Direct, quantitative clinical assessment of hand function: usefulness and reproducibility

Methods of assessing functional impairment in arthritic hands include pain assessments and disability scoring scales which are subjective, variable over time and fail to take account of the patients' need to adapt to deformities. The aim of this study was to evaluate measures of functional strength and joint motion in the assessment of the rheumatoid (RA) and osteoarthritic (OA) hand. Ten control subjects, ten RA and ten OA patients were recruited for the study. All underwent pain and disability scoring and functional assessment of the hand using measures of pinch/grip strength and range of joint motion (ROM). Functional assessments including ROM analyses at interphalangeal (IP), metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and wrist joints along with pinch/grip strength clearly discriminated between patient groups (RA vs. OA MCP ROM P<0.0001), pain and disability scales were unable to. In the RA there were demonstrable relationships between ROM measurements and disability (R2=0.31) as well as disease duration (R2=0.37). Intra-patient measures of strength were robust whereas inter-patient comparisons showed variability. In conclusion, pinch/grip strength and ROM are clinically reproducible assessments that may more accurately reflect functional impairment associated with arthritis.     

超声检查对评估滑膜病变的意义

目的　应用超声检查技术评估类风湿关节炎 (RA)及骨性关节炎 (OA)患者的膝关节的滑膜病变情况 ,了解正常人群膝关节的滑膜情况。方法　超声检查 3 6例RA、3 3例OA共计 13 8个膝关节及 44例正常对照组的 88个膝关节的髌上囊进行横切面与纵切面探查 ,测量其滑膜厚度 ,观察关节腔积液的情况。结果　正常人膝关节滑膜厚约 (0 .10± 0 .0 2 )cm ,RA与OA患者膝关节滑膜均明显增厚 ,与正常对照组相比在统计学上具有显著性的差异 (P <0 .0 0 1) ,但RA与OA比较在统计学上无显著性差异 (P >0 .0 5 )。RA膝关节积液发生率高于OA。结论　RA和OA患者双膝关节滑膜均明显增厚且表面不光滑、边缘不规则 ,RA膝关节受累后易发生关节积液 ;正常人的滑膜厚度与年龄无明显关系。     

Bilateral Sensory Effects of Unilateral Passive Accessory Mobilization in Patients With Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate changes in pressure sensitivity and pinch grip force in the nonsymptomatic side in patients with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA) after the application of a unilateral passive accessory mobilization to the symptomatic hand.MethodsSecondary analysis of data from a randomized trial with concealed allocation, blinded assessor, and intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Twenty-eight patients (72% females), with unilateral CMC OA and mean age ± SD of 82 ± 6 years, met all the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate. The experimental group received passive accessory mobilization to the CMC OA, and the control group received a nontherapeutic dose of intermittent ultrasound on the affected side for 4 sessions over 2 weeks. Outcome measures including pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at the lateral epicondyle, thumb CMC joint, tubercle of the scaphoid bone, and the unciform apophysis of the hamate bone and tip and tripod pinch and grip strength of the contralateral/unaffected hand were assessed at baseline as well as 1 and 2 weeks after treatment by an assessor blinded to the group allocation. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine changes in PPT and pinch and grip strength.ResultsNo important baseline differences were observed between groups. At the end of the follow-up period, the experimental group exhibited a significant increase in PPT at the CMC joint as compared with the control group 0.6 kg/cm² (95% confidence interval, 0.3-1.0; F_3.0 = 4.89; P = .009). Although PPT changes in the experimental group were higher than the control group at the remaining sites, differences did not reach statistically significance. Similarly, tip, tripod pinch, and grip strength remained unchanged after the intervention.ConclusionThis secondary analysis found that the application of a unilateral passive accessory mobilization targeted to the symptomatic CMC joint induced an increase of PPT levels 2 weeks after treatment; however, differences were small and likely of limited clinical value. No contralateral motor effects were observed. Future studies including larger sample sizes are needed to examine the effects of joint mobilization on motor and sensory effects.     

