scholarly journals The Vulcan salute sign: a non-sensitive but specific sign for Morton’s neuroma on radiographs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julien Galley ◽  
Reto Sutter ◽  
Christoph Germann ◽  
Christian W. A. Pfirrmann
Keyword(s):  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Morton’S Neuroma ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Intermetatarsal Angle ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Morton's Neuroma

Abstract Objectives To assess the value of the divergence of toes on conventional radiographs of the foot for diagnosing Morton’s neuroma. Methods This retrospective case–control study was approved by the local ethics committee. In 100 patients with MRI-proven Morton’s neuroma 2/3 or 3/4 (study group) and 100 patients without (control group), conventional weight-bearing dorso-plantar view radiographs were evaluated for the subjective presence of interphalangeal divergence, called the Vulcan salute sign or V-sign, by two blinded, independent musculoskeletal radiologists. Interphalangeal angles (2/3 and 3/4) and intermetatarsal angle I/V were measured. The t test and chi-squared test were used to compare the groups. Diagnostic performance was calculated. Interobserver reliability was assessed using κ statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results The difference between the groups was significant (P < 0.05) regarding the presence of the V-sign, which was found in 30 of 100 patients with Morton neuroma and in 3 of 100 control patients, with a sensitivity of 30% and a specificity of 97%. The differences between interphalangeal angles were significant (P < 0.05) between the groups. The interphalangeal angle 2/3 mean values were 7.9° (± 4.8) for the study group vs 5.4° (± 2.6) for the controls; the 3/4 angle values were 6.5° (± 3.8) and 3.4° (± 2.5), respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups in the intermetatarsal angle I/V. Interobserver agreement was substantial for the V-sign, with a κ value of 0.78. The ICC was excellent concerning angle measurements, with all values ≥ 0.94. Conclusion The Vulcan salute sign on conventional radiographs is specific for Morton’s neuroma.

Radiographic Analysis of Feet With and Without Morton’s Neuroma

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 310-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Naraghi ◽  
Alexandra Bremner ◽  
Linda Slack-Smith ◽  
Alan Bryant
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Morton’S Neuroma ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Intermetatarsal Angle ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Radiographic Measurements ◽  
Valgus Angle ◽  
Angular Measurements ◽  
Morton's Neuroma ◽  
And Control

Background: The aim of this research was to investigate the association of various structural measurements of the forefoot with Morton’s neuroma (MN). Methods: Weightbearing anteroposterior and lateral foot radiographs of subjects attending the University of Western Australia (UWA) Podiatry Clinic and the first author’s private practice were included in this study. A single assessor measured the following angles: lateral intermetatarsal angle (LIMA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), digital divergence between the second and third digits (DD23), digital divergence between the third and fourth digits (DD34) and relative metatarsal lengths of the first to fifth metatarsals (Met1-5), and the effect of MN size as measured by ultrasonograph on digital divergence. Intratester reliability of all radiographic measurements was assessed on all radiographic measurements. The study included 101 subjects, of whom 69 were diagnosed with MN and 32 were control subjects without MN. The mean (± standard deviation) age of MN subjects was 52 (±15) years and for control subjects, 48 (±12) years. Results: When comparing all feet, there were no significant differences in the LIMA, HVA, IMA, digital divergence angles and the relative metatarsal distances between subjects with MN and control subjects. No relationship between MN size and digital divergence was found in either foot, or in either neuroma location. Conclusion: We were unable to demonstrate any relationship in this study between radiographic metatarsal length and angular measurements in a symptomatic MN group compared to a control group. In addition, we did not find any correlation between the size of MN as measured from ultrasonographic images and radiographic evidence of digital divergence. Level of Evidence: Level III, case control study.

