Acupuncture for the Treatment of Trigger Finger in Adults: A Prospective Case Series

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 392-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Motohiro Inoue ◽  
Miwa Nakajima ◽  
Tatsuya Hojo ◽  
Megumi Itoi ◽  
Hiroshi Kitakoji
Keyword(s):  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Tendon Sheath ◽  
Trigger Finger ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
Prospective Case Series ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
A1 Pulley

Objective To determine the effect of acupuncture performed at the synovial and ligamentous tendon sheath (A1 pulley site) on pain during snapping and the severity of the snapping phenomenon in patients with trigger finger. Methods In this observational study, changes in the patients’ condition were compared before and after acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture was performed on 19 fingers of 15 patients. Acupuncture needles were inserted into the radial and ulnar sides of the flexor tendon at the A1 pulley of the affected finger. Treatment was performed daily up to a maximum of five times. Before and after each treatment, pain during snapping and the severity of snapping were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results VAS scores for pain and snapping severity were significantly improved immediately after the first treatment (p<0.001). Pain during snapping, assessed before each treatment, improved over time, reaching statistical significance from the second treatment onwards (p<0.001); similarly, a significant improvement in the severity of snapping was observed, also from the second treatment (p<0.001). Patients with clinically significant improvements (≥50%) in pain and snapping severity had a significantly shorter duration of the disorder than those with <50% improvement (p<0.05). Conclusions Acupuncture at the impaired A1 pulley site may be an effective treatment for trigger finger. We postulate that acupuncture may reduce inflammation/swelling of the synovial membrane of the tendon sheath, which predominates when the disorder is of short duration. Further research is required to confirm the efficacy/effectiveness of acupuncture for trigger finger and its mechanisms of action.

Abacavir/lamivudine/dolutegravir single tablet regimen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus and end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah M Michienzi ◽  
Christopher A Schriever ◽  
Melissa E Badowski
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage Renal Disease ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Drug Discontinuation ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Stage Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage

No single-tablet antiretroviral (ARV) regimens (STRs) are approved for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD). Based on known pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, abacavir (ABC)/lamivudine (3TC)/dolutegravir (DTG) STR may represent a promising option. This case series presents the safety and efficacy of ABC/3TC/DTG STR in patients with HIV and ESRD on HD. Patients were included if they were HIV-positive, maintained on intermittent HD for ESRD, switched to an ARV regimen containing ABC/3TC/DTG, and had at least one set of virologic data before and after the switch. Average age (±standard deviation) was 59 (±8) years. The majority of patients were cis-gender male and non-Hispanic Black. Only one demonstrated clinically significant resistance at baseline. All were on multiple-tablet regimens prior to the switch. Five patients (83%) achieved undetectable HIV-RNA after the switch while only four patients (46%) were undetectable immediately prior. No decline in immune function was noted. ABC/3TC/DTG STR was well tolerated. Only one patient self-reported an adverse event (nausea), which resolved without drug discontinuation. Based on these data, it appears that ABC/3TC/DTG may be a safe and effective ARV-STR option for patients with HIV and ESRD on HD. A larger trial including a PK analysis is needed to confirm these findings.

Acupuncture in the Management of Anxiety Related to Dental Treatment: A Case Series

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Palle Rosted ◽  
Mads Bundgaard ◽  
Sian Gordon ◽  
Anne Marie Lynge Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Dental Anxiety ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Randomised Clinical Trial ◽  
Common Phenomenon ◽  
Inexpensive Method ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Severe Anxiety

Background Anxiety related to dental treatment is a common phenomenon that has a significant impact on the provision of appropriate dental care. The aim of this case series was to examine the effect of acupuncture given prior to dental treatment on the level of anxiety. Methods Eight dentists submitted 21 case reports regarding the treatment of dental anxiety. The level of anxiety was assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Only patients with moderate to severe anxiety (BAI score ≥16) were included. The remaining 20 patients, 16 women and 4 men, with a mean age of 40.3 years, had a median BAI score of 26.5 at baseline. The BAI score was assessed before and after the acupuncture treatment. All patients received acupuncture treatment for 5 min prior to the planned dental treatment using the points GV20 and EX6. Results There was a significant reduction in median value of BAI scores after treatment with acupuncture (26.5 reduced to 11.5; p<0.01), and it was possible to carry out the planned dental treatment in all 20 cases after acupuncture treatment. Previously this had only been possible in six cases. Conclusion Acupuncture prior to dental treatment has a beneficial effect on the level of anxiety in patients with dental anxiety and may offer a simple and inexpensive method of treatment. However, the present results need to be tested in a larger randomised clinical trial in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment in patients with dental anxiety.

Acupuncture in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia in Tertiary Care – a Case Series

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 137-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Duncan ◽  
Adrian White ◽  
Anisur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Symptomatic Improvement ◽  
Chronic Widespread Pain ◽  
Questionnaire Score ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Acupuncture Research

Aims Fibromyalgia is a common cause of chronic widespread pain. The benefit of medication is often limited by its side effects, and the improvements obtained with exercise and education are inconsistent. Many patients seek acupuncture treatment, which is reported to be helpful in some cases. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and benefits of acupuncture offered in the setting of a tertiary referral clinic. Methods An open, uncontrolled observational study was conducted among patients who met the usual fibromyalgia criteria and who had a pain score of at least 30 on a 100mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patients were allowed to continue other treatments but not to introduce new ones. Acupuncture was given using a Western approach according to a protocol developed by consensus. Patients were offered eight treatments in eight weeks. Outcome measures included VAS of pain intensity and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (range 0 – 100), and were taken before and after treatment, and at 14, 20 and 34 weeks from enrolment. Results Twenty four eligible patients were enrolled in a 12 month period. Baseline mean pain VAS score for these 24 patients was 74 (SD 18) and mean Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score 78 (SD 12.4). Only 14 patients completed the course of treatment within about 10 weeks. Compliance was poor in the remaining patients because of difficulty attending clinic, and in two cases because of exacerbation of pain. Completion of outcome measures was variable and therefore the analysis of data is limited. Five patients scored at least 20% reduction in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score which is a clinically relevant improvement. Two of these scored at least 50% reduction. Conclusion Acupuncture appears to offer symptomatic improvement to some patients with fibromyalgia in a tertiary clinic who have failed to respond to other treatments. In view of its safety, further acupuncture research is justified in this population.