Comparison between Several Ultrasound Hand Joint Scores and Conventional Radiography in Diagnosing Hand Osteoarthritis

This is the first study to investigate the usefulness of a standardized ultrasound (US) examination protocol in diagnosing hand osteoarthritis (OA). We conducted a cross-sectional study including 62 patients, ultimately diagnosed with hand OA based on imaging evidence of osteoarthritic changes with the particular distribution required for fulfilment of American College of Radiology diagnosis criteria. We compared a 32-joint US score (wrists, metacarpophalangeal [MCP], proximal interphalangeal [PIP] or distal interphalangeal [DIP] and carpometacarpal [CMC]-1 joints), with smaller, predefined joint scores, assessing 22 joints (wrists, MCPs and PIPs or PIPs, DIPs and CMC-1), 10 joints (MCP 2–3, PIP 2–3 and CMC-1 or PIP 2–3, DIP 2–3 and CMC-1) and 6 joints (DIP 2–3, CMC-1), respectively. The US findings were correlated with radiographic scores for erosions and osteophytes. Radiographic osteophyte scores correlated well with all the US scores mentioned earlier (R?=?0.381 to 0.645, p?<?0.05), despite low sensitivity for detection of osteophytes (43.5%) and erosions (28.9%), compared with the 32 joint US score. Both 10 joint US protocols (assessing MCP 2–3, PIP 2–3 and CMC-1 or PIP 2–3, DIP 2–3 and CMC-1 joints) performed better than conventional radiography, by identifying osteophytes in an additional 25.6% and 23.9% of patients, respectively. The conclusion of this study is that the US examination of 10 preselected hand joints is more sensitive than conventional radiography in diagnosing hand OA in patients who do not fulfill American College of Radiology clinical criteria, a finding likely to have practical implications for facilitating diagnosis of hand OA.     

类风湿性关节炎手部小关节病变的声像图表现

目的探讨高频超声在类风湿性关节炎(RA)手部小关节病变检查中的应用价值。方法应用高频超声对23例类风湿性关节炎患者(RA组)的230个掌指关节及184个近端指间关节行双侧对比扫查,检测滑膜厚度、血流供应,观察关节腔、骨面及关节周围软组织情况,并与20例健康志愿者(对照组)双侧相应关节扫查结果对比。结果超声图像可清晰显示RA组指关节积液303个(303/414,73.19%);关节滑膜增生264个(264/414,63.77%);彩色多普勒血流成像及能量多普勒超声均可显示RA组患者病变指关节滑膜血管过度增生,显示率分别为31个(31/303,10.23%),76个(76/303,25.08%);且能量多普勒超声的显示率明显高于彩色多普勒血流成像(P0.01)。结论高频超声可清晰显示手部关节腔积液、关节滑膜增生及关节内血管增生,为临床诊治RA提供重要依据。     

Manipulation under joint anesthesia/analgesia: a proposed interdisciplinary treatment approach for recalcitrant spinal axis pain of synovial joint origin

BACKGROUND: Manipulation under joint anesthesia/analgesia (MUJA) is an approach to treatment for patients with chronic, recalcitrant spinal axis pain of synovial joint origin. MUJA is the synthesis of fluoroscopically and corticosteroid agents with targeted, manual mobilizations and/or manipulations of the injected joint(s). DISCUSSION: MUJA should be viewed with guarded optimism because its success is based solely on anecdotal experience. Many physicians (specializing in targeted intraarticular "blocks" of spinal synovial joints) and chiropractors (specializing in manual mobilization and manipulation of spinal synovial joints) in the Tyler, Texas, area have treated more than 1000 patients over a 7-year period with the MUJA protocol. This protocol includes treatment of the atlanto-occipital and lateral atantoaxial joints of the upper cervical spine, the zygapophysial joints of the cervical spine from C2-3 to C6-7, the thoracic spine and the lumbar spine, and the pelvic sacroiliac joints. CONCLUSION: The following patient types are suitable candidates for MUJA: patients with dominant spinal axis pain who have been unable to progress despite the passage of sufficient time (>2 months) and the delivery of prior treatments, including spinal manipulative therapy; patients with pain so severe that standard manipulative therapy cannot be delivered with technical success; and patients with complex problems in whom the diagnosis of synovial joint-mediated spinal pain must be established before the safe delivery of manipulative therapy.     

