Immediate improvement in the cranio-cervical flexion test associated with MDT-based interventions: a case report

The patient in this case study presented with constant idiopathic neck pain and left lower scapular pain (greater than 3 months) and was treated based on the principles of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). Retraction exercises produced centralization of the lower scapular pain to the upper part of the scapula at the initial visit. At the first visit, the performance level on the Cranio-Cervical Flexion Test (CCFT) was ≤20 mmHg before the treatment. At the conclusion of the treatment during which centralization occurred, the CCFT level improved to 24 mmHg. At the second visit, all symptoms were abolished and cervical range of motion (ROM) was fully restored by performing repeated extension in lying from a retracted position with clinician’s traction. The CCFT levels before and immediately after the treatment were 24 and 26 mmHg, respectively. At the third visit (1 week after the initial visit), he noted that all daily activities could be performed without pain. The CCFT level was maintained at 26mmHg. The patient in this study showed immediate improvement in the CCFT through the treatments based on MDT. This suggests a possible link between MDT interventions and motor control of the cervical spine and a need to further investigate this relationship.     

Physical Therapy Diagnosis and Management of a Patient with Chronic Daily Headache: A Case Report

Abstract

Chronic headaches are a significant health problem for patients and often a clinical enigma for the medical professionals who treat such patients. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy diagnosis and management of a patient with chronic daily headache. The patient was a 48-year-old woman with a medical diagnosis of combined common migraine headache and chronic tension-type headache. An exacerbation of these long-standing headache complaints had resulted in a chronic daily headache for the preceding eight months. Symptoms included bilateral headache, neck pain, left facial pain, and tinnitus. Outcome measures used included the Henry Ford Hospital Headache Disability Inventory (HDI) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Examination revealed myofascial, articular, postural, and neuromuscular impairments of the head and neck region. Treatment incorporated myofascial trigger point dry needling, orthopaedic manual physical therapy, exercise therapy, and patient education. On the final visit, the patient reported no headaches during the preceding month. There was a 31% improvement in the HDI emotional score, a 42% improvement in the functional score, and a 36% improvement in the total score for the HDI, the latter exceeding the minimal detectable change for the total score on this measure. The NDI at discharge showed an 18% improvement with a maximal improvement during the course of treatment of 26%. Both improvements exceeded the minimal clinically important difference for the NDI. This case report indicates that physical therapy diagnosis and management as described may be indicated for the conservative care of patients with chronic headaches.     

Effect of Ischemic Compression on Trigger Points in the Neck and Shoulder Muscles in Office Workers: A Cohort Study

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the short-term effect of ischemic compression (IC) for trigger points (TPs) on muscle strength, mobility, pain sensitivity, and disability in office workers and the effect on disability and general pain at 6-month follow-up.

Methods

Nineteen office workers with mild neck and shoulder complaints received 8 sessions of IC in which deep pressure was given on the 4 most painful TPs identified during examination. Outcome measures were general neck and shoulder complaints on a Numeric Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index (NDI), neck mobility (inclinometer), muscle strength (dynamometer), and pain sensitivity (Numeric Rating Scale and algometry). Subjects were tested at baseline (precontrol), after a control period of no treatment of 4 weeks (postcontrol), and after a 4-week intervention training (posttreatment). At 6-month follow-up, pain and disability were inquired.

Results

The results showed a statistically significant decrease in general neck/shoulder pain at posttreatment (P = .001) and at 6-month follow-up (P = .003) compared with precontrol and postcontrol. There was no significant main effect for NDI scores. Pressure pain threshold increased at posttreatment in all 4 treated TPs (P < .001). There was a significant increase in mobility and strength from precontrol/postcontrol to posttreatment (P < .05).

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated that a 4-week treatment of TPs for IC resulted in a significant improvement in general neck and shoulder complaints, pressure pain sensitivity, mobility, and muscle strength in the short term in a small sample of office workers with mildly severe chronic pain. At 6-month follow-up, there was a further decrease in general pain, but no change in NDI scores.     

Psychometric properties of the Neck Disability Index and Numeric Pain Rating Scale in patients with mechanical neck pain

Cleland JA, Childs JD, Whitman JM. Psychometric properties of the Neck Disability Index and numeric pain rating scale in patients with mechanical neck pain.

