Melanoma death prevention: moving away from the sun.

This evidence-backed editorial addresses the limitations of solely primary prevention campaigns and outlines the proven efficacy of early detection/secondary prevention strategies with respect to melanoma. It synthesizes experience from several outreach efforts that have resulted in sustained improvements in knowledge and self-skin examination behaviors. Data demonstrate that educational campaigns emphasizing increased knowledge about melanoma and self-screening practices correlate with thinner tumors. The editorial also confronts the lack of data around skin cancer screening per the US Preventative Services Task Force. It explains how we might address the issue to obtain solid evidence to back a recommendation for screening of high-risk populations in the future. Cost-efficacy of skin cancer screening is also addressed. Lastly, lessons learned from other cancers, particularly breast cancer, with respect to successful educational campaign creation and development of an effective cause marketing campaign for advocacy are discussed. Hypothetical ideas for a screening algorithm and for educational/media campaigns are presented with the hope of triggering thoughtful discussion and forward momentum.

Atypical suboccipital vertebral artery blood flow in healthy subjects: case studies using real-time ultrasound.

Manual therapists and other professionals are using real-time ultrasound increasingly to visualize vessels and determine their diameter and blood flow. Four case studies are presented to show atypical ultrasound profiles of the suboccipital vertebral artery (VA3) in healthy, young individuals. VA3 diameters and blood flow velocities were measured with the subjects sitting, and the cervical spine in the neutral position then with active, full-range rotation to the left and right. None of the subjects reported any signs or symptoms of vertebrobasilar ischemia (VBI) during the measurement procedure, despite an absence of typical VA3 ultrasound profiles on one side in two of the individuals and a decreased unilateral VA3 blood flow in the other two subjects. Possible reasons for the atypical findings are proposed. Anatomical variations of VA3 and conditions such as obesity may give rise to atypical real-time ultrasound measurements of VA3 blood flow, particularly when associated with cervical spine rotation. The possibility of altered VA3 blood flow because of such factors, which may give rise to false-positive or false-negative findings in the standard VBI test, should be considered by manual therapists in pretreatment assessments and treatment programs in professional practice.

Vertebral Artery Blood flow Velocity Changes Associated with Cervical Spine rotation: A Meta-Analysis of the Evidence with implications for Professional Practice.

Many studies of vertebral artery (VA) blood flow changes related to cervical spine rotation have been published, but the findings are controversial and the evidence unconvincing. Recent Doppler measurements suggest that contralateral VA blood flow is compromised on full rotation in both healthy subjects and patients. More rigorous research is needed, and it was the aim of this study to conduct a meta-analysis of published data to inform professional practice. A systematic literature search, including only Doppler studies of VA blood flow velocity associated with cervical spine rotation in adults, yielded nine reports with published data. Using weighted means of the pooled data, the magnitude of the effect size (Cohen's d) was calculated for differences between patients and subjects, sitting or lying supine for testing, the parts of the VA insonated, and the changes recorded after cervical spine rotation. From this meta-analysis, VA blood flow velocity was found to be compromised more in patients than healthy individuals, on contralateral rotation, with the subject sitting, and more in the intracranial compared to the cervical part of the VA. Possible reasons for these findings are suggested, and it is advised that sustained end-of-range rotation and quick-thrust rotational manipulations be avoided until there is a stronger evidence base for clinical practice.

Real-time ultrasound measurements of changes in suboccipital vertebral artery diameter and blood flow velocity associated with cervical spine rotation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The vulnerability of the vertebral artery (VA) to distortion with sustained, full-range cervical spine rotation, resulting in compromised blood flow and possible vertebrobasilar ischaemia, is well recognized. However, few studies have measured such blood flow changes in the parts of the VA downstream from the region of maximum cervical spine rotation: the suboccipital (VA3) and intracranial vertebral arteries. The purpose of this experimental study was to visualize the VA3 and record the changes in its blood flow associated with cervical spine rotation. METHOD: VA3 diameters and blood flow velocities were measured in the neutral cervical spine position and with active full-range rotation to the left and right, in 35 healthy female subjects, using colour-coded real-time ultrasound. RESULTS: Both left and right VA3 diameters and blood flow velocities decreased significantly on ipsilateral rotation. These values increased non-significantly in the left VA3 and decreased non-significantly in the right VA3 on contralateral rotation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the distortion or compression of VA3 demonstrated by the reduction in diameter on ipsilateral cervical spine rotation, particularly, was sufficient to result in compromised blood flow. A significant stretching effect of VA3, on contralateral rotation, was not demonstrated in these subjects. Nevertheless, these findings add evidence to support the recommendation that sustained, full-range cervical spine rotation should be avoided in professional practice.

Cervical arterial dysfunction and manual therapy: a critical literature review to inform professional practice.

