ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nonspecific chronic neck pain is increasing according to work-related gestures and modern lifestyle. Myofascial pain syndrome is a common problem and may be a primary disease. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of cervical myofascial pain syndrome in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain with normal MRI. We also examined the correlation between patients' age as well as pain severity and duration. METHODS: Patients with neck pain radiating to their upper extremity were examined despite normal MRI findings. We evaluated 10 different muscles based on myofascial pain syndrome criteria and also recorded pain intensity and functional ability using visual analogue scale and neck disability index, respectively. A physical therapist with at least 10 years of clinical experience with myofascial pain syndrome performed all physical examinations. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients (69 females and 57 males) participated in this study, out of whom, 14 patients (11.1%) had no muscular involvement, while 112 cases (88.9%) revealed at least one trigger point. The infraspinatus and scalene muscles were the most commonly involved muscles accounting for 38.9% and 34.9% of all the involvements, respectively. The severity of pain was significantly associated with the disability of the patients (r=0.64, P<0.001). However, the correlation between pain and the number of trigger points was not significant (r=-0.19, P=0.31). Finally, the least significantly correlated variables were disability and the number of trigger points (r=-0.17, P=0.05). Patient's age was significantly correlated neither with the number of trigger points (r=-0.04, P=0.62), nor the pain duration (r=0.07, P=0.39). CONCLUSION: Myofascial pain syndrome is a common disorder in patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain, despite normal MRI findings. Although, pain is not correlated with the number of trigger points in these patients, we demonstrated a small correlation between patients' disability and the latter variable.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of perilunate dislocations (PLDs) and transscaphoid perilunate fracture dislocations (TSPLDs) treated with operative volar approach without ligament repair or reconstruction. METHODS: A total of seven patients (10 hands) were studied during 2017-2018. We fixed scaphoid fractures thorough a volar approach and 3 k-wires were inserted to stabilize the scaphoid to the adjacent bones. We evaluated patients' range of motion by VAS and grip strength, sensitivity assessment, and radiographs. Mayo and DASH scores were also recorded for wrist evaluation. RESULTS: All fractures united well. The mean Mayo wrist score was 81.5. Five patients scored good and excellent results (90-100). Excellent DASH scores (Ë20) were observed in 4 patients and there was no poor DASH score (Ë50). CONCLUSION: Treatment of PLDs and TSPLDs with k-wire and screw fixation using a volar approach and without any ligament repair or reconstruction results in minimal manipulation and has favorable short-term outcomes.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND Duodenal biopsy is required for diagnosis of celiac disease in adults, although some studies have suggested adequate accuracy of serology alone. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the correlation between anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) titer and pathological findings and to define the specific level of tTG for predicting celiac disease in adults without the need for biopsy sampling. METHODS This descriptive study was done on 299 participants. The tTG titer and pathological findings of duodenal biopsy samples were used for this study. Analysis of Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to find a cut-off point of anti-tTG antibody for mucosal atrophy. RESULTS Mean tTG titers was significantly higher in patients graded as Marsh III≥ 3 (p=0.023). ROC curve analysis showed 89.1% sensitivity for cut-off point≥76.5 IU/mL of anti-tTG. For Marsh≥ II, specificity was 28% and positive predictive value was 91%.CON CLUSION There is a linear correlation between increasing tTG level and Marsh I to III. Specificity of tTG titer more than 200 was 100% for Marsh >2.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Malva sylvestris aqueous extract on cutaneous wound healing in BALB/c mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty seven male BALB/c mice (2.5 months of age) were used. A cut wound (superficial fascia depth) was made locally. The mice were then divided into three groups: the first, second and third groups received topical administration of M. sylvestris 1% aqueous extract, silver sulfadiazine topical cream and cold cream (positive and negative control groups), respectively. On days 4, 7 and 10 excisional biopsies were performed and wound healing was evaluated histopathologically. The data were analyzed by the ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests. RESULTS: On days 4 and 7, the numbers of inflammatory cells in the silver sulfadiazine and M. sylvestris-treated groups were significantly lower than the control group and keratinization at the edges of the wound in both groups was significantly higher than the control group. On the tenth day of the study, the Malva-treated mice showed better healing features and less fibrosis and scar formation, and also fewer hair follicles were damaged in this group. On the tenth day of the study, the numbers of inflammatory cells in M. sylvestris and silver sulfadiazine-treated groups were significantly lower than the control group. CONCLUSION: The present study supports the beneficial effects of M. sylvestris on the wound healing process and suggests a potential clinical application.
