Zebras in the Shoulder: a Review Article on Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound of the Shoulder
AbstractPurpose of ReviewShoulder ultrasound (US) examination is the most frequent US application in the musculoskeletal field. This review article critically analyzes the scientific literature concerning new horizons, pitfalls, and advantages in shoulder US and its translation to clinical practice.Recent FindingsAlthough sonographic appearance of shoulder pathologies such as tendinopathy, tendon tear, bursal pathologies, degenerative changes, calcifications, joint abnormalities, and different signs is important, awareness of different shoulder US pitfalls, dynamic assessments, axillary recess evaluation, post-surgical cha...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - November 8, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

The Impact of Microprocessor Knees on the Cognitive Burden of Ambulation, Patient Safety, Healthcare Economics, and Prosthetic Mobility
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this paper is to highlight significant publications from the last 5  years relative to the impact of microprocessor knees (MPKs) on such considerations as the cognitive loads experienced during prosthetic ambulation, patient safety and the mitigation of fall risk, healthcare economic models, and prosthetic mobility.Recent FindingsRecent publications have linked the use of an MPK with a reduction in the self-reported cognitive demands of ambulation, a substantially reduced risk of injurious falls among individuals with dysvascular amputation etiology, and enhanced prosthetic mobility...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - October 23, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Novel Cancer Therapeutics and Implications for Rehabilitation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo determine how the more recently developed cancer treatments may impact patient function. To determine how rehabilitation medicine may assist in improving quality of life in cancer survivors being treated with novel cancer therapeutics.Recent FindingsChimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy, poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and cancer-specific vaccines are more recently developed anti-neoplastic treatments that are positively affecting survivorship curves. These treatments come with unique toxicity profiles including pain, neurologic im...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - October 23, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Evidenced-Based Management of Tennis Elbow
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTennis elbow or lateral epicondylosis (LE) is a frequent cause of elbow pain affecting patients between 30 and 55  years of age. Although symptoms in most cases are self-limited, pain may persist and be refractory to conservative management. This review article will present evidence-based recommendations about conservative and interventional management options available for LE.Recent FindingsConservative management aimed at reducing pain with a short course of topical or oral anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, correction of kinetic chain dysfunction, and the use of an exercise p...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - October 23, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Rehabilitation for Symptom Management for Patients with Cancer at the End of Life: Current Evidence and Barriers to Care
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this review is to highlight recent literature that addresses the role of rehabilitation for managing symptoms for patients with cancer near the end of life.Recent FindingsCurrent literature supports the integration of rehabilitation interventions as part of comprehensive symptom management in patients with advanced cancer near end of life. Research is needed to clarify the impact and timing of specific rehabilitation techniques. There is also a need for robust education for both palliative and rehabilitation clinicians about the role for rehabilitation.SummaryIn this article, we review ...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - October 7, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Evidence-Based Management of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Runners
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo present a synthesis of recent literature regarding the risk factors and management for MTSS.Recent FindingsRisk factors include female sex, prior history of MTSS, less running experience, female athlete triad/RED-S, higher BMI, smoking, and biomechanical abnormalities. Management includes activity modification, gait retraining, orthotics, medications, and, very rarely, surgery.SummaryMTSS is an overuse injury commonly seen in runners. The pathophysiology remains disputed, and diagnosis is often determined from clinical presentation alone. For unclear reasons, women are at increased risk for deve...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - September 30, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Molecular and Biologic Targets for Radiation Fibrosis: Implications for Rehabilitation
This article also summarizes the treatment paradigms for radiation fibrosis syndrome (RFS) involved in comprehensive cancer rehabilitation.Recent FindingsRecent preclinical studies have investigated various agents targeting transforming growth factor-beta (TGF- β) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), many of which showed favorable outcomes. However, results have been mixed and suggest potential for tissue-specific results. In a small pilot study, pirfenidone was found to improve symptoms. The combination of pentoxifylline and vitamin E has been util ized clinically and has mixed results in the literature.SummaryRF i...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - August 27, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for the Treatment of Tendinopathies: Current Evidence on Effectiveness, Mechanisms, Limitations and Future Directions