Immediate and Carryover Changes of C5-6 Joint Mobilization on Shoulder External Rotator Muscle Strength

ObjectiveClinical evidence has shown that extremity dysfunction, such as muscle weakness or inhibition, is associated with spinal disorders. Spinal manual therapy is a common therapeutic approach used to address extremity muscle weakness. The purpose of the study was to assess changes in the maximal muscle strength of the shoulder external rotators immediately and at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after cervical joint mobilization at the C5-6 segment.MethodsEighteen participants with existing or a history of neck pain were screened by 2 investigators independently for muscle weakness of shoulder external rotators. Fifteen qualified participants underwent shoulder external rotator strength testing with a handheld dynamometer. Each participant was tested 6 times, twice before, immediately after, and at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after a C5-6 joint mobilization on the involved side. The 2 strength data collected before the mobilization were used to determine intratester reliability.ResultsThe intratester reliability of the shoulder external rotator strength was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient_3,2 = 0.985). One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures showed a statistical significance in strength data (P = .002). Post hoc tests revealed a significant increase between prejoint mobilization and immediately postjoint mobilization (P = .003) and between pre joint mobilization and 10-minute post joint mobilization (P < .001).ConclusionsThe results of the study suggest that C5-6 joint mobilization increases muscle strength of the shoulder external rotators immediately and its effect carries over for 10 minutes but not after 20 minutes.     

类风湿性关节炎:膝关节高频超声及超声造影表现与实验室检查的相关性

目的探讨类风湿性关节炎(RA)膝关节滑膜改变的高频超声及CEUS表现与实验室检查的相关性。方法对72例RA患者及30名正常人行高频超声及彩色多普勒超声观察滑膜状态(包括滑膜厚度、关节积液程度、滑膜血流情况);应用CEUS观察膝关节滑膜微循环情况,并分析其与抗环瓜氨酸肽抗体(Anti-ccp)、类风湿因子(RF)、血沉(ESR)、C-反应蛋白(CRP)的相关性。结果超声示,与正常人比较,RA患者膝关节出现不同程度的滑膜增厚、关节积液增多(P<0.01);CEUS更为清晰地显示滑膜内血管翳形成情况;滑膜厚度与CRP(r=0.36,P<0.001)及ESR(r=0.49,P<0.001)、膝关节髌上囊液体厚度与CRP(r=0.44,P<0.001)及ESR(r=0.52,P<0.001)、滑膜厚度与Anti-ccp均有一定相关性(r=0.44,P=0.033)。结论 RA的高频超声及CEUS表现与实验室检查具有相关性,可在一定程度上为诊断RA提供依据。     

Investigation of the effect of conservative interventions in thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct a current review of randomized controlled trials regarding the effect of conservative interventions on pain and function in people with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA), perform a meta-analysis of the findings and summarize current knowledge. Method: Data were obtained from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro and CENTRAL databases from their inception to May 2014. Reference lists of relevant literature reviews were also searched. All published randomized trials without restrictions to time of publication or language were considered for inclusion. Study subjects were symptomatic adults with thumb CMC OA. Two reviewers independently selected studies, conducted quality assessment and extracted results. Data were pooled in a meta-analysis, when possible, using a random-effects model. Quality of the body evidence was assessed using GRADE approach. Results: Sixteen RCTs involving 1145 participants met the inclusion criteria. Twelve were of high quality (PEDro score?>?6). We found moderate quality evidence that manual therapy and therapeutic exercise combined with manual therapy improve pain in thumb CMC OA at short- and intermediate-term follow-up, and from low to moderate quality evidences that magneto therapy improves pain and function at short-term follow-up. Orthoses (splints) were found to improve function at long-term follow-up and pinch strength at short-term follow-up. Finally, we found from very low to low-quality evidence that other conservative interventions provide no significant improvement in pain and in function at short- and long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Some of the commonly performed conservative interventions performed in therapy have evidence to support their use to improve hand function and decrease hand pain. Additional research is required to determine the efficacy of other therapeutic interventions that are performed with patients with thumb CMC OA.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• Manual therapy and exercise are an effective means of improving pain and function at short-term follow-up by patients with thumb CMC OA.

• Magneto therapy, manual therapy, manual therapy and exercise and Orthoses (splints) were found to have clinically significant results.