Pectoralis minor syndrome: diagnosis with Botulinum injection and treatment with tenotomy – a prospective case series

2020 ◽  
pp. 175857322096845
Author(s):  
Matthew Howard ◽  
Michael Jones ◽  
Richard Clarkson ◽  
Oliver Donaldson
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
First Line ◽  
Treatment Pathway ◽  
Oxford Shoulder Score ◽  
Pectoralis Minor ◽  
Shoulder Scores ◽  
Prospective Case Series ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Shoulder Score

Background Pectoralis minor syndrome involves pain, paraesthesia and weakness in the arm due to compression of the brachial plexus passing beneath pectoralis minor; this paper reports the results of a single centre’s treatment pathway in affected patients. Methods During a four-year period, patients exhibiting symptoms of pectoralis minor syndrome without significant improvement following physiotherapy proceeded to Botulinum injection. Those with good response to injection but subsequent recurrence of symptoms were offered pectoralis minor tenotomy. Oxford shoulder Scores were collected at baseline and after interventions. Results Twenty-one patients received Botulinum injection; at six weeks following injection, mean change in Oxford Shoulder Score was +12.4, with only one patient reporting a worsening of symptoms. Of the 17 patients with clinically significant response to injection, 12 have subsequently undergone tenotomy; three months following tenotomy, mean change in Oxford Shoulder Score from baseline was +22.3. Improvement was maintained in all patients at prolonged follow-up (average 20 months post-tenotomy). Discussion This pathway has shown to be extremely effective in patients not responding to first-line treatment for pectoralis minor syndrome, with 85% of patients post-injection and 100% of patients post-tenotomy showing significant (greater than published minimal clinically important difference value of six points) improvements in Oxford Shoulder Score, maintained at follow-up.

Acupuncture Treatment for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy – a Case Series

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raimond Wong ◽  
Stephen Sagar
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Current Management ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction ◽  
Neurophysiological Mechanisms ◽  
Prospective Case Series ◽  
Chemotherapy Agents

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) occurs in 10 to 20% of cancer patients treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy. A mixture of sensory, sensorimotor and autonomic nervous system dysfunction can occur, resulting in deterioration in function and worsened quality of life. A major feature is discomfort and pain. Early termination of treatment and dose reduction of chemotherapy may be necessary. The clinical course is variable and depends on the chemotherapy agents and their cumulative dose. Although symptoms can resolve completely, in most patients CIPN is either only partially reversible or completely irreversible. Current management for CIPN is symptomatic using membrane stabilising medications and antidepressants. The use of nerve growth factors is still experimental. Dysaesthesia and pain involving the feet and hands are described in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western biomedicine. In TCM, the pathogenesis is related to the inability to direct Qi and Blood to the extremities, and is associated with Qi, Blood, Yang and Kidney deficiencies. Acupuncture is moderately effective in treating diabetic neuropathy. However, to date, there is no report of the usefulness of acupuncture for CIPN. We report the result of a pilot prospective case series of five patients treated with an acupuncture protocol that aims to correct Qi, Blood and Yang deficiencies and directs Qi and Blood to the extremities, with the goal of improving the symptoms of CIPN. The responses were encouraging, and cannot be easily explained by the known neurophysiological mechanisms of acupuncture.

Localized Amyloid Deposition in Trigger Finger

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 380-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. CORDINER-LAWRIE ◽  
J. DIAZ ◽  
P. BURGE ◽  
N. A. ATHANASOU
Keyword(s):  
Flexor Tendon ◽  
Tendon Sheath ◽  
Amyloid Deposition ◽  
Trigger Finger ◽  
Elderly Adults ◽  
Amyloid Deposits ◽  
Flexor Tendon Sheath ◽  
Sulphated Glycosaminoglycans ◽  
A1 Pulley ◽  
Fibrinoid Degeneration

Trigger finger is due to degeneration and thickening of the proximal portion (A1 pulley) of the flexor tendon sheath, which causes constriction of the flexor tendon. This study reports the presence of localized amyloid deposition in the tendon sheath of 11 of 47 cases (23%) of idiopathic primary trigger finger. Amyloid deposits were only found in patients aged over 46 years old and were present around cells and at sites of mucinous and fibrinoid degeneration which contained highly sulphated glycosaminoglycans. The pathogenic significance of these deposits is uncertain but their small size and presence only in middle-aged and elderly adults suggests that they represent a form of age-associated amyloid deposition.

scholarly journals Arthroscopic treatment of subtalar joint injuries

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-27
Author(s):  
Felipe Ayusso Correa Sossa ◽  
Inacio Diogo Asaumi ◽  
Alfonso Apostólico Netto ◽  
Rafael Da Rocha Macedo ◽  
Donato Lo Turco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subtalar Joint ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Arthroscopic Treatment ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Reduction