a las lesiones recurrenciales y el hipopartiroidismo postoperatorio, sino también los estándares oncológicos en el manejo quirúrgico del carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides. El abordaje transoral / transvestibular, el último en llegar, se encuentra en franca expansión y es potencialmente aplicable a la mayoría de los casos quirúrgicos de tiroides y paratiroides.Conclusiones: Las técnicas de acceso remoto han demostrado ser seguras y eficaces. El volumen de actividad publicado y los resultados las convertirían ya en procedimientos estándar, aunque sigue siendo necesario comprobar en series multicéntricas prospectivas la reproductibilidad de los resultados. (AU)

Introduction and objective: In the last years the development of remote access techniques for thyroid and parathyroid surgery has led to the consolidation of the four configurations that are currently used as standards. The objective of this review is to describe the accumulated experience in thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy by axillary, bilateral axillo-breast, retroauricular and transoral approaches, as well as to present the results published by the different groups. Synthesis: The axillary approach was the first to be described and it has the oldest and some of the biggest series, which reproduce the standard results of open surgery for the same indications. However, in recent years it has been progresively abandoned in favor of alternative approaches. The retroauricular approach was initially described for thyroid surgery, but its indications have migrated to another cervical diseases. The bilateral axillo-breast approach has been widely used in thyroid surgery and reproduces not only the demanding standards regarding recurrent laryngeal nerve lesions and postoperative hypoparatyroidism, but also the oncological standards in the surgical management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The transoral / transvestibular approach, the last to arrive, is expanding and it is potentially applicable to most thyroid and parathyroid surgical cases.Conclusions: Remote access techniques have proven to be safe and effective. The volume of activity already published and the results would already make them standard procedures, although it is still necessary to verify the reproducibility of the results in prospective multicenter series. (AU)

Impact of hip abductor and adductor strength on dynamic balance and ankle biomechanics in young elite female basketball players.

This study aimed to evaluate, in an isolated and relative manner, hip abductor (ABD) and adductor (AD) strength and to study the extent to which these factors are related to balance and ankle dorsiflexion mobility in young elite female basketball players. Sixty trainee-level elite female basketball players (13-18 years old), who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study, were divided into three subgroups based on competition age divisions (U14, U16, U18). Isometric hip ABD and AD strength in each leg was evaluated using the ForceFrame Strength Testing System, also calculating the strength ratio and imbalance between legs. Y Balance Test (YBT) and ankle dorsiflexion mobility were also assessed. ANOVA was used for between-group differences analysis. Likewise, the impact of hip strength on balance and ankle mobility was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. A linear regression model for dependent variables was created with all variables that exhibited significant correlations. A between-group comparison analysis for the three competition age subgroups (U14, U16, U18) revealed non-significant differences (p > 0.005) for the hip strength variables except for hip ABD strength. The correlation study showed low-moderate effect sizes for hip ABD (in both the contralateral and homolateral limb) and AD strength (only the homolateral limb) with YBT and ankle dorsiflexion. However, when performing a regression model, only right hip ABD significantly predicted right limb YBT scores (ß = 0.592, p = 0.048). The present study indicated that, although both hip ABD and AD strength correlate with balance and ankle mobility with low-moderate effect sizes, only hip ABD strength was found to significantly predict YBT scores. Therefore, the potential role of hip ABD strength in particular, but also hip AD strength, for monitoring and enhancing balance and ankle mobility outcomes, should be taken into consideration when designing and implementing preventive strategies for lower-limb injuries.

Niveles de adherencia en una intervención de ejercicio guiada por enfermería en pacientes en diálisis / Levels of adherence of dialysis patients to an exercise program run by nursing

Resumen Introducción: Todavía existen numerosas barreras al momento de implementar rutinas de ejercicio en el tratamiento habitual de diálisis, a pesar de que los beneficios sean conocidos. Desarrollar estrategias costo-efectivas resulta necesario para solventar estas barreras e incluir el ejercicio como un complemento terapéutico en diálisis. El personal de enfermería tiene un rol de vital importancia en estas unidades, por lo tanto, explorar la adherencia podría ser interesante para facilitar el ejercicio. Material y métodos: Fueron asignados 71 participantes, tanto a un programa intradialítico como a un programa domiciliario de ejercicio. Realizaron ejercicio durante 16 semanas. Las enfermeras guiaron el programa intradialítico y los domiciliarios fueron autónomos. Se registró el número total de sesiones realizadas para obtener los niveles de adherencia al ejercicio. Resultados: En el grupo de ejercicio intradialítico un 25% de los participantes mostraron adherencia baja, un 50% adherencia media y un 25% adherencia alta. En el grupo domiciliario un 49% mostró adherencia baja, un 9% adherencia media y un 42% adherencia alta. Conclusiones: Existen mayores niveles de adherencia en el grupo intradiálisis frente al domiciliario y los niveles de alta adherencia fueron mayores en el grupo domiciliario, mostrando un mayor impacto en los de adherencia baja.