• Very few of the included studies showed a clinically significant effect size in favor of treatment.

     

Radial nerve mobilization decreases pain sensitivity and improves motor performance in patients with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Villafañe JH, Silva GB, Bishop MD, Fernandez-Carnero J. Radial nerve mobilization decreases pain sensitivity and improves motor performance in patients with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.ObjectiveTo examine the effects of radial nerve mobilization on pain sensitivity and motor performance in subjects with secondary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.DesignRandomized controlled trial. Treatment and placebo were given for 4 weeks. Measurements were taken before intervention, after 1 month (first follow-up), and after 2 months (second follow-up).SettingPatients from the Department of Physical Therapy, Azienda Sanitaria Locale 3, Collegno (Italy).ParticipantsParticipants (N=60; age range, 70–90y) with right-dominant hand secondary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis without other motor-related pathology. All patients completed the study. No patients were withdrawn from the study.InterventionsSliding mobilization of the proximal-distal radial nerve or intermittent ultrasound therapy, used as placebo.Main Outcome MeasuresWe hypothesized that radial nerve mobilization induces hypoalgesia and increases strength in secondary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. We measured pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the trapeziometacarpal joint, the tubercle of the scaphoid bone, and the unciform apophysis of the hamate bone by algometry. Tip pinch strength and tripod pinch strength were measured by a mechanical pinch gauge.ResultsTreatment increased PPT by 3.33±.24kg/cm² (P<.001) in the trapeziometacarpal joint and was maintained until first follow-up and second follow-up. Also, PPT in the scaphoid bone and hamate bone was increased (P<.001 and P<.02, respectively). Variables in the placebo group remained unchanged. Tip pinch strength increased by 2.22±.22kg (P<.04) and tripod pinch strength by 2.83±.24kg (P<.019).ConclusionsRadial nerve mobilization decreases pain sensitivity in the trapeziometacarpal joint and increases tip pinch strength.     

Rehabilitation interventions for pain and disability in osteoarthritis: a review of interventions including exercise, manual techniques, and assistive devices

OVERVIEW: Osteoarthritis (OA) results in progressive destruction of articular cartilage and bone at the joint margins, leading to impairments extending far beyond the synovial joint. Rehabilitation interventions that target specific impairments and activity restrictions can help restore independence and promote healthy living. Such interventions include exercise, physical modalities (ice, heat, ultrasonography), manual techniques (mobilization and manipulation), and assistive devices. The predominance of evidence on the effects of rehabilitation interventions for knee and hip OA suggest that they afford modest pain relief, reduced disability, and improved function. Research is needed to identify the modes of exercise and the effective doses for relief of symptoms and functional limitations.     

2-Deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">D</Emphasis>-glucose Joint Uptake on Positron Emission Tomography Images: Rheumatoid Arthritis Versus Osteoarthritis

Purpose Previous positron emission tomography (PET) studies have shown increased 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose (FDG) uptake in joints of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and inflamed joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study compares FDG uptake in joints of RA and OA patients and FDG-uptake with clinical signs of inflammation. Procedures FDG-PET scans of hands and wrists were performed in patients with RA and primary OA. PET data were compared with clinical data. Results 29% of RA joints and 6% of OA joints showed elevated FDG-uptake. The level of uptake in PET-positive OA joints was not significantly different from that in RA joints. The majority of PET results of RA joints corresponded with clinical findings. Clinical synovitis was found some OA joints with FDG-uptake. Conclusions FDG-uptake was observed in the majority of clinically inflamed RA joints and in a few OA joints with no significant difference in uptake level. The latter may be due to secondary synovitis.     

Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease of synovial joints, and pain is the predominant problem for people with RA. Pain in RA is distressing in its own right and adversely affects disability and psychosocial outcomes. RA pain may be due to joint inflammation and also augmented by central sensitization and structural joint damage. Noninflammatory pain mechanisms may confound the assessment of disease activity in RA, and treatment should aim to both suppress inflammatory disease and relieve pain symptoms. Effective treatment stratification requires a full assessment of pain mechanisms by clinical history and examination, as well as objective assessment of synovitis and joint damage. Biologic therapies and joint replacement surgery have major impacts on RA pain, but may only be available to those with most severe or advanced disease. Holistic approaches to pain management are indicated, including pharmacologic analgesia where randomized controlled trials (RCTs) offer evidence of efficacy.     

