Articles related to Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Incorporate hand-grip strength (HGS) into your clinical assessments to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your patients’ health, enabling early intervention and personalized care strategies.

In a multicenter trial, surgery, needle fasciotomy, and collagenase injections were evaluated for the treatment of treatment-naive Dupuytren contracture. The study demonstrated that, although the initial success rates were similar across treatments, surgical intervention yielded significantly higher success rates at the two-year follow-up, suggesting its potential long-term benefits over less invasive treatments.

A recent case of a 38-year-old man with end-stage renal disease highlighted the rare but significant complication of quadriceps tendon rupture, often associated with chronic kidney disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

FDA Cautions Against Hidden Drug Ingredients in Joint Pain Supplements In response to recent findings, the FDA warns of significant health risks associated with three specific dietary supplements marketed for joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis relief due to the discovery of unlisted active pharmaceutical ingredients.

This deep-dive into acromioclavicular joint injuries unpacks everything a physician needs to know about these prevalent injuries. Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries, mostly traumatic, can occur across all ages but are more frequent in males aged 20-40, often related to contact sports. Patients usually present with vague shoulder pain and swelling, but visible deformity is rare. Two mechanisms contribute to ACJ injuries: direct, resulting from a direct blow or fall onto the shoulder, and indirect, arising from a fall onto an outstretched hand or elbow. Imaging is crucial for diagnosis. The Rockwood system, among others, categorizes these injuries into six types. Plain radiographs, including an axillary view, generally suffice for accurate grading. However, in certain scenarios, CT or MRI might be necessary. In case of an injury suspicion with initial normal radiographs or contemplating surgical intervention on a type III injury, additional weight-bearing stress views can be beneficial. Indications of ACJ injury on a plain radiograph may include soft tissue swelling, acromioclavicular joint widening, increased coracoclavicular distance, and superior displacement of the distal clavicle. The treatment choice hinges largely on the patient’s age, lifestyle, and injury type. Conservative management typically applies to types I and II injuries, surgical treatment to types […]

A 37-year-old man presented with persistent swelling, limited range of motion, and loss of hand dexterity in both hands. He had a history of IV drug use, including opiates and methamphetamine. The examination showed diffuse swelling without joint inflammation. Lab tests were normal, and imaging revealed soft-tissue swelling. The diagnosis was puffy hand syndrome, a common complication of IV drug use. Treatment options are mainly symptomatic, including discontinuation of IV drug use and the use of low-stretch bandages and compression gloves. Puffy hand syndrome, often unrecognized by general practitioners, should be considered in patients with swelling and limited hand function who have a history of IV drug use. The syndrome involves progressive fibrosis of subcutaneous tissues due to repeated injection-induced vascular and dermal sclerosis. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, history, and evaluation ruling out other conditions. Treatment focuses on symptomatic relief and cessation of IV drug use.