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Biomedical subjects

M J Maricic

Publications and source records attributed to M J Maricic.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Shoulder range of motion in patients with osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of loss of shoulder flexion in patients with osteoporosis, and to determine whether this was correlated with functional disability and pain as measured by the modified Health Assessment Questionnaire. METHODS: Two different exercise regimens, one using traditional extension exercises of the spine (group A) and the other using both the extension exercises and exercises to stretch and strengthen scapular musculature (group B), were compared to determine their effects on range of motion, pain, and disability in 33 women with osteoporosis. RESULTS: A significant improvement in shoulder flexion occurred in both exercise groups compared to controls; however, there were no statistically significant differences either within or between exercise groups from baseline to study end. A decrease in pain correlated with an increase in shoulder flexion in group A (r = 0.56), while an improvement in functional disability scores correlated with an increase in shoulder flexion in group B (r = 0.46). CONCLUSION: Traditional spinal exercises along with exercises that target scapular mobility help to improve shoulder flexion, pain, and function in women with osteoporosis.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Ultrasonographic imaging of the hand and wrist in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess ultrasound findings in patients with rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hand and wrist compared to normal volunteers. DESIGN: Metacarpophalangeal and carpal articulations were imaged ultrasonically. Two readers reviewed static images for synovial, cartilaginous, and bony abnormalities using severity and probability scales. Ultrasound findings were correlated with disease activity. PATIENTS: Ten normal volunteers and 29 patients with known rheumatoid arthritis. RESULTS: Synovial abnormalities and erosions were most commonly identified in the rheumatoid hand and wrist (p < 0.01). Criteria used for normal and abnormal cartilage did not predict normal and disease states. Significant differences in synovial abnormalities and erosions were observed between the inactive and mildly active disease groups as well as the active and mildly active disease groups (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound can detect abnormalities of the hand and wrist in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to normal volunteers. Normal articular anatomy is well demonstrated ultrasonically.

Adult↗