超声在早期类风湿性关节炎的临床研究

目的 探讨手部小关节的彩色多普勒超声成像在早期类风湿性关节炎诊断中的临床价值.方法 对38例患者(共836个关节)及20例健康志愿者(共440个关节)采用高频探头进行双手腕关节、掌指关节及近端指间关节超声检查.并随机选取5例患者行核磁对照.结果 38例患者中34例273个关节滑膜增厚;30例112个关节关节腔积液;12例25个关节探及滑膜血管翳;5例5个关节伴有关节周围渗出;3例11个关节可见骨破坏.滑膜增厚发生最多,双手共22个关节中,有19个关节滑膜厚度与健康组比较差异有统计学意义.结论 彩色多普勒超声诊断早期类风湿性关节炎手部小关节滑膜病变为临床提供诊断依据.     

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs) for metalloproteinase derived type II collagen neoepitope, CIIM--increased serum CIIM in subjects with severe radiographic osteoarthritis

ObjectivesIn joint degenerative diseases, the collagens are degraded by matrix metalloproteinases and protein fragments are released to serum as potential biomarkers.MethodsA collagen type II specific neoepitope, CIIM, was identified (…RDGAAG¹⁰⁵³) by mass spectrometry. Two ELISAs against the neoepitope were developed. CIIM was measured in cartilage explants in the presence or absence of protease inhibitors. CIIM was measured in OA synovial fluid (n = 51) and serum (n = 156). Knee OA was graded by standard Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) score.ResultsThe ELISAs showed good technical performance; CV%, < 13%. CIIM release from cartilage explants was blocked by the MMP inhibitor. CIIM was detected in synovial fluid. Furthermore, serum CIIM levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in those individuals with mild or severe OA than in those with no OA.ConclusionWe developed a new biomarker for joint degenerative diseases, which we demonstrated was derived from MMP-degraded type II collagen.     

Manual fixation versus locking during upper cervical segmental mobilization. Part 2: an in vitro three-dimensional arthrokinematic analysis of manual axial rotation and lateral bending mobilization of the atlanto-axial joint

BackgroundThree-dimensional kinematic aspects of coupled motion during manual cervical mobilization have not previously been studied. Using an in vitro 3D-motion analysis method, the kinematic effects of two different segmental techniques for axial rotation and lateral bending mobilization of the upper cervical spine were investigated as a second part of the study (in part one, kinematic effects of flexion-extension mobilization have been investigated).MethodsAxial rotation and lateral bending mobilization of the atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial segments were analysed in vitro using an electromagnetic tracking device. Local reference frames were defined based on bony reference points that were registered using a 3D-digitizing stylus.Five embalmed and one fresh specimen were analysed. Segmental motion was registered simultaneously in the atlanto-occipital and the atlanto-axial joints during manual mobilization through the full range of axial rotation and lateral bending mobility. The 3D-kinematic aspects during regional mobilization were compared with those during segmental mobilization with manual fixation and during segmental mobilization using a locking technique.ResultsDuring both segmental axial rotation techniques of the atlanto-axial joint, a significant reduction of the coupled lateral bending and flexion-extension motion was observed. The locking technique also induced an increase in the main axial rotation component. During lateral bending mobilization of the atlanto-axial joint, the manual fixation technique reduced the effect on the coupled flexion-extension component significantly.InterpretationsThese results suggest that for manual segmental axial rotation and lateral bending mobilization of the upper cervical spine segmental manual fixation or locking may be preferred in different situations depending on the desired effects. This study brings additional information to the data provided by part 1 of this study on the 3D-arthrokinematic effects of flexion-extension mobilization.     