Objective

To examine the psychometric properties including test-retest reliability, construct validity, and minimum levels of detectable and clinically important change for the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain in a cohort of patients with neck pain.

Design

Single-group repeated-measures design.

Setting

Outpatient physical therapy (PT) clinics.

Participants

Patients (N=137) presenting to PT with a primary report of neck pain.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

All patients completed the NDI and the NRS at the baseline examination and at a follow-up. At the time of the follow-up, all patients also completed the global rating of change, which was used to dichotomize patients as improved or stable. Baseline and follow-up scores were used to determine the test-retest reliability, construct validity, and minimal levels of detectable and clinically important change for both the NDI and NRS.

Results

Test-retest reliability was calculated using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (NDI ICC=.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], .25-.67; NRS ICC=.76; 95% CI, .51-.87). The area under the curve was .83 (95% CI, .75-.90) for the NDI score and .85 (95% CI, .78-.93) for the NRS score for determining between stable and improved patients. Thresholds for the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for the NDI were 19-percentage points and 1.3 for the NRS.

Conclusions

Both the NDI and NRS exhibit fair to moderate test-retest reliability in patients with mechanical neck pain. Both instruments also showed adequate responsiveness in this patient population. However, the MCID required to be certain that the change in scores has surpassed a level that could be contributed to measurement error for the NDI was twice that which has previously been reported. Therefore the ongoing analyses of the properties of the NDI in a patient population with neck pain are warranted.     

Use of an abbreviated neuroscience education approach in the treatment of chronic low back pain: a case report

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) remains prevalent in society, and conservative treatment strategies appear to have little effect. It is proposed that patients with CLBP may have altered cognition and increased fear, which impacts their ability to move, perform exercise, and partake in activities of daily living. Neuroscience education (NE) aims to change a patient's cognition regarding their pain state, which may result in decreased fear, ultimately resulting in confrontation of pain barriers and a resumption of normal activities. A 64-year-old female with history of CLBP was the patient for this case report. A physical examination, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), and Zung Depression Scale were assessed during her initial physical therapy visit, immediately after her first physical therapy session, and at 7-month follow-up. Treatment consisted of an abbreviated NE approach, exercises (range of motion, stretches, and cardiovascular), and aquatic therapy. She attended twice a week for 4 weeks, or 8 visits total. Pre-NE, the patient reported NPRS?=?9/10; ODI?=?54%; FABQ-W?=?25/42,; FABQ-PA?=?20/24, and Zung?=?58. Immediately following the 75-minute evaluation and NE session, the patient reported improvement in all four outcome measures, most notably a reduction in the FABQ-W score to 2/42 and the FABQ-PA to 1/24. At a 7-month follow-up, all outcome measures continued to be improved. NE aimed at decreasing fear associated with movement may be a valuable adjunct to movement-based therapy, such as exercise, for patients with CLBP.     

Effect of pulsed ultrasound on chronic rhinosinusitis: A case report

This case report demonstrates that pulsed ultrasound (US), when used for a total of 20 treatment sessions, provided symptom relief to a patient with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). A 16-year-old boy with a 12-month history of rhinosinusitis and candidate for sinus surgery was referred for ultrasound therapy. He presented with facial pain/pressure, nasal obstruction, and postnasal drip (total sinusitis score=7). On computed tomographic (CT) scanning, the total opacification of the right maxillary sinus was observed. The ostiomeatal complex was occluded (total CT score=6). Pulsed ultrasound was administered three times a week, every other day. After 10 treatment sessions, his symptoms were resolved with exception of nasal obstruction being mild (total sinusitis score=2). On CT scan, right maxillary sinus showed partial improvement (total CT score=2). After additional 10 treatments, the nasal obstruction was resolved, and follow-up CT scan of his sinuses showed that right maxillary sinus was clear and normal. At 6-month follow-up, the positive effects were maintained and the patient reported no recurrence of symptoms. Twenty sessions of pulsed ultrasound therapy eradicated the CRS and resolved the symptoms.     

