A square‐shaped wrist as a predictor of carpal tunnel syndrome: A meta‐analysis

Introduction: This meta‐analysis aims to assess an association between wrist ratio (wrist thickness/wrist width) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: Sixteen studies qualified for a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Results: Mean wrist ratio was higher in individuals with CTS compared with those without CTS [pooled mean difference 0.036, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.025–0.046]. Pooled odds ratio (OR) of CTS for mean wrist ratio was 4.56 (95% CI 2.97–6.99), and for wrist ratio ≥0.70 vs. <0.70 it was 2.73 (95% CI 1.49–5.01). In addition, the pooled OR for a 1‐unit (0.01) increase in wrist ratio was 1.12 (CI 1.09–1.16). The association between wrist ratio and CTS did not differ between men and women. Moreover, there was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusions: This meta‐analysis suggests that a square‐shaped wrist is a predictor for CTS in both men and women. Future studies should explore whether a square‐shaped wrist can potentiate the adverse effects of obesity and occupational workloads on CTS. Muscle Nerve 52 : 709–713, 2015     

Validation of the psoriasis epidemiology screening tool (PEST) and the new early arthritis for psoriatic patients (EARP) in pediatric population: pilot study

Clinical Rheumatology - Juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA) is a severe inflammatory arthritis, which is associated with psoriasis in most cases. While there are few validated screening tools for...     

Incidence of nonspecific and radiating low back pain: followup of 24–39‐year‐old adults of the Young Finns Study

Objective

The full panorama of the types and severity of low back pain during the life course is poorly known. We studied the incidence and severity of nonspecific and radiating low back pain based on a recent followup on a representative sample of the Finnish general population.

Methods

As part of the ongoing Young Finns Study, participants ages 24–39 years who were free from low back pain at baseline in 2001 were included (n = 1,224). We estimated the incidence of nonspecific and radiating low back pain in 2007.

Results

The incidence of moderate (8–30 days duration in the past 12 months) nonspecific low back pain was 13.2%, and that of radiating low back pain was 8.6%. The rates did not differ between men and women. The incidence of major (>30 days in the past 12 months) nonspecific low back pain was 7.8%, and that of radiating low back pain was 3.4%. The incidence of major nonspecific low back pain was higher in women than in men (P = 0.02). Moderate as well as major nonspecific low back pain declined with age, whereas major radiating low back pain increased with age.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that low back pain is a common condition in adults already in their 30s. It becomes more severe around the age of 40 years, showing different development of nonspecific and radiating low back pain. We recommend monitoring low back health in health surveillance, starting early and differentiating between nonspecific and radiating pain.     

Impact of LUTS using bother index in DAN-PSS-1 questionnaire

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the bothersomeness of urinary symptoms in males with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: A population-based postal survey of urinary symptoms among 2837 men aged 55, 65, or 75 years was conducted. The response rate was 75%, and data of both symptom and bother questions were eligible for 1803-2046 men, depending on the question. Bothersomeness of each urinary symptom was measured with a bother index (BI) as a ratio of the number of men with a bother score higher than a symptom score to that with a bother score lower than a symptom score. The BI was compared with the relative risk (RR), the prevalence of men with bother to those with symptom. RESULTS: Urgency (46%) and postmicturition dribble (42%) were the most common symptoms. Any type of incontinence was considered highly bothersome (BI: 1.79-3.70). In light of the BI, most voiding and postmicturition symptoms except weak stream (BI: 1.14) were well tolerated. The variation of the BI (0.06-3.70) was substantially larger than that of RR (0.53-0.89) of the urinary symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Bothersomeness of a symptom is an independent contribution in the assessment of LUTS. The BI may be a useful indicator of bothersomeness of urinary symptoms. The greater variation of the BI than that of RR indicates that the BI provides information on LUTS that cannot be described by prevalence or prevalence ratio only.