Abstract Introduction: There are still several barriers against establishing exercise routines in regular dialysis treatments despite their well-known benefits. Developing cost-effective strategies is necessary to overcome these barriers and include exercise as a complement to dialysis treatment. Nurses play a central role in these units; therefore, examining adherence may be interesting to make exercise implementation easier. Methods: 71 subjects were randomized either into an intradialytic or a home exercise program. They did exercise for 16 weeks. Nurses ran the intradialytic exercise program and the home exercise program was autonomous. The total number of sessions carried out was recorded in order to obtain the levels of adherence to the exercise. Results: In the intradialytic exercise group, 25% of participants showed low adherence; 50% had medium adherence, and 25%, high adherence. In the home group, 49% showed low adherence; 9% exhibited medium adherence, and 42%, high adherence. Conclusions: There are higher levels of adherence in the intradialytic group when compared to the home group, but the levels of high adherence were more significant in the home group, showing a greater impact in those with low adherence.

Effects of exercise programs on physical function and activity levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There are still many barriers when implementing exercise routines within daily dialysis care, even though benefits are well-known. Developing cost-effective strategies is necessary to overcome these barriers and include exercise as a complementary therapy in dialysis. AIM: To compare several exercise programs on hemodialysis patient's functional capacity and health-related quality of life. DESIGN: This study was a 16-week follow-up, two-parallel group trial with balanced randomization. SETTING: Participants in this study belonged to a private hospitalized care center. POPULATION: Referred sample of 71 patients that suffered end-stage chronic kidney disease who underwent hemodialysis for at least 3 months and had a medical stable condition. METHODS: Thirty-six participants performed for 16 weeks an intradialytic exercise program lead by the nursing staff of the hemodialysis unit and 35 a home-based program supervised by physical therapists of the hospital. RESULTS: The main researcher and the data analyst were both blinded to participant allocation. There was a significant effect in time for both groups. Participants improved significantly in the Short Performance Physical Battery (SPPB), One-Leg Heel-Rise (OLHR) and 6 Minute-Walk Test (6MWT), and in the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and Short Survey Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led and home-based exercise interventions produce beneficial effects involving physical function, activity levels and health-related quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The study emphasizes the importance of exercise rehabilitation routines in fragile populations such as dialysis patients, and the potential to overcome barriers for its daily implementation.

Sex Differences and Patterns of Muscle Stiffness in the Knee Flexor and Extensor Musculature Through Analysis of Isolated Bellies.

ABSTRACT: Martín-San Agustín, R, Benítez-Martínez, JC, Medina-Mirapeix, F, and Casaña-Granell, J. Sex differences and patterns of muscle stiffness in the knee flexor and extensor musculature through analysis of isolated bellies. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1044-1049, 2021-Muscle stiffness (MS) is one of the key factors in joint control. The purpose of this study was to determine sex differences in the MS of 5 isolated muscle bellies (biceps femoris [BF], semitendinosus [ST], rectus femoris [RF], vastus medialis [VM], and vastus lateralis [VL]) and in the pattern of differences among their respective MS. Twenty female and 20 male recreational athletes participated. Muscle stiffness was measured by tensiomyography using maximum radial deformation (Dm) as an indirect indicator of MS. Sex differences were observed only in the Dm of RF (mean difference = 2.07 mm, p < 0.05) when values were adjusted by body mass and stature. Males and females showed a similar pattern in the Dm between the muscle bellies: within the hamstrings, ST had a significantly higher Dm than BF in females (3.02 mm) and males (4.28 mm); within the quadriceps, RF also had a significantly higher value than VL and VM in females (6.50 and 7.38 mm, respectively) and males (4.87 and 4.82 mm, respectively). Sex differences in patterns were found between BF and the vastus muscles: the BF of females had a significantly higher Dm than VL (3.78 mm) and VM (4.51 mm), but this was not observed in males. Differences may imply different involvement of the bellies in countering the movements of the lower extremities. Our results can help to direct exercises to improve the MS in certain muscular bellies.