Interdigital Commissural Approach for Morton’s Neuroma

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 1226-1233
Author(s):  
Juan Manuel Yañez Arauz
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Morton’S Neuroma ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Morton's Neuroma

Background: Morton’s neuroma is a frequent cause of metatarsalgia. Operative treatment is indicated if nonoperative management has failed. The objective of the present study was to describe a technique of Morton’s neuroma excision by a minimally invasive commissural approach and evaluate the long-term outcome and complications. Methods: A retrospective study of 108 patients with Morton’s neuroma treated surgically with a commissural approach between September 1990 and December 2010 was performed. The surgical technique is described. Clinical outcomes and complications were evaluated. The average follow-up was 121 months. Eleven patients were men and 97 women. The average age was 49.4 years; 56.8% neuromas were at the third space and 43.2% at the second space. Six patients presented 2 neuromas in the same foot, and 9 patients had bilateral neuroma. Results: The visual analog scale (VAS) average pain score was 5.4 points preoperatively and 0.2 points at the final follow-up. The author found a significant difference between the VAS scores preoperatively and postoperatively ( P < .01). Excellent and good satisfaction outcomes were achieved in 93.6%. The postoperative complication incidence was 3%. Conclusion: The author believes a minimally invasive commissural approach has advantages over a dorsal or plantar incision. It is a simple and reproducible technique, with satisfactory outcomes, low complication rates, and a quick return to usual activities. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Deep Transverse Metatarsal Ligament Transection in Morton’s Neuroma Excision: A Cadaveric Study Examining Effects on Metatarsal Alignment

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-346
Author(s):  
Nathaniel Preston ◽  
Daniel Peterson ◽  
Jamey Allen ◽  
Jill S. Kawalec ◽  
Jeffrey Whitaker
Keyword(s):  
Test System ◽  
Cadaveric Study ◽  
Average Increase ◽  
Morton’S Neuroma ◽  
Intermetatarsal Angle ◽  
The Third ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Morton's Neuroma ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Cycling Time

Background. In the dorsal incisional approach for Morton’s neuroma, it is required to transect the deep transverse metatarsal ligament (DTML) that lies in the interspace between the third and fourth metatarsal heads. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between transection of the DTML in the third intermetatarsal space and the metatarsal alignment. Methods. Nine human cadaveric lower extremity limbs were used for this study. Each limb was mounted to the MTS 858 Mini Bionix biomechanical test system and loaded to 120% of the donor’s documented body weight at a rate of 15 lbf/s, in order to simulate peak weightbearing ground reactive forces on the forefoot. Preoperative and immediate postoperative radiographs were obtained. Cyclic loading was then performed to simulate 1 month of full weightbearing. Radiographs were repeated and metatarsal alignment was analyzed. Results. A statistically significant difference was noted with intermetatarsal angle (IMA) 1-2 and IMA 1-4. The IMA 1-2 after 1 month cycling time showed statistical significant difference from those found immediately postoperatively (P < .05). Average increase in IMA 1-2 from preoperative to 1 month cycling time was 2.18°. The power of the analyses for IMA 1-2 was 0.992. Regarding the IMA 1-4, data recorded at 1 week and 1 month cycling times showed a statistically significant difference compared to the preoperative IMA 1-4 (P < .05). Average increase in IM 1-4 angles from preoperative to 1 month cycling time was an increase of 1.79°. The power of the analyses for IM 1-4 angles was 0.953. Conclusion. Technically, 2.18° increase in IMA 1-2 or 1.79° increase in IM 1-4 would be considered an abnormal widening of the forefoot, but clinically, these values could not be detected; nor should they deter a surgeon or patient from undergoing a Morton’s neurectomy via a dorsal incisional approach. Levels of Evidence: Level V: Cadaveric study

scholarly journals Frequency-Following Response (FFR) in Military Pilots

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graziela Maria Martins-Moreira ◽  
Alessandra Spada Durante
Keyword(s):  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Aircraft Accidents ◽  
Frequency Following Response ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Qualitative Variables ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
The Right ◽  
Military Pilots

