ABSTRACT
Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between positive toxicology screens and measures of preinjury mental health and physical function in an orthopaedic trauma population. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Setting: Urban Level 1 trauma center. Patients: A total of 125 trauma patients gave written consent for this study. Main Outcome Measurements: Questionnaires such as, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7, PCL-5, and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, were used to survey patients after surgical intervention. Results: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (P = 0.05) and PCL-5 (P = 0.04) were not found to have significant differences between positive and negative toxicology screens. Both General Anxiety Disorder-7 (P = 0.004) and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment function (P = 0.006) were significantly higher in patients with positive toxicology screens. Conclusions: Positive toxicology seems to be associated with preinjury anxiety. Patient reported preinjury function was not adversely affected by the presence of illicit substances or alcohol, nor were levels of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression found to be higher in patients with positive toxicology screens. Level of Evidence: Level IV Cross-Sectional Study.
ABSTRACT
Technology is an essential part of our lives. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to leave the house without a cell phone. Despite the wide range of benefits of cell phones and handheld electronic devices, this evolution of technology has not come without a price. The pandemic of cell phone use among children and young adolescents has led to the emergence of a set of musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms that have not been seen before in this age group. These symptoms can range from neck and shoulder discomfort to pain, peripheral neurological symptoms of the upper extremity, and long-term complications such as disk prolapse and degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine. This clinical presentation is known as "text neck syndrome." In addition to MSK symptoms, text neck syndrome could also include eye and ear symptoms, psychological problems, peripheral neurological symptoms, and poor academic performance. Multiple mechanisms have been discussed by which cell phone use causes MSK symptoms. Maladaptive postures, a decrease in physical activity leading to obesity, and the direct effect of electromagnetic radiation are some of the mechanisms by which long-term use of cell phones leads to the clinical presentation of text neck syndrome and its long-term consequences. The purpose of this article is to review the literature, discuss the epidemiology of cell phone use and MSK symptoms associated with its use in children and adolescents, describe its clinical presentation, explain the pathophysiology behind it, and provide preventative guidelines that can be used by this age group to allow for the continued use of these electronics without harmful effects on their posture and long-term health.
