Patellofemoral Syndrome: a Review of Diagnosis and Treatment
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPatellofemoral syndrome (PFS) is a common condition seen in people with anterior knee pain. This review explores patient presentations and exam maneuvers used for diagnosis, as well as established/up-and-coming treatment interventions.Recent FindingsPain reduction and prevention are the main goals for PFS as they negatively affect quality of life. Combination hip and knee exercises have been found to be most beneficial during therapy due to the multifactorial etiology of PFS. Combining exercise therapy with patellar taping has also shown a reduction in acute pain. Ultrasound may be used to evaluate...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - March 14, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Peroneus Tendon Disorders: Evaluation and Non-operative Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this narrative review, we describe the relevant anatomy, discuss the history and exam findings, detail the workup, and review the management of peroneal tendon disorders.Recent FindingsThe role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of peroneal tendon disorders is evolving. The response to steroid injection appears to be better if symptom duration is less than 1  year. Newer therapies such as blood flow restriction show promise. Others, such as platelet-rich plasma injections, are not currently supported by the evidence. It remains unclear if footwear plays a role in injury risk and...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - March 11, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Evaluation and Management of Speech and Swallowing Issues in RFS
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDelayed onset of communication and swallowing dysfunction due to radiation-associated neuromuscular injury is one of the most challenging clinical presentations in head and neck cancer rehabilitation. This review details the current literature and describes an evidence-based process for evaluating and treating this unique clinical entity.Recent FindingsRadiation-fibrosis syndrome (RFS) is associated with lower cranial nerve palsy, dysphagia, trismus, dysarthria, dysphonia, and dyspnea. Sequelae of dysfunction can include feeding tube dependence, tracheostomy, depression, anxiety, and poor quality o...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - March 11, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Update on Disorders of Consciousness
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to update the reader on recent trends in disorders of consciousness (DOC) including pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.Recent FindingsNon-behavioral assessments such as electroencephalography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography have resulted in improved understanding of the brain networks underlying consciousness. These non-behavioral assessments also provide valuable information on diagnosis and prognosis. Behavioral assessments of disorders of consciousness should be performed using a standardized assessment, per...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - March 8, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Disparities of health impacting head and neck cancer and rehabilitation
AbstractPurposeHealth disparities are well documented throughout medicine. Several studies have demonstrated differences when it comes to age, sex, ethnic background, and insurance type but not many have looked within head and neck cancer rehabilitation. The purpose of this review article was to explore current evidence regarding health disparities specific to HNC as well as disparities more broadly in rehabilitation. The intersection of these two bodies of evidence will be discussed to increase awareness of current health disparities.Recent FindingsWe found that disparities exist in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - March 7, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Non-surgical Management of Phantom Limb Pain: Current and Emerging Clinical Approaches
This article focuses on a review of the non-surgical treatment options for patients with phantom limb pain (PLP).Recent FindingsBased on a review of the published literature over the past 5  years, the most promising evidenced-based therapies involve sensory feedback to the user through either visual or tactile stimulation.SummaryOf these, the most effective therapies include mirror therapy, phantom motor imagery, and phantom motor execution and, therefore, should be considered when treating individuals with PLP. (Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports)
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - February 28, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Evaluation and Management of Pain in Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome
This article explores the clinical manifestations of this syndrome which cause pain, and treatment strategies that can be used to ameliorate pain and improve function and quality of life.Recent FindingsDepending on the cancer type and tissues affected, radiation fibrosis syndrome exhibits a varied clinical picture. Taking a thorough history and physical exam coupled with the use of validated outcome measures can provide an accurate assessment of the patient. Treatment frequently involves the use of rehabilitation, medications, injections, and/or surgery, as appropriate for each patient.SummaryRadiation fibrosis syndrome ca...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - February 21, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Primary Care in the Spinal Cord Injury Population: Things to Consider in the Ongoing Discussion
We present a “cheat sheet” of recommendations for the preventive care evaluation of a person living with a SCI. (Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports)
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - February 18, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Use of Physical Activity Measures in Rehabilitation Interventions Following Lower Extremity Amputation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis systematic review aims to evaluate physical performance outcome tools that are used most frequently to assess rehabilitation interventions. The scope of this paper focused on outcomes used with established lower limb amputees when assessing interventions such as exercise programs or changes in prescription published in the last 5  years.Recent FindingsThe most recorded outcome measures used across all the papers were timed walk tests and the Activity Balance Confidence Scale. Many outcomes did not produce statistically significant results with established amputee cohorts. Understanding the mi...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - February 10, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

A Hybrid Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Curriculum for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residents —a Multi-center Pilot Program
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe increased use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) in clinical practice warrants achieving competency earlier in physiatrists ’ careers. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency programs have started incorporating formal MSKUS training in their curricula; however, significant heterogeneity remains in MSKUS education.Recent FindingsNumerous barriers contribute to the lack of consensus for MSKUS training during residency, but the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted in-person learning. As an adjunct or alternative to in-person learning, teleguided technology is being utilized....