Abstract Introduction Good hearing in pilots, including central auditory skills, is critical for flight safety and the prevention of aircraft accidents. Pure tone audiometry alone may not be enough to assess hearing in the members of this population who, in addition to high noise levels, routinely face speech recognition tasks in non-ideal conditions. Objective To characterize the frequency-following response (FFR) of a group of military pilots compared with a control group. Methods Twenty military pilots in the Study Group and 20 non-pilot military personnel, not exposed to noise in their work, in the Control Group, all with normal hearing, aged between 30 and 40 years old, completed a questionnaire to assess their hearing habits, and their FFRs were measured with a /da/ syllable (duration 40 milliseconds, speed 10.9/s), at 80 dB NA in the right ear. All procedures were approved by the ethical committee of the institution. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-Student or Mann-Whitney tests for quantitative variables, and the Fisher or chi-squared tests for qualitative variables, and a value of p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results There was no significant difference between the groups regarding auditory habits. In the FFR, wave amplitudes A (p = 0.01) and C (p = 0.04) were significantly lower in the Study Group. Conclusion Working as a military pilot can be a crucial factor in determining an individual's typical FFR pattern, demonstrated in the present study by statistically significant reductions in the amplitudes of the A and C waves.

scholarly journals Cytokine profiles and Lactobacillus species presence in pre-menopausal subjects with genital Mycoplasma genitalium or Ureaplasma urealyticum colonization

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 174550652110091
Author(s):  
John Garza ◽  
Kushal Gandhi ◽  
Sarah Choi ◽  
Asley Sanchez ◽  
Gary Ventolini
Keyword(s):  
Ureaplasma Urealyticum ◽  
Mycoplasma Genitalium ◽  
Interleukin 12 ◽  
Lactobacillus Species ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Species Dominance ◽  
Cytokine Profiles ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Significant Difference

Background and Purpose: Lactobacilli play a vital role in protecting the vagina against pathogens. Cytokines are vital components of defense against infections in women. The genital mycoplasmas, Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum, are associated with various infectious diseases in adults and infants. The objective of our study is to identify differences in cytokine profile and Lactobacillus species dominance between a study group of non-pregnant pre-menopausal women with genital M. genitalium or U. urealyticum colonization and a control group of non-pregnant pre-menopausal women without genital M. genitalium or U. urealyticum colonization. Methods: A real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure Lactobacillus species in vaginal swab samples. Cytokine analysis was performed using multiplex immunoassay techniques. Analysis of variance confirmed a significant difference in cytokine profiles between patient groups, with t-tests identifying the most significantly different cytokines. Categorical data analysis identified significant patterns of relative Lactobacillus species dominance in the study group. Results: Lactobacillus iners was the predominant Lactobacillus species in the control group ( p = 0.005). There were no dominant Lactobacillus species observed in the study group. Vascular endothelial growth factor A ( p = 0.002), interleukin-8 ( p = 0.001), and interleukin-1β ( p = 0.049) were expressed significantly higher in the study group, whereas interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ( p < 0.001), interleukin-10 ( p = 0.001), interleukin-12 ( p = 0.002), and interferon-γ ( p = 0.022) were expressed higher in the control group. Association matrices for cytokines were significantly different between two groups ( p < 0.001), with mostly negative associations in the control group and mostly positive associations in the study group. Conclusion: Cytokine levels, their associations, and the patterns of Lactobacillus species dominance are observed to significantly diverge on the basis of M. genitalium and U. urealyticum colonization among non-pregnant pre-menopausal women.

Impression cytology and meibomian glands in conjunctivochalasis

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110087
Author(s):  
Ersin Muhafiz ◽  
Erdinç Bozkurt ◽  
Remzi Erten
Keyword(s):  
Dropout Rate ◽  
Meibomian Gland ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Impression Cytology ◽  
Schirmer Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Meibomian Glands ◽  
And Control ◽  
Margin Cytology