Targeted etanercept for discogenic neck pain: uncontrolled,open-label results in two adults

BACKGROUND: Etanercept, a recombinant biologic anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha therapeutic, is approved for the treatment of certain autoimmune arthritides by subcutaneous (SC) injection. TNF-alpha has been suggested to play a central role in neuropathic pain and neuronal damage associated with intervertebral disc herniation. Directed local administration of etanercept, in anatomic proximity to the site of disc and neuronal abnormality, may result in an enhanced therapeutic response. OBJECTIVE: This study reviews findings from 2 patients with chronic, severe, discogenic cervical pain who were treated with a targeted cervical injection of etanercept with the objective of obtaining relief from their treatment-resistant pain. METHODS: In this uncontrolled, open-label study, the case histories of 2 patients (1 woman and 1 man) presenting with a history of chronic neck pain refractory to various treatments are reviewed. Both patients were treated with etanercept 25 mg by SC injection to the cervical region (case 1) or the posterior neck overlying the spine (case 2). RESULTS: Both patients experienced almost complete pain relief as assessed subjectively. In case 1, the Oswestry score decreased from 58 before treatment to 6 one day following treatment. In addition, 1 day after treatment the patient reported a subjective assessment of 98% pain improvement, 100% sensory improvement, and 100% weakness improvement. She has remained asymptomatic for >1 year. In case 2, the Oswestry score decreased from 44 before treatment to 4 two months after treatment. The patient reported 100% pain relief and 90% sensory improvement 1 day after treatment. At 8-month follow-up, pain improvement continued to be 100% and sensory improvements was 75%. CONCLUSIONS: Etanercept, delivered by targeted SC injection, may be of benefit for selected patients with resistant pain associated with cervical disc disease. Further study of this new treatment modality is warranted.     

Use of an abbreviated neuroscience education approach in the treatment of chronic low back pain: A case report

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) remains prevalent in society, and conservative treatment strategies appear to have little effect. It is proposed that patients with CLBP may have altered cognition and increased fear, which impacts their ability to move, perform exercise, and partake in activities of daily living. Neuroscience education (NE) aims to change a patient's cognition regarding their pain state, which may result in decreased fear, ultimately resulting in confrontation of pain barriers and a resumption of normal activities. A 64-year-old female with history of CLBP was the patient for this case report. A physical examination, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), and Zung Depression Scale were assessed during her initial physical therapy visit, immediately after her first physical therapy session, and at 7-month follow-up. Treatment consisted of an abbreviated NE approach, exercises (range of motion, stretches, and cardiovascular), and aquatic therapy. She attended twice a week for 4 weeks, or 8 visits total. Pre-NE, the patient reported NPRS?=?9/10; ODI?=?54%; FABQ-W?=?25/42,; FABQ-PA?=?20/24, and Zung?=?58. Immediately following the 75-minute evaluation and NE session, the patient reported improvement in all four outcome measures, most notably a reduction in the FABQ-W score to 2/42 and the FABQ-PA to 1/24. At a 7-month follow-up, all outcome measures continued to be improved. NE aimed at decreasing fear associated with movement may be a valuable adjunct to movement-based therapy, such as exercise, for patients with CLBP.     

Predictors for Positive Response to Home Kinematic Training in Chronic Neck Pain

ObjectivesThere is strong evidence for exercise therapy in neck pain, but a wide variety of protocols. Predictors for outcome are unknown and current practice is based on trial and error. The objective of this study was to identify predictors for response to home kinematic training (KT) considering improvement in both self-reported and kinematic measures.MethodsA continuing analysis of data from the second phase of a randomized controlled trial, which included 4 weeks of KT using laser or virtual reality, with baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up measures. Positive self-reported response was defined as a ≥50% pain reduction, ≥7% reduction in neck disability index (NDI), or a global perceived effect of 3 to 5 of 5. A second model defined improvement by ≥40% increase in cervical velocity.ResultsData were retrieved from 79 participants with chronic neck pain who completed the postintervention evaluation and 52 who completed the 3-month follow-up. Self-reported response was 71% to 73% and kinematic response was 41% to 46%. Prediction models indicated an immediate increase in self-reported measures in men with NDI ≥ 20% slower (≤65°/s), and less accurate (≥16° error) cervical motion at baseline. In the longer term, older patients with higher NDI seemed to benefit more. In the second model, no factors significantly predicted improvement in kinematic measures at either time point.ConclusionA high positive response rate to home KT was found by self-reported criteria. Males with poorer clinical and kinematic presentation at baseline, that is greater disability and slower neck motion, were more likely to respond.     