Heightened Flexor Withdrawal Response in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis Is Modulated by Joint Compression and Joint Mobilization

Patients with chronic pain often present with hyperalgesia, possibly due to hyperexcitability of nociceptive pathways. The aim of the present study was to investigate alterations in flexor withdrawal reflex (FWR) excitability in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the potential effect of specific physical inputs or therapeutic interventions (ie, joint compression and mobilization) on these behaviors. Ten subjects with and 10 without knee OA (age 45–75) were recruited. The FWR was examined utilizing suprathreshold, noxious electrocutaneous stimuli applied at the medial foot. Surface electromyographic (EMG) was recorded from the tibialis anterior (TA) and biceps femoris (BF), and peak joint torques recorded at the hip, knee, and ankle. FWR threshold was ascertained and responses at 2× threshold recorded after the following conditions: a maximal, volitional, joint-compression task, a sham hands-on intervention, and a Grade III oscillatory joint-mobilization intervention. A decreased threshold-to-flexor withdrawal response was found in the OA vs control group (P < .01). EMG and joint-torque FWR responses were further augmented in the OA group following the maximal joint-compression task (P < .05), yet remained unchanged or diminished in controls. Joint mobilization, but not sham intervention, reduced reflex responses significantly, although primarily by decreasing BF activity and knee torques (P < .05).PerspectiveApplication of specific physical inputs to individuals with knee OA similar to those encountered during activity of daily living or during therapeutic interventions appear to modulate involuntary, nociceptive reflex responses. Routine weight-bearing activities such as walking may potentially enhance heightened FWR responses, while joint mobilization, a commonly used clinical intervention, may diminish reflex excitability.     

Exercise Therapy in Addition to an Orthosis Reduces Pain More Than an Orthosis Alone in Patients With Thumb Base Osteoarthritis: A Propensity Score Matching Study

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of exercises and orthotics with orthotics alone on pain and hand function in patients with first carpometacarpal joint (CMC-1) osteoarthritis (OA) and to predict outcomes on pain and hand function of exercises and orthotics.DesignProspective cohort study with propensity score matching.SettingData collection took place in 13 outpatient clinics for hand surgery and hand therapy in The Netherlands.ParticipantsA consecutive, population-based sample of patients with CMC-1 OA (N=173) was included in this study, of which 84 were matched on baseline demographics and baseline primary outcomes.InterventionsExercises and orthotics versus orthotics alone.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcomes included pain and hand function at 3 months, measured using visual analog scale (VAS, 0-100) and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ, 0-100).ResultsA larger decrease in VAS pain at rest (11.1 points difference; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-20.3; P=.002) and during physical load (22.7 points difference; 95% confidence interval, 13.6-31.0; P<.001) was found in the exercise + orthotic group compared to the orthotic group. In addition, larger improvement was found for the MHQ subscales pain, work performance, aesthetics, and satisfaction in the exercise + orthotic group. No differences were found on other outcomes. Baseline scores of metacarpophalangeal flexion, presence of scaphotrapeziotrapezoid OA, VAS pain at rest, heavy physical labor, and MHQ total predicted primary outcomes for the total exercise + orthotic group (N=131).ConclusionsNon-surgical treatment of patients with CMC-1 OA should include exercises, since there is a relatively large treatment effect compared to using an orthosis alone. Future research should study exercises and predictors in a more standardized setting to confirm this finding.     

超声与磁共振对类风湿关节炎腕手关节病变诊断价值的比较

  目的  探讨类风湿关节炎腕手部关节病变的超声和磁共振病变分布特征并比较二者的诊断价值。  方法  对11例类风湿关节炎患者进行腕手部超声和磁共振检查, 计算两种影像方法对腕手部关节滑膜炎、骨质侵蚀和肌腱病变的检出率, 以磁共振为金标准评价超声对腕手部关节各种病变的诊断效力。  结果  共评价腕手部103个关节和112个肌腱区域。超声和磁共振对腕手部关节滑膜炎、骨质侵蚀、肌腱病变的检出率分别为59.2%、11.7%、18.8%和62.1%、14.6%、32.1%。腕关节三种病变检出率均高于掌指关节和指间关节。腕部伸肌腱病变检出率高于屈肌腱, 掌指关节屈肌腱病变检出率高于伸肌腱。与磁共振相比, 超声对腕手部关节滑膜炎、骨质侵蚀、肌腱病变的诊断敏感性为92.2%、73.3%、59.5%, 特异性为94.9%、97.7%、98.6%, 阳性预测值为96.7%、84.6%、96.2%, 阴性预测值为88.1%、95.6%、80.2%。  结论  类风湿关节炎腕部受累较掌指关节和近端指间关节常见, 腕部伸肌腱病变较屈肌腱病变常见, 掌指关节处屈肌腱病变较伸肌腱病变常见。以磁共振为对照, 超声检查对腕关节各种病变诊断准确率较高, 对掌指关节处伸肌腱病变诊断敏感性较低。     