Purpose: To evaluate the tear parameters, meibomian glands and lid margin and tarsal conjunctival impression cytology in patients with conjunctivochalasis (CCH). Methods: The study included 57 patients diagnosed with CCH and 35 healthy volunteers. Tear break-up time (TBUT) was measured and Schirmer test was performed. Meibomian gland morphologies, dropout rates, and meiboscores were evaluated using meibography. Finally, impression cytology samples were taken by pressing the impression filters on the lower lid margin and lower tarsal conjunctiva. The samples were evaluated according to the Nelson grading system. Results: Schirmer test was longer and TBUT was shorter in the study group ( p = 0.035 and p < 0.001, respectively). The median of meibomian gland dropout rate was 33.45% (Interquartile range [IQR]; 23.17%–49.75%) and 18.80% (IQR; 12.35%–26.50%) in the study and control groups, respectively ( p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of lid-margin cytology between the two groups ( p = 0.481). In tarsal conjunctiva cytology, the median value of Nelson grade of the study group was 2 (IQR; 1–2) and that of the control group was 1 (IQR; 1–2) ( p = 0.040). When Nelson grade-2 and above was accepted as the pathological limit, it was found that 27.5% of the study group and 15.2% of the control group showed pathological findings ( p = 0.204). Conclusions: In patients with CCH, damage occurs in the tarsal conjunctiva with the effects of redundant conjunctival folds. In these patients, atrophy occurs in the meibomian glands and tear stability is impaired. Therefore, CCH should not be overlooked in clinical practice.

Effectiveness of neurobic exercise program on memory and depression among elderly residing at old age home

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Raj ◽  
Subramaniam Santhi ◽  
G. J. Sara Sapharina
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Interventional Group ◽  
Old Age Homes

AbstractObjectivesThis study finds out the effectiveness of neurobic exercise program on memory and depression among elderly residing in old age homes.MethodsThe non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for sample selection. Wechsler's memory scale (WMS-IV) and Geriatric depression scale (GDS) were the instruments used to assess the memory and depression among elderly during the pretest and posttest, respectively and the researcher had developed data sheet to collect information about the background variables using interview technique.ResultsThe neurobic exercise program was found to be effective in reducing depression among elderly residing in old age homes. There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the level of depression had been found during the pretest and posttest in the interventional group. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) found between the study group and in the control group. There was significant correlation (r=0.417, p<0.05) found between the memory and depression during the pretest in the study group among the elderly. A statistically significant association (p<0.05) found in the mean scores of depression and marital status of the elderly during the pretest in the study group and there was a significant association (p<0.01) found in the mean scores of depression and the gender of the elderly during the pretest and posttest in the non interventional group were found.ConclusionsThe findings suggested that neurobic exercise program is an effective intervention in improving memory and reducing depression.

scholarly journals Patient Related Outcome Measures (PROMs) in Morton’s Neuroma: Conservative vs. Surgical Management at One-Year Follow-Up

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0002
Author(s):  
Alastair Faulkner ◽  
Alistair Mayne ◽  
Fraser Harrold
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Surgical Management ◽  
Conservative Management ◽  
Morton’S Neuroma ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Morton's Neuroma ◽  
One Year ◽  
Patient Related Outcome ◽  
Eq Vas

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Morton’s neuroma is a common condition affecting the foot and is associated with chronic pain and disability. Conservative management including a combination of orthotic input; injection or physiotherapy, and surgical excision are current treatment options. There is a paucity of literature regarding patient related outcome measures (PROMs) data in patients managed conservatively. We sought to compare conservative with surgical management of Morton’s neuroma using PROMs data in patients with follow-up to one year. Methods: Prospective data collection commenced from April 2016. Patients included had to have a confirmed Morton’s neuroma on ultrasound scan. Patient demographics including age, sex and BMI were collected. The primary outcome measures were the Manchester Foot Score for pain (MOX-FQ), EQ time trade off (TTO) and EQ visual analogue scale (VAS) taken pre-operatively; at 26-weeks and at 52-weeks post-operatively. Results: 194 patients were included overall: 79 patients were conservatively managed and 115 surgically managed. 19 patients were converted from conservative to surgical management. MOX-FQ pain scores: pre-op conservative 52.15, surgical 61.56 (p=0.009), 6-months conservative 25.1, surgical 25.39 (p=0.810), 12 months conservative 18.54, surgical 20.52 (p=0.482) EQ-TTO scores: pre-op conservative 0.47, surgical 0.51 (p=0.814), 6-months conservative 0.41, surgical 0.49 (p=0.261), 12 months conservative 0.26, surgical 0.37 (p=0.047) EQ-VAS scores: pre-op conservative 63.84, surgical 71.03 (p=0.172), 6-months conservative 46.10, surgical 52.51 (p=0.337), 12 months conservative 30.77, surgical 37.58 (p=0.227) Satisfaction at 12 months: conservative 17 (21.5%), surgical 32 (27.8%) p=0.327 Conclusion: This is one of the first studies investigating long-term PROMs specifically in conservative management for Morton’s neuroma patients. There was no significant difference in pain score and EQ-VAS between all conservative treatments and surgical management at 12 months There was no significant difference in satisfaction at 12 months between conservative and surgical groups.