The effects of a combined physical therapy approach on Morton's Neuroma. An N-of-1 Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of supporting evidence for conservative treatments involving Morton's Neuroma, which has often a clinical presentation with many associated complications such as functional impairment and chronic pain. This case study assessed the effects of a combined physical therapy treatment for Morton's Neuroma, an injury often referred for surgery. METHODS: The patient suffered a long-standing Morton's Neuroma and received 6 combined physical therapy sessions that included soft-tissue massage, joint mobilization, strengthening therapeutic exercises and pain education. Values for pain with deep pressure, pain maladaptive beliefs and functionality were taken using clinical testing and questionnaires. RESULTS: After the intervention was successfully completed, pain when applying deep pressure resolved. Functionality involving the toe-to-wall test showed an improvement in ankle dorsiflexion and better results were found in both the LEFS and FAAM questionnaires. Pain maladaptive beliefs, assessed with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and the Pain Awareness Questionnaire also reflected an improvement. CONCLUSION: A combined physical therapy approach shows encouraging results in the treatment of Morton's Neuroma.

Tensiomyographical responsiveness to peripheral fatigue in quadriceps femoris.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue influences athletic performance and can also increase the risk of injury in sports, and most of the methods to evaluate it require an additional voluntary effort. Tensiomyography (TMG), which uses electrical stimulation and a displacement sensor to evaluate muscle contraction properties of one or more muscle bellies, has emerged as a technique that can assess the presence of peripheral and central fatigue without requiring additional voluntary efforts. However, the evaluation of the TMG's ability to detect fatigue is limited, both at the level of muscle bellies and statistical methods. Thus, the aim of the present study was twofold: (i) to examine and compare the tensiomyographical responsiveness to quadriceps femoris (QF) fatigue by multiple statistical methods and (ii) to analyze sex differences in the variation produced by fatigue in TMG parameters. METHODS: Thirty-nine recreational athletes participated (19 males/20 females; aged 22 ± 2 years). TMG parameters of QF bellies and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) were measured before and after a fatigue protocol. TMG parameters used were maximum radial deformation (Dm), contraction time between 10-90% of the Dm (Tc), contraction velocity between 10-90% (Vc) and of the first 10% (V10) of the Dm. Internal responsiveness of TMG to fatigue was analyzed by paired t-test and standardized response mean (SRM). External responsiveness was examined by correlations, regression models, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: All TMG parameters, except for Tc of rectus femoris and vastus medialis, showed large internal responsiveness. In adjusted regression models by sex, only Dm and V10 of rectus femoris were statistically associated (p < 0.05) with b coefficients of 0.40 and 0.43, respectively. r2 explained the 22% of the total variance. In addition, these parameters could discriminate between QF with and without fatigue. CONCLUSION: Since the QF is the main strength contributor during multiple physical activities, clinicians and trainers will be able to discriminate the presence of fatigue and the magnitude of changes in the QF strength by TMG evaluation.

Comparison of Pain Measures Between Tendons of Elite Basketball Players With Different Sonographic Patterns.

CONTEXT: The prevalence and negative consequences of the symptoms surrounding patellar tendinopathy constitute an important problem for sports medicine professionals. The identification of potential pain mediators is, therefore, of major interest to improve both the prevention and management of this injury. OBJECTIVE: To compare the pain experienced by elite male adult basketball players and patterns of patellar tendon abnormalities. Also, to identify whether structural and vascular sonographic abnormalities (focal area of hypoechogenicity, thickening, and neovascularization [NV]) are equal in determining pain perceptions. DESIGN: An observational study with professional basketball teams (ACB-Spanish league). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 73 male basketball players (mean age 26.8 y). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patellar tendon ultrasonography images. Pain scores were compared between the identified patterns. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relative importance of abnormalities. RESULTS: Of the 146 tendons, 91 had some degree of sonographic abnormality. Three main patterns were identified: I (1 structural abnormality without NV), II (2 structural abnormalities without NV), and III (2 structural abnormalities and NV). A total of 31 tendons (21.2%) exhibited pattern I, 46 (31.5%) presented pattern II, and 13 tendons (8.9%) exhibited pattern III. The mean visual analog scale and the Victorian Institute of Sport assessment questionnaire-patellar tendon (VISA-P) scores for pattern III were significantly different (P < .05) compared with patterns I and II; however, the pain pressure threshold (PPT) scores were not. NV was significantly associated with worsened scores for all pain measures; however, the focal area of hypoechogenicity was only associated with PPT scores. CONCLUSION: Patterns of sonographic abnormalities, including NV, demonstrated greater pain. Although NV determined scores for the visual analog scale, VISA-P, and PPT, the presence of focal area of hypoechogenicity on its own is a determining factor for the PPT. This study suggests that the combination of 2 or more sonographic abnormalities may help explain pain variations among basketball players.