GUIDED EXERCISES WITH OR WITHOUT JOINT MOBILIZATION OR NO TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH SUBACROMIAL PAIN SYNDROME: A CLINICAL TRIAL

BackgroundGraded resistance training is the recommended treatment for patients with subacromial pain syndrome. It is debated whether adding joint mobilization will improve the outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of guided exercises with or without joint mobilization, compared with controls who did not receive any treatment.MethodsA 3-armed controlled trial in a primary care setting. A total of 120 patients, with clinically diagnosed subacromial pain syndrome, were randomized into guided exercise groups with and without additional joint mobilization, and a control group that did not receive any treatment. Data were analysed at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months. Primary outcome was the Constant-Murley score, and secondary outcomes were pain and active range of motion.ResultsShoulder function improved in all groups, as measured with the Constant-Murley score. At 12 weeks and 6 months the exercise groups improved significantly compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Add-on joint mobilization resulted in decreased pain in active range of motion at 6 and 12 weeks compared with guided exercise or no treatment (p ≤ 0.05). Range of motion increased over time in all 3 groups.ConclusionIn patients with subacromial pain syndrome guided exercises improved shoulder function compared with no treatment. Add-on joint mobilization decreased pain in the short-term compared with exercise alone or no treatment.LAY ABSTRACTTo determine treatment efficacy in patients with shoulder pain treated with a combination of joint mobilization and guided training or guided training alone, and compare this with a control group who received no treatment. The study was a randomized controlled trial in Swedish primary care. A total of 120 patients aged between 20 and 59 years were recruited from general practice in Stockholm. Guided exercises, with or without joint mobilization, improved shoulder function compared with no treatment. In the short term, add-on joint mobilization decreased pain, and may thus serve as a substitute for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other painkillers at the start of a treatment period.Key words: Constant-Murley score, manual therapy, resistance training, shoulder pain

Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) is a clinical diagnosis and one of the most common reasons for seeking physical therapy in primary care (1). The aetiology is known to be multi-factorial and includes several rotator cuff pathologies, such as increased tendon thickness (e.g. tendinopathies), bursitis, and tears affecting the rotator cuff or the long head of the bicepstendon (2). No single examination test has the specificity and sensitivity to alone set the diagnosis. A combination of different tests has been suggested (3). There is little knowledge about the natural history and treatment of patients with SAPS. This syndrome is believed to consist of inflammatory cells, and therefore patients with SAPS are often treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injection (4). Even if current evidence suggests that the inflammatory response is a key component, the presence of inflammation has not been confirmed in those with tendinopathy (5).A consensus on physical therapy treatment for patients with SAPS was reached in 2015 (6). This was after the start of the current clinical trial. However, the current trial followed the guiding principles for implementing exercise therapy for shoulder pain recommended by the consensus. Namely, a limited number of exercises, performed with appropriate scapulo-humeral coordination and humeral head alignment, in a gradually progressed manner.A common reason for using joint mobilization is to reduce hypomobility and improve shoulder function, but it has also been used to decrease pain (7, 8). The main mechanism for joint mobilization discussed is neurophysiological, and includes stimulating mechanoreceptors, releasing endorphins, and reducing the cytokine concentration (9). Whether joint mobilization evokes pain relief, which then provides suitable conditions for resisted exercises, is inconclusive (10, 11). However, the joint mobilization according to Kaltenborn used in the current study is a theory, and was used in order to decrease pain and increase relaxation (8).The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical outcome, in terms of shoulder function and pain, of guided exercises with or without the addition of joint mobilization compared with no treatment, in patients diagnosed with SAPS. The hypothesis was that the addition of joint mobilization of the gleno-humeral joint would be superior to guided exercises alone or no treatment in patients with SAPS.