This study examined whether resident injection skills could be enhanced using synthetic injection models. A total of 30 physiatry residents underwent written and injection-model pretesting and posttesting. After randomization into injection-model and control groups, the experimental group trained by watching an instructional videotape and by using models that gave visual feedback on injection accuracy, whereas the control group studied technical aspects of injections. Immediately after patient injections, a blinded attending graded residents on the required level of verbal or manual assistance. The experimental group performed significantly better during patient injections as per first injection data (i.e., the scores obtained from performing a procedure for the first time on each particular body region; P = 0.013), total injection data (i.e., the mean scores obtained from performing all procedures on each particular body region; P = 0.017), and postrotation practical testing (P < 0.007) but not for didactic knowledge (postrotation written testing; P < 0.039). Data analysis by body region showed significant benefit only for occasionally performed patient injection procedures. The benefit was most evident in less experienced residents. Injection-model accuracy testing correlated with actual patient injections, both for first injections into each major body region (r = 0.52, P = 0.005) and for all injections (r = 0.55, P = 0.003). Consideration should be given for incorporating injection-model training into residency education, especially for residents with less injection experience and for occasionally performed procedures. The overall correlation between model practical testing and subsequent patient injection performance suggests that models can measure injection competence.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMed2004

Shoulder injections for osteoarthritis and other disorders.

Shoulder injection procedures are powerful diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the care of patients with osteoarthritis and other pathologic conditions of the shoulder-girdle region. Although questions regarding many of the details of the specific procedures still need to be answered, a modest body of literature is available. The musculoskeletal physiatrist is in a good position to contribute to this knowledge base through further clinical research.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed2004

Critical review of prolotherapy for osteoarthritis, low back pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions: a physiatric perspective.

The current scientific literature relevant to the use of prolotherapy for osteoarthritis, low back pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions was reviewed and critically analyzed to determine a clinical effect. Three randomized, controlled studies were found studying the use of dextrose/glycerine/phenol prolotherapy for chronic low back pain; however, they were inconclusive due to the lack of adequate controls, heterogeneity in patient diagnoses, and variations in solutions injected. Two randomized, controlled studies were found that provide some evidence supporting the use of 10% dextrose prolotherapy for osteoarthritis. The sample size of the study (n = 13) involving osteoarthritic thumbs and fingers may have been too small to be strongly conclusive; however, it provides preliminary data to support future studies. Two studies involving osteoarthritic knees report an improvement in anterior cruciate ligament laxity; however, they did not have control groups for comparison. Only case reports were found supporting the pursuit of controlled clinical studies of prolotherapy for chronic neck pain. On the basis of the scarce body of literature critically reviewed to date, the clinical efficacy of prolotherapy in treating osteoarthritis, low back pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions remains inconclusive.

Genetic Therapy↗

PubMed2004

Osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint: a review of anatomy, biomechanics, diagnosis, and treatment.

Shoulder pain is a frequent presenting complaint to physiatrists. Commonly encountered pathogeneses include rotator cuff pathology, bursitis, biceps tendonitis, and labral tears. Because the majority of shoulder pain originates within the subacromial region and the glenohumeral joint, the acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, and scapulothoracic articulations may be overlooked. Osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is a common source of shoulder pain that is often neglected by clinicians and researchers. The proper diagnosis of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis requires a thorough physical exam, plain-film radiograph, and a diagnostic local anesthetic injection. Current treatment options are rather limited. Initial therapies are similar to that of osteoarthritis in other joints and include oral analgesics or anti-inflammatories and an emphasis on activity modification. Physical therapy, unfortunately, has little to offer, as therapeutic exercise and range of motion play only a minor role. If a diagnostic local anesthetic injection provides relief, there may be a role for corticosteroid injections. It seems that the administration of local corticosteroids into the acromioclavicular joint may provide short-term pain relief. The judicious administration of such injections remains controversial, and most experts agree that steroid injections do not alter the natural progression of the disease. Surgical options, indicated typically after a minimum of 6 mos of unsuccessful conservative treatment consist of open or arthroscopic distal clavicle resection.