Effect of Aerosol Inhalation of Budesonide Suspension on Clinical Efficacy, Remission Time of Asthma and Disappearance Time of Rales in Children with Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 3057-3062
Author(s):  
TingTing Zheng ◽  
XiNi Liu ◽  
Xuechun Chen
Keyword(s):  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽  
Clinical Efficacy ◽  
Oral Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Aerosol Inhalation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Disappearance Time ◽  
And Control ◽  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia

To investigate the effect of aerosol inhalation of budesonide suspension on clinical efficacy, remission time of asthma and disappearance time of rales in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Methods: 100 cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in our hospital from February 2019 to February 2021 were randomly divided into study group (n = 50) and control group (n = 50). The control group was given azithromycin intravenous drip followed by oral treatment, and the study group was given aerosol inhalation of budesonide suspension on the basis of the control group. Results: Compared with the control group, disappearance time of rales in the study group, remission time of cough, remission time of asthma and time of hospitalization in the study group were relatively short (P<0.05), and the efficacy in the study group was relatively high (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and hoarseness between the two groups (P>0.05). The improvement of FVCS FEV1 and PEF and other indexes was relatively high in the study group by comparing with the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Aerosol inhalation of budesonide suspension in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia can effectively enhance the therapeutic effect, promote the improvement of lung function, and reduce the disappearance time of rales and remission time of asthma, so it can be popularized.

The effects of breathing exercises on respiratory functions, functional capacity and quality of life in vehicle spray painters

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Burak Yilmaz ◽  
Cagtay Maden ◽  
Begümhan Turhan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Breathing Exercises ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Respiratory Exercises

Background/aims Workers engaged in vehicle spray painting are at a risk of developing respiratory problems because of the solvents in the spray paints. Changes in respiratory functions and functional capacities caused by spray painting can be improved with respiratory exercises. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of respiratory exercises on the respiratory functions, functional capacity and quality of life in vehicle spray painters. Methods A total of 70 volunteers with similar characteristics participated in the study. The groups were divided into two groups randomly (35 study group, 35 control group). Respiratory functions (value of forced expiratory volume percentage in 1 second [FEV1]), forced vital capacity percentage [FVC], FEV1/FVC percentage, peak expiratory flow percentage [PEF (%)] and maximum voluntary ventilation percentage [MVV (%)]), functional capacity (6-Minute Walk Test) and quality of life (Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]) were evaluated. The study group undertook supervised breathing exercises 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The same exercises were given to the control group as a home programme. Home programmes were followed up by telephone calls. Evaluations were performed again after 6 weeks. Results In the study group, FEV1 (%) increased more than in the control group (P<0.05). The increase in PEF (%) was similar in both groups (P>0.05). In the study group, FEV1/FVC (%) and MVV (%) were significantly different before and after the intervention (P<0.05), but there was no difference in the control group (P>0.05). There was a greater increase in the study group than in the control group (P<0.05). 6-Minute Walk Test distance (m) before and after the intervention in both groups were similar (P>0.05). Before and after the intervention, a significant difference was found in the vitality and the social function domains of the SF-36 in the study group. In the comparisons of groups, a significant difference was found in the study group in the role-emotional, social function and bodily pain domains of the SF-36 after the intervention (P<0.05). Conclusions Breathing exercises can be recommended for vehicle spray painters to avoid an increase in respiratory resistance and to improve their quality of life.

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