Cirugía tiroidea de acceso remoto / Remote access thyroid surgery

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este artículo es describir la situación actual de la denominada cirugía de acceso remoto a la glándula tiroides. Aunque la motivación original para el desarrollo de estos abordajes es cosmética (evitar una cicatriz visible en el cuello), en la práctica han supuesto una auténtica revolución en el abanico de opciones técnicas para el manejo de la patología quirúrgica tiroidea. Síntesis: En un periodo de tiempo muy corto, desde el año 2000, se han testado multitud de variantes de acceso remoto, consolidándose finalmente cuatro abordajes. Estos son el abordaje axilar o transaxilar, el abordaje axilopectoral bilateral, el abordaje retroauricular o de facelift, y el abordaje transoral transvestibular. Se describen las indicaciones y los principios quirúrgicos de cada uno de ellos. CONCLUSIONES: La tiroidectomía de acceso remoto ha demostrado ser segura y eficaz. Existe consenso en su aceptación como alternativa para determinados pacientes. En su innegable proceso de expansión, se mezclan múltiples temas de discusión, como el debate de la eficiencia de la tecnología quirúrgica

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to describe the current situation of the so-called remote access thyroid surgery. Although the original motivation for the development of these approaches is cosmetic (to avoid a visible scar on the neck), the fact is that they have carried a real revolution in the technical options for the management of surgical diseases of the thyroid. Synthesis: In a very short period of time, since year 2000, a number of remote access variants have been tested, finally consolidating four approaches. These are the axillary or transaxillary approach, the bilateral axilobreast approach, the retroauricular or facelift approach, and the transoral / transvestibular approach. The indications and surgical principles of each of them are described. CONCLUSIONS: Remote access thyroidectomy has proved to be safe and effective. There is consensus on its acceptance as an alternative for certain patients. In its undeniable process of expansion, multiple topics of discussion are mixed, such as the debate on the effectiveness of surgical technology

Prospective Randomized Trial of Electrolysis for Chronic Plantar Heel Pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic plantar heel pain (CPHP) is a common condition with high prevalence rates and a projected cost of treatment of US$192 to US$376 million. There are several therapeutic approaches and there is increased interest in treatments aimed at the regeneration of tissues with poor healing potential. Our purpose was to investigate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis in chronic plantar heel pain. METHODS: A total of 73 patients with a clinical and ultrasonographic diagnosis of plantar heel pain unrelated to systemic inflammatory disease who had not received any other treatment in the previous 6 months on the affected foot were randomly allocated to receive either ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis of the fascia (experimental group, n = 39) or placebo puncture (control group, n = 34). The primary outcome was pain scored with an 11-point numeric pain rating scale (0 = no pain, 10 = maximum pain). Secondary outcomes were function and disability measured by the 21-item activities of daily living subscale of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire, and fascia thickness measured by ultrasound. Outcomes were measured at 1, 12, and 24 weeks. RESULTS: The mixed-model analysis of covariance observed significant group x time interactions from all variables: pain in numeric pain rating scale ( P < .001), FAAM Activities of Daily Living Subscale scale ( P < .002), and ultrasonographic measures of the plantar heel ( P < .002). Patients in the experimental group had better results posttreatment at 12 and 24 weeks compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: With chronic plantar heel pain, ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis improved pain and function. This treatment may also decrease fascia thickness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Cross Sectional Area of the Supraspinatus Muscle and Acromio-humeral Distance in Overhead Athletes With and Without Shoulder Pain: A Cross-sectional Study.

CONTEXT: The supraspinatus muscle has an important role in the stabilization of the glenohumeral joint. Identifying abnormalities concerning its size and the subacromial space in the presence of pain may be relevant to provide more specific treatments focused on the etiology of pain. OBJECTIVE: To determinate whether painful shoulder causes changes in the supraspinatus cross-sectional area (CSA) and the acromio-humeral distance (AHD) between overhead athletes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University campus and local sports clubs' Physical Therapist room. PARTICIPANTS: 81 male overhead athletes were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of shoulder pain and clinical symptoms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ultrasonography measurements of the supraspinatus CSA and the AHD in 2 groups of overhead athletes with and without pain. RESULTS: In the pain group, the CSA was significantly smaller compared with the no pain group. No differences between groups were found in the AHD measurement. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder pain in overhead athletes was associated with a reduction in their supraspinatus muscle CSA, but not in the AHD. These findings suggest that muscle atrophy exists in the presence of pain. However, in active overhead athletes, the AHD is not clearly reduced in overhead athletes with shoulder pain. Further studies are needed to understand this condition.