Acromioclavicular Joint↗

PubMed2004

Pyridoxine hydrochloride treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a review.

It has been hypothesized that idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a manifestation of vitamin B6 deficiency. Some claim that B6 supplementation can alleviate symptoms. Others argue that pain relief occurs because of vitamin B6's anti-nociceptive properties or because B6 supplementation addresses an unrecognized peripheral neuropathy. Few studies on CTS and B6 employed electrodiagnostic techniques in diagnosis, and few showed a correlation between symptoms and improved electrodiagnostic parameters with supplementation. Other studies failed to measure or estimate B6 levels. Nevertheless, it appears reasonable to recommend vitamin B6 supplementation to people with CTS. Some patients will improve symptomatically with low risks of toxicity in recommended doses.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome↗

PubMed2003

Spinal cord injury computer-assisted instruction for medical students.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a computer-assisted instruction program would improve fourth-year medical students' knowledge base related to spinal cord injury, as determined by pretest and posttest scores. DESIGN: A multimedia computer-assisted instruction program was developed and offered on a volunteer basis to an entire class of fourth-year medical students (n = 168). Effectiveness of the instructional content was evaluated with pretests and posttests, and overall user satisfaction with the module was assessed with the courseware evaluation. RESULTS: The responses yielded 83 sets of completed pretest and posttest pairs and 80 sets of fully completed courseware evaluations. Mean posttest score was significantly higher than the mean pretest score (pretest, 6.65 +/- 1.44, vs. posttest, 7.36 +/- 1.38; df = 82, t = -4.74, P < 0.001). Courseware evaluations yielded positive ratings in all areas, including applicability and usability. CONCLUSIONS: The significantly increased posttest scores suggest that the students left the program with an expanded knowledge base in the content areas of spinal cord injury medicine covered in the computer-assisted instruction program.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMed2002

Industrial medicine and acute musculoskeletal rehabilitation. 1. Diagnosing and managing the injured worker with low back pain.

UNLABELLED: This self-directed learning module highlights the evaluation and management of the injured worker with low back pain (LBP). This chapter reviews the importance of recognizing the physiologic implications of a lifting injury and evaluating its structural etiology in a worker with LBP. A review of the steps required to make an accurate diagnosis is included. Justifying restrictions and prescribing therapeutic intervention is summarized. OVERALL ARTICLE OBJECTIVE: To be able to provide a step-by-step plan for evaluating, treating, and safely returning to work the injured worker with LBP.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2002

Industrial medicine and acute musculoskeletal rehabilitation. 2. Acute cervical spine and shoulder injuries in the industrial setting.

UNLABELLED: This self-directed learning module highlights the underlying anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine and shoulder as a basis for developing a differential diagnosis of contributing pathology in an industrial injury. This includes components of the history, examination, and appropriate diagnostic testing that are necessary to develop an optimal rehabilitation plan. Treatment options are reviewed and include medications, therapy, selective injections, and return-to-work programs in the industrial setting. OVERALL ARTICLE OBJECTIVES: (a) To be able to identify neck and shoulder pathology, (b) to effectively evaluate cervical spine and shoulder injuries, and (c) to rehabilitate acute cervical spine and shoulder injuries in the industrial setting.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2002

Industrial medicine and acute musculoskeletal rehabilitation. 3. Cumulative trauma disorders of the upper limb in computer users.

UNLABELLED: This self-directed learning module highlights various cumulative trauma disorders of the upper limb that may be seen in computer users. The biomechanics and ergonomics of computer users are addressed in relationship to specific neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions within the neck and upper limbs. In addition to a general overview of these conditions, a case presentation is used to show the evaluation and treatment of a computer user who has carpal tunnel syndrome and concomitant de Quervain tenosynovitis. OVERALL ARTICLE OBJECTIVES: (a) To review the important anatomic and ergonomic basis for upper limb cumulative trauma disorders in computer users and (b) to provide an example of evaluation and treatment.

Acute Disease↗