Prospective Cohort Study of Patients With Neck Pain in a Manual Therapy Setting: Design and Baseline Measures

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to describe the design and baseline measurements of a prospective multicenter cohort study in patients with neck pain treated by Dutch manual therapists. Objectives of the study were to determine which patients seek help from a manual therapist, to describe usual care manual therapy in patients with neck pain, to examine the occurrence of nonserious adverse events after treatment, to describe predictors of adverse events, and to determine whether the occurrence of nonserious adverse events affect outcome after manual therapy care.MethodsDuring a 3-month inclusion period, consecutive patients aged between 18 and 80 years presenting with neck pain in manual therapy practices in The Netherlands were included in the study. Baseline questionnaires included the Numeric Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire, Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), and Patient Expectancy List. Within the treatment episode, manual therapist clinical reasoning and applied interventions were registered and patients reported on adverse events. At the end of the treatment episode and at 12-month follow-up, pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale), functional outcomes (NDI, Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire), personal factors (FABQ), and global perceived effect were measured.ResultsDuring the 3-month inclusion period, 263 participating manual therapists collected data on 1193 patients with neck pain. Most patients (69.4%) were female. The mean age was 44.7 (±13.7) years. The NDI showed overall mild disability (mean score 26%). Mean scores in pain intensity were moderate (4.8), and there was low risk of prolonged disability owing to personal factors (FABQ).ConclusionThis study provides information on baseline characteristics of patients visiting manual therapists for neck pain. In The Netherlands, patients seeking care of manual therapists are comparable to patients in other countries regarding demographics and neck pain characteristics.     

Bryan人工椎间盘单节段置换治疗颈椎间盘退变性疾病的临床疗效

目的 评价Bryan人工椎间盘单节段置换治疗颈椎间盘退变性疾病的临床疗效.方法 2004年11月-2008年4月,21例颈椎间盘退变突出并经保守治疗无效的患者接受Bryan人工颈椎间盘单节段置换术.患者术前、术后1、6、12、18、24个月时使用颈椎功能障碍指数(neck disable index,NDI)、症状程度...     

Treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis using erythromycin phonophoresis

Bacterial biofilms have been implicated in many chronic infective diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Therapeutic ultrasound enhances the breakdown of bacterial biofilms and is clinically effective in CRS treatment, while phonophoresis has also been utilized for antibiotic delivery through the skin. The objective of this case report is to describe the results of a novel treatment, erythromycin phonophoresis, in a woman with CRS. A 31-year-old woman with a 7-month history of CRS refractory to conventional medical management was treated with erythromycin phonophoresis to both maxillary sinuses. Individual sinus symptom severity was assessed and sinus CT scans were obtained both pretreatment and posttreatment. After treatment, the total sinusitis symptom score improved from 12 to 0 and the CT scan showed almost complete disease resolution. At 5-month follow-up, the patient reported sustained improvement. Erythromycin phonophoresis has potential as an effective treatment for CRS.     

Monoradikuläre,lumbosakrale Wurzelkompressionssyndrome in Längsschnitt

A total of 97 patients with an acute monoradicular lumbosacral compression syndrome and a herniated disc at the same level were reinvestigated an average of 25 months after the acute event. Assessment was based on CT investigation and "root score", which was compiled from reports of subjective complaints and neurological deficits. All patients had initially undergone conservative treatment as inpatients. At the time of reinvestigation CT examination of the herniated discs revealed that they were unchanged in 56.7%, some-what smaller in 34%, no longer visible in 4.1% and larger in 5.2%. Nevertheless, 53.6% of patients were free of complaints, while 23.7% had improved clinically by more then 75%. The remainder showed improvement by about 25-75%. In no patient was the score unchanged or worse. In 69% of the patients neurological deficits were no longer demonstrable, and the remaining patients were not aware of deficits or did not feel any impairment from deficits that were obvious on clinical example. In 22.7% impairment was caused solely by local radicular or pseudoradicular pain. From these results it can be concluded that herniation of the disc precipitates the acute event but is not the sole source of the pain. In the majority of cases, during the further course of the disease the herniated disc causes no pain. It appears, therefore, that the course of disease following a disc herniation can be influenced very favourably by non-operative treatment and that in more than 50% of cases the condition becomes clinically silent. It follows that in neuroradicular compression syndromes a neurological deficit associated with the acute event does not mean operative intervention is indicated.     