An abundance of literature has attempted to provide insight into the association between cervical spine manual therapy and cervical artery dysfunction leading to cerebral ischaemic events. Additionally, specific guidelines have been developed to assist manual therapists in clinical decision-making. Despite this, there remains a lack of agreement within the profession on many issues. This paper presents a critical, re-examination of relevant literature with the aim of providing a contemporary, evidence-informed review of key areas regarding the neurovascular risks of cervical spine manual therapy. From a consideration of case reviews and surveys, haemodynamic principles, and blood flow studies, the authors suggest that: (1) it is currently impossible to meaningfully estimate the size of the risk of post-treatment complications; (2) existing testing procedures have limited clinical utility; and (3) a consideration of the association between pre-existing vascular risk factors, combined with a system based approach to cervical arterial haemodynamics (inclusive of the carotid system), may assist manual therapists in identifying at-risk patients.

Manual therapy and cervical arterial dysfunction, directions for the future: a clinical perspective.

This paper offers a contemporary, evidence-based perspective on the issue of adverse neurovascular events related to cervical spine manual therapy. The purpose of this perspective is to challenge traditional thought and practice and to recognize areas where practice and research should develop. By considering the themes presented in this paper, the clinician can broaden his or her approach to neurovascular assessment in line with contemporary evidence and thought. We present information based on clinically relevant questions. The nature of vertebrobasilar insufficiency and the utility of pre-treatment testing are examined in light of contemporary evidence. In addition, we report on internal carotid artery pathology, and the significance of appreciating atherosclerosis in clinical decision-making. These later two areas are not commonly recognized within manual therapy literature, and we suggest that their importance to differential diagnosis of head and neck pain, as well as estimating treatment related risk, is paramount. We propose that the term cervical arterial dysfunction is more appropriate than classically used nomenclature. This term refers more accurately and completely to the range of pathologies at different anatomical sites that manual therapists treating patients with head and neck pain are likely to encounter. Finally, we present a brief review of the medico-legal status pertaining to this area. Although this is English law-related, the themes derived from this section are of interest to all manual therapists.

Is mechanical deformation of the suboccipital vertebral artery during cervical spine rotation responsible for vertebrobasilar insufficiency?

PURPOSE: The atlanto-axial region of the vertebral artery (VA) has traditionally been considered at risk for injury during cervical spine rotation, leading to compromised blood flow to the hindbrain and vertebrobasilar insufficiency or ischaemia (VBI). The anatomical relationships of the suboccipital VA (VA3) and related haemodynamic changes associated with cervical spine movements have been neglected, however. The present review aims to provide a new perspective on possible causes of reduced blood flow to the hindbrain, with particular reference to the functional anatomy of VA3 and related biomechanics of cervical spine rotation, to inform evidence-based practice. METHOD: To support the hypothesis that it is VA3, not the VA in the atlanto-axial region, that is compressed or stretched during cervical spine rotation, current studies of blood flow changes in the VA distal to the region of rotation and possible arterial deformation were retrieved, using AMED, CINAHL, Embase, Pedro and PubMed, and reviewed. RESULTS: Possible sites for VA3 deformation, based on a re-examination of its anatomy and biomechanics, are described. However, no research reports of VA3 blood flow measurements associated with cervical spine rotation have been published to date. Five studies on blood flow changes in the intracranial VA after cervical spine rotation were reviewed. The subjects for four of these reports were young, healthy individuals, and the fifth included older patients and young non-patients. The analysis of these studies demonstrated that more rigorous control of variables is necessary before meaningful conclusions can be made. CONCLUSION: The paucity of studies of VA3 emphasises the need for research based on informed understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of this area. This view on mechanical deformation of VA3 associated with cervical spine rotation as a possible cause of compromised blood flow to the hindbrain and VBI provides further argument for avoiding full-range or sustained cervical spine rotation in clinical practice.

Doppler insonation of vertebral artery blood flow changes associated with cervical spine rotation: Implications for manual therapists.

The controversy related to changes in vertebral artery (VA) blood flow associated with rotation of the cervical spine and the implications for professional practice is still of concern to manual therapists. The aim of this review of the literature is, first, to assess current evidence of altered VA blood flow following cervical spine rotation in persons with and without signs and symptoms of vertebrobasilar ischemia/insufficiency (VBI). Second, any reported, related alterations in blood flow that may have consequences for the individual will be discussed to assist manual therapists in pretreatment risk assessment of patients. The most commonly used noninvasive, in vivo technique for measuring blood flow is Doppler ultrasonography. Of the 88 relevant papers retrieved by a systematic literature search covering the past 50 years, 20 studies reported measurement of VA blood flow related to cervical spine rotation. A critical analysis of these reports revealed that there is no standardization of methods used (heterogeneous samples, small sample sizes, various measurement positions and instruments, and different parts of the VA measured); no consensus of findings (no change, and a significant reduction in contralateral VA blood flow, with or without VBI); and no correlations found between rotation, blood flow, and VBI. Nevertheless, this review is of value in increasing our knowledge of the possible mechanisms and consequences of repeated minor arterial trauma and of blood flow changes related to rotational movements used in cervical manual therapy. It highlights, too, the need for caution in the interpretation of pretreatment risk assessment outcome measures.