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review presents current understanding of mechanisms of action of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and provides a brief overview of its history and development. The central purpose of this review is to synthesize research findings investigating the effectiveness of ESWT for seven common tendinopathies (plantar heel pain, rotator cuff, lateral elbow, Achilles, gluteal, hamstring and patellar tendinopathy) and provide recommendations on clinical applicability.Recent FindingsTendinopathy is a chronic degenerative tendon disorder which is characterised by pain, swelling and impaired physical...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - August 24, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Treatment of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury: a Narrative Review of Current Challenges from Practicing Clinicians
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis narrative review by experienced dysphagia clinicians will highlight both commonly used intervention approaches based on current literature and clinical decision-making considerations specific to patients following TBI.Recent FindingsDysphagia (swallowing disorder) is common following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and requires complex clinical decision-making that integrates both current research and anecdotal clinical experience from dysphagia clinicians. Dysphagia may pose significant barriers to a patient ’s recovery course due to insufficient nutritional intake or adverse pulmonary sequela...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - August 21, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Preliminary Evidence on the Effects of Exercise on Tumor Biology: a Potential Guide for Prescribing Exercise
This report reviews the preliminary evidence of how exercise may alter the tumor microenvironment and tumor biology in animal and human studies and how to incorporate this information in clinical practice of oncology rehabilitation.Recent FindingsPotential mechanisms explaining the impact of exercise on the tumor microenvironment include activating and mobilizing immune cells, reducing inflammation, and modifying tumor vasculature which enhances the delivery of anticancer therapies. Pre-clinical data translates to promising preliminary data in human studies; however, randomized, controlled trials in patients are limited.Su...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - August 14, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Aromatase Inhibitor-induced Musculoskeletal Syndrome: a Review of Rehabilitation Interventions
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this narrative review is to highlight clinically relevant characteristics and rehabilitation interventions for aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal syndrome (AIMSS).Recent FindingsAIMSS is a constellation of musculoskeletal symptoms including arthralgias, myalgias, and stiffness resulting from estrogen deprivation. The etiology likely relates to estrogen ’s role in pain, immune, and skeletal, cartilaginous modulation. Rehabilitation strategies include medications and supplements, resistance, and aerobic exercises. Majority of the rehabilitation studies evaluated exercise int...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - August 3, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

The Practical Utility of Functional Electrical Stimulation Exercise for Cardiovascular Health in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries (SCI). This review focuses on the importance of exercise, specifically functional electrical stimulation (FES) exercise, as an intervention to reduce CVD risk in individuals with SCI.Recent FindingsRegular exercise of sufficient intensity (~6 METS) decreases overall risk of CVD in able-bodied individuals. Individuals with SCI have difficulty achieving this intensity since paralyzed muscle cannot contribute to the exercise response. FES is a practical intervention in which ...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - July 20, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment or “Chemobrain:” Emerging Assessments, Treatments, and Targets for Intervention
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review is intended to provide a summary of the current literature on cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) to support practitioners and researchers with the evaluation and management of patients with CRCI.Recent FindingsKnown discrepancies between objective findings and perceived cognitive impairment highlight the importance of utilizing both performance-based measures and self-report measures to identify cognitive problems impacting patients ’ quality of life and engagement in important roles and activities. Additionally, several potential contributing factors may initiate or exacerbat...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - July 17, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Update on Evaluation and Management of Calcific Tendinopathy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper aims to assess the pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, and latest evidence-based treatments for calcific tendinopathy (CT). We focus on shoulder CT and provide other regional anatomy pearls when applicable.Recent FindingsUltrasound and plain radiographs are the primary imaging modalities for diagnosis. Imaging findings can also be helpful in guiding prognosis and treatment. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage coupled with a subacromial injection should be considered if symptoms persist despite conservative management. High-energy shockwave therapy, both focused and radial, also appea...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - July 10, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Diagnosis and Management of Foot and Ankle Injuries in Dancers
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDance is a popular activity throughout the world. There are many styles of dance, each having distinct physical demands and injury patterns. Healthcare providers should have some familiarity with the typical injuries seen in the dancer ’s foot and ankle.Recent FindingsAlong with strong physical exam skills, an understanding of the best imaging options is paramount. High-resolution ultrasound can often be used as reliably as MRI for many of these diagnoses.SummaryThe present article aims to brief the regional anatomy, address the typical presentation, and review exam findings and management option...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - July 9, 2021 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research