Role of Manual Physical Therapy and Specific Exercise Intervention in the Treatment of a Patient with Cervicogenic Headaches: A Case Report

Abstract

Headaches are a common complaint among patients seeking medical care. This case report highlights the role of physical therapy (PT) management including manual therapy and specific exercise interventions in the care of a patient with cervicogenic headaches. The patient was an 18-year-old female college student with a medical diagnosis of migraine headaches. Her history included three previous motor vehicle accidents. Treatment from her primary care physician and optometrist had had no effect on her headache intensity and frequency. Findings on the PT examination included upper cervical segmental restrictions and neuromuscular imbalances. The primary treatment strategy for this patient included cervical manipulation, neuromuscular retraining of deep neck flexors, and soft tissue manipulation. The patient demonstrated improvement with a total of seven treatment sessions over a five-week period. Neck Pain Disability Index score improved from a score of 38% perceived disability at initial examination to a score of 10% upon discharge. Headache frequency and intensity significantly improved as upper cervical segmental mobility and deep cervical flexor function improved to within normal limits. This case report demonstrates the potential role of manual physical therapy and specific exercise intervention in quickly improving function and impairments in a patient with cervicogenic headaches.     

Are SPA therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy effective for chronic neck pain? Randomised clinical trial First part: clinical evaluation]

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare SPA therapy (ST) with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy in chronic neck pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria were age between 18 and 80 years, neck pain of more than 3 months' duration and pain score>30 mm on a visual analog scale (VAS). Exclusion criteria were contraindication to ST or PEMF. The protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Grenoble Hospital. Randomisation to the ST (n=44) and PEMF groups (n=42) was blinded. The main outcome measure was number of improved patients at 6 months in each group. A patient was considered improved if pain score decreased by more than 20%. Secondary measures were score on the Copenhagen and MOS SF-36 scales. Evaluation and intent-to-treat analysis were also blinded. RESULTS: Patients' preferences were for PEMF. At 6 months, in the PEMF group, 33 patients were improved, 5 not improved and 4 lost to follow-up. In the ST group, 24 patients were improved, 14 not improved and 6 lost to follow-up, for significantly greater improvement in the PEMF than ST group (p=0.02). Significant improvement was seen in both groups in terms of pain score, Copenhagen scale score and score on some dimensions of the MOS SF-36 survey. CONCLUSION: PEMF seems to be superior to standard ST without massage in control of neck pain. The difference between groups, although perhaps biased, seem to suggest the importance of our conclusions.     

Bryan人工颈椎间盘置换治疗颈椎病的中期临床随访

背景：Bryan人工颈椎间盘置换的短期疗效优良已被大多数学者公认,但有关其中长期临床效果及并发症的资料较少。目的：总结Bryan人工颈椎间盘置换治疗颈椎病的中期临床效果。方法：选择2004-11/2007-12在四川大学华西医院骨科接受Bryan人工颈椎间盘置换的颈椎间盘突出症患者34例,其中单节段置换30例,双节段置换4例。于置换前、置换后7d、3,6,12,24,36,48个月行SF-36生活质量量表评分、JOA评分、颈部及上肢疼痛目测类比评分;以颈椎正侧位及功能位X射线片测量手术节段、邻近节段及C2～7屈伸活动度的变化,手术节段和邻近节段椎间高度变化及手术节段的轴向平移情况。结果与结论：所有患者置换后神经症状均明显好转,各随访点SF-36生活质量量表躯体评分和心理评分、JOA评分、颈部和上肢疼痛目测类比评分较置换前明显改善（P〈0.05）,3个月之后各随访时点两两比较差异无显著性意义（P〉0.05）。置入的Bryan假体历次随访均保留了〉2°的活动度,未发现手术节段异位骨化与自发性融合,随访48个月时手术节段及C2～7屈伸活动度较置换前略有增加,但差异无显著性意义（P〉0.05）;上下邻近节段屈伸活动度维持了置换前水平;手术节段的椎间高度由置换前的（6.04±1.02）mm增加到（8.44±0.43）mm（P〈0.05）;上下邻近节段椎间高度及手术节段的轴向平移均维持了置换前水平。说明Bryan人工颈椎间盘治疗颈椎间盘退变性疾病的中期临床效果良好,较好的保留了手术节段、邻近节段及整个颈椎的运动学特性,且近中期并发症很少。     