The vertebral artery: a review of anatomical, histopathological and functional factors influencing blood flow to the hindbrain.

An uncompromised blood flow to the brain is essential for normal neurological function. If the blood supply to the hindbrain, via the paired vertebral arteries, is reduced sufficiently, signs and symptoms of tertebrobasilar ischaemia may result. There are several factors that may cause a reduction in vertebral artery blood flow. These include exostoses, such as the retroarticular canal and lateral bridge of the atlas vertebra that may cause compression of the related part of the vertebral artery; or atherosclerosis of the artery wall occluding the vessel lumen. Functional factors, such as sustained end-of-range rotation of the cervical spine, may cause distortion of the vertebral artery in the suboccipital region, which may be reflected as decreased blood flow in the suboccipital and intracranial parts of the artery. A combination of such factors is likely to cause reduced blood flow to the hindbrain. It is the purpose of this review to highlight some of the factors that may compromise vertebral artery blood flow and, therefore, to provide some evidence on which to base our professional practice.

Is cervical spine rotation, as used in the standard vertebrobasilar insufficiency test, associated with a measureable change in intracranial vertebral artery blood flow?

Cervical spine rotation is used by manual therapists as a premanipulative vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) test to identify patients at risk of developing VBI post-manipulation. Investigations of the effect of rotation on vertebral artery blood flow have yielded conflicting results, the validity of the test being debated. It was the aim of this study, therefore, to investigate the effects of cervical spine rotation on vertebral artery blood flow. Transcranial Doppler sonography was used to measure intracranial vertebral artery blood flow in 30 young, healthy, female subjects, with the cervical spine in the neutral position and with sustained, end-of-range rotation. Statistically significant decreases in blood flow were demonstrated with contralateral rotation particularly, in the left (45.9+/-8.5 to 41.8+/-11.6 cm/s) and right (27.8+/-6.9 to 25.2+/-8.2 cm/s) vertebral arteries. Despite this change in blood flow, signs and symptoms of VBI were not demonstrated in these subjects. Nevertheless, these findings are of clinical importance, especially in patients who may have underlying vascular pathology. Thus, this study supports the use of the VBI test, in the absence of a more specific, sensitive and valid test, to assess the adequacy of hindbrain blood supply to identify those patients who may be at risk of serious complications post-manipulation.

Differences between left and right suboccipital and intracranial vertebral artery dimensions: an influence on blood flow to the hindbrain?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although vertebral artery (VA) blood flow is adequate in normal circumstances, reduction in the dimensions of the vessel because of atherosclerosis, or compression or stretching, may lead to hindbrain hypoxia with serious clinical manifestations. Such effects may be more pronounced in VAs that are naturally smaller than the norm. Because normative data for the suboccipital (VA3) and intracranial (VA4) vertebral artery are not readily available, it was the aim of the present study to measure the dimensions of these distal parts of the VA, to inform professional practice of the possible influence of different vessel dimensions on blood flow to the hindbrain. METHOD: The study was a laboratory-based observational or descriptive study. A total of 40 and 54 left and right, suboccipital and intracranial parts of the VA (n = 188 vessels), obtained from cadavers of females and males aged 20-80 years, was processed for light microscopic study and measurement of the dimensions of the vessels. The left and right inner and outer diameters, cross-sectional areas and the tunica media thicknesses were calculated in each part of the vessel and compared by use of t-tests. RESULTS: The histological structure of the VA was typical of a muscular or distributing artery. Although, in the total number of specimens, no statistically significant differences were found between left and right sides in either part of the vessel, a larger left than right VA4 was demonstrated in the females. The VA3 was significantly larger than VA4 in males and females, and all dimensions in both parts of the vessel were greatest in the older age group. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced VA blood flow, whether because of atherosclerosis or compression or stretching of the vessel, is more likely to occur in arteries that are smaller than normal. This information is of value to clinicians in avoiding further compromising the VA and its blood flow during professional practice.

Changes in vertebral artery blood flow following normal rotation of the cervical spine.