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - February 9, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Transcutaneous Osseointegration for Amputees: What Is It, How Did It Evolve, and What May Develop?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo introduce and review the field of transcutaneous osseointegration for amputees (TOFA). TOFA surgically inserts a permanent metal prosthetic attachment anchor directly into an amputee ’s residual limb, which connects to standard external prosthetic through a transcutaneous stoma. This confers a replacement limb while eliminating the traditional prosthesis (TP) socket.Recent FindingsTOFA provides substantial quality of life and mobility improvements for patients dissatisfied with their TP. Press-fit TOFA has proven safe for amputees with various medical morbidities. Adjunctive technologies such ...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - February 1, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Effects of Ibuprofen on Muscle Hypertrophy and Inflammation: a Review of Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for post-exercise recovery and reduction of muscle soreness and pain. While many studies have contradictory results on whether NSAIDs hinder the post-exercise recovery process, this study sought to identify more clearly the effects of NSAIDs on the exercise-induced inflammatory response, muscle protein synthesis, and overall post-exercise muscle recovery.Recent FindingsNSAID ingestion is common for the reduction of delayed onset muscle soreness after exercise or to decrease pain and inflammation during the rehabilitation of a muscle i...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - January 26, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Post-operative Inpatient Falls Among Major Lower Limb Amputees
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAmputees are at the highest risk of any subgroup to experience a fall during their inpatient stay. This review seeks to enhance the understanding of amputee falls risk and explore ways to prevent or mitigate damage due to inpatient falls.Recent FindingsFalls among lower limb amputees occur at a rate of 16.5% immediately after surgery while in the acute care hospital and 20.5 to 35% during inpatient rehabilitation. Three percent of patients experience a fall significant enough to require revision surgery and almost half of those are revised to a higher level. Unilateral transtibial amputation and di...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - January 19, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Evaluation and Management of Radiation-Induced Plexopathies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of the review is to detail the pathophysiology, clinical signs and symptoms, and evaluation and management of patients with radiation-induced plexopathy (RIP). The specific cancer types, radiation treatment techniques, and the associated plexus neuroanatomy most susceptible to injury will be discussed.Recent FindingsThe latest research has not demonstrated a way to predict which patients will develop RIP. There is, however, a strong correlation to dosing, anatomical exposure, and pattern of damage and symptomatology. While there is no cure for RIP, advances in radiation delivery techniq...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - November 28, 2022 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Establishing a Cancer Rehabilitation Service in a Middle-Income Country: an Experience from Brazil
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOur aim is to provide a historical review of the implementation of a cancer rehabilitation center in Brazil, active since 2008. We expect this data to support the implementation of other centers both in Brazil and worldwide.Recent FindingsCancer rehabilitation delivery is fragmented and punctuated in most cases, and cancer rehabilitation centers are rare. Data on how to establish rehabilitation centers could facilitate the implementation of new centers. We provide data on what was our strategy for hiring, establishing treatment protocols, barriers, and facilitators. We also provide figures on the n...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - November 28, 2022 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research