[Value of physical therapy from the viewpoint of the patient. Results of a questionnaire]. / Wertigkeit physikalischer Therapie aus der Sicht der Patienten. Ergebnisse einer Fragebogenaktion.

Physiotherapy is well regarded by all patients with diseases of the locomotor system. In a questionnaire aimed at the self-evaluation of "non-proven remedies", we offered hospitalized patients of the Rheumaklinik Bad Bramstedt questions regarding classical forms of physiotherapy. Of 1600 questionnaires distributed, 447 (27.9%) could be counted and analysed. Categorized into four major groups of rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis/inflammatory diseases of joints, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis and degenerative spine disease, including minor rheumatic complaints) we collected patients' opinions of different therapies. In addition, we set up a list of preferred therapies and a list of negative therapies, estimated as less helpful or even harmful, as well as a list of therapies which patients would like to try. The results confirm the value of classical methods of physiotherapy (exercises, pelotherapy, massage), which had a high degree of acceptance and effectiveness.

[Computer tomography in the assessment of neurologic complications in ankylosing spondylitis (the CT triad in the cauda equina syndrome)]. / Beitrag der Computertomographie zur Klärung neurologischer Komplikationen bei Spondylitis ankylosans (CT-Trias beim Cauda equina-Syndrom).

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare complication in advanced ankylosing spondylitis. To avoid invasive examinations a diagnostic triad is given so that etiological diagnosis can be achieved by CT.