BACKGROUND: Extreme rotation of the cervical spine may cause compromised vertebral artery (VA) blood flow. This is of particular interest to manual therapists because of the potential risks associated with these movements. The question is whether the decreased blood flow is significant and therefore likely to cause vertebrobasilar insufficiency/ischemia (VBI) and whether contralateral and ipsilateral rotations are equally affected. Several studies measuring VA blood flow have been reported. However, different parts of the VA were studied, in small samples of normal subjects and patients over a wide range of ages. Hence, the results are controversial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate intracranial VA blood flow in normal male subjects and female subjects, aged 20 to 30 years, in neutral and maximally rotated cervical spinal positions. METHODS: Transcranial Doppler sonography was used to measure intracranial VA blood flow, with the cervical spine in neutral and then rotated maximally to the left and later to the right. The sample consisted of 60 male subjects and 60 female subjects (240 VAs). Comparisons between the neutral and rotated head positions were made within and between the groups. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease (P =.001) in intracranial VA blood flow following cervical spine rotation, irrespective of side but greater on the contralateral side, in the total sample and in male subjects. Female subjects had a significantly higher blood flow than male subjects, and although they showed a significant decrease with contralateral rotation, there was no significant difference in blood flow on the ipsilateral side. CONCLUSION: Maximal rotation of the cervical spine may significantly affect vertebral artery blood flow, particularly when used in the treatment of patients with underlying vascular pathology.

Vertebral artery atherosclerosis: a risk factor in the use of manipulative therapy?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vertebrobasilar insufficiency, a direct result of compromised blood flow in the vertebrobasilar circulation, may be caused by stretching and/or compression of the vertebral arteries, particularly if superimposed on underlying atherosclerosis of the vessels. This is an important consideration when using manipulative therapy techniques. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of atherosclerosis and to calculate the relative associated decrease in blood flow in the third and fourth parts of the vertebral artery, in a sample of the adult population. METHOD: A laboratory-based experimental investigation was used to study 362 vertebral arteries from embalmed adult cadavers that were routinely processed for light microscopic study. The incidence of each grade of atherosclerosis in the vessels was recorded. Atherosclerosis was classified as grades 0-5, where Grade 0 represented no atherosclerosis and Grade 5 a fully developed plaque occluding more than 75% of the vessel lumen. From mean measurements of 188 of these arteries, the estimated decrease in luminal cross-sectional area and the relative decrease in blood flow in the atherosclerotic vessels were calculated. RESULTS: The highest incidence of atherosclerosis found was Grade 3 (third part of the vertebral artery (VA3): 42.0%; fourth part of the vertebral artery (VA4): 35.2%). An estimated decrease in artery luminal cross-sectional area to 6.2% of normal in Grade 5 atherosclerosis was found. Because blood flow is proportional to the fourth power of the vessel radius, relative decreases in blood flow in grades 1-5 atherosclerosis from 100% to 0% (with critical closing pressure in vessels), respectively, are likely to occur. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that, as significant numbers of the sample showed marked (Grade 3+) atherosclerosis, concomitant with decreased blood flow in the vertebral arteries, this population is at risk for developing vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Because other Western populations may be similarly at risk, particular care should be taken when considering the use of rotational manipulative therapy techniques in treatments of the cervical spine.

A comparison of the proximal and distal parts of the vastus medialis muscle.

The vastus medialis muscle has two distinct parts with different fibre orientations and specific functions: the vastus medialis longus (VML) and the vastus medialis oblique/obliquus (VMO). A fascial plane dividing the two parts, and separate nerve branches supplying each muscle part have been reported. This study was designed to verify this. In 50 cadavers, the angular orientations of the VML and VMO fibres with the femoral axis were measured and found to be significantly different (t(49)=36.35; p<0.001). The VML and VMO were both shown to be innervated by femoral nerve branches. A fascial plane between the VML and VMO was demonstrated in one specimen only. In conclusion, the VML and VMO make up the vastus medialis muscle, a single muscle.

Analgesic sensitivity of two post-partum pain models.

Post-partum uterine cramping and episiotomy pain are established, frequently used, clinical pain models for efficacy trials of investigational new analgesic agents. To determine the respective assay sensitivity of these two models in assessing relative efficacy, we reviewed data from 6 phase II, randomized, stratified, parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind, single-dose studies involving hospitalized women with moderate or severe post-partum uterine cramping (332 patients) or episiotomy pain (434 patients). Using subjective reports as indices of response, patients rated pain intensity and relief at periodic interviews for 6-7 h. Post-partum uterine cramping showed excellent assay sensitivity for detecting differences among peripherally acting analgesics. In the same clinical trial this model could discriminate between a new drug and aspirin 650 mg, a standard reference analgesic, and between 2 graded doses of the new active agent (i.e., good upside sensitivity). In addition the uterine cramp model showed separation between placebo and all active agents (i.e., good downside sensitivity). Episiotomy pain demonstrated similar upside and downside discrimination in clinical trials of several weak centrally acting drugs. These data suggest that post-partum cramping is an excellent pain model for analgesic investigation of new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and episiotomy pain for new weak narcotic and opioid analgesics.