Effect of rehabilitative exercise and spinal manipulative therapy on veteran with chronic diffuse spine pain: A case report

IntroductionPatient is a 57-year-old male veteran with complaints of musculoskeletal origin. The patient was treated with rehabilitative exercise, manual therapy, and spinal manipulative therapy. Treatment helped improve the patient's ability to perform ADLs and is reflected in rehabilitative exercise progression and objective findings.Case presentationThe patient is a 57-year-old male veteran who presented with chronic cervical, thoracic, and lumbar pain. Range of motion was decreased and painful during all active ranges of motion. Each region had degenerative changes at various levels confirmed via radiographs. Rehabilitative exercise was directed with results from a Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA). Patient was treated with manual therapy and spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). Rehabilitative exercises were selected to improve the patient's ADLs based on goals, to target chief complaints, and correct SFMA findings.Management and outcomeThe patient's progress was tracked with progression in rehabilitative exercise. The patient's objective findings continually improved throughout the care plan. At the end of the care plan, the patient underwent the same examination, and the objective findings were compared. There was an improvement across all objective testing.DiscussionThis case demonstrates the classic veteran with chronic diffuse spine pain that interferes with performance in their normal activities of daily living. This case demonstrated that the combination of soft tissue therapy, SMT and rehabilitative exercise can show an improvement in objective findings and help the patient meet their goals.     

Clinical results versus subjective improvement with anterior transposition in cubital tunnel syndrome

This study was conducted to compare the results of anterior transposition methods and to determine the time needed to attain subjective well-being in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome. A total of 49 cases were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were called for follow-up, completed a questionnaire, and were reexamined. They were assigned to one of 3 groups: subcutaneous transposition (SCT), submuscular transposition (SMT), or intramuscular transposition (IMT). The McGowan classification and Wilson-Krout criteria were used for classification and outcomes assessments. Categorical variables were analyzed with the chi2 test, and metric variables by analysis of variance or through Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis. Improvement of at least 1 McGowan grade was observed in 87.63% of patients. The least responsive group was assigned a McGowan grade of III. The most effective procedure for resolving clawing was SMT. Clinical results were excellent in 26 patients (53.06%), good in 12 (24.48%), fair in 4 (8.16%), and poor in 7 (14.28%). At the latest follow-up, overall grip and pinch strength had improved by 23% and 34%, respectively, compared with the contralateral side. Thirty-six patients exhibited an improvement in grip power and 38 in fine dexterity. Complete resolution of numbness was observed in 32 patients, and complete resolution of pain was noted in 30 patients. The preoperative mean visual analog scale score of 6.82 improved to 3.36 postoperatively. Clawing improved in 4 patients and atrophy in 7. The mean time to subjective improvement was shortest in the SMT group and longest in the IMT group. The greatest pain relief was reported in the IMT group and the least in the SMT group. One case with IMT required reoperation because of recompression of the nerve. The most frequent complication in the SMT and IMT groups was muscular tenderness. In conclusion, SCT offers an alternative to other anterior transposition methods because of its simplicity and quicker recovery time, especially in mild to moderate cases.     

Classification-based approach for management of an adolescent with LBP, lower extremity pain, and a relevant postural deformity

A 15-year-old female presented to physical therapy 2 months after a traumatic injury with severe low back pain, referred unilateral leg pain below the knee, and a lumbar lateral shift. A classification-based approach, mechanical diagnosis and therapy, was utilized to identify the patient with respect to a particular subgroup, and interventions were applied according to symptomatic response to loading strategies, sustained and repeated movements. Outcome measures included the Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ) and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain rating. After nine visits (4 weeks), there was a 60% improvement in MODQ score, 0/10 pain on the VAS, and the patient resumed participation in recreational activities. At the 1-year follow-up, there was a 78% overall improvement in MODQ score with continued 0/10 rated pain. Improvements after nine visits and at the 1-year follow-up both exceeded the minimal clinically important difference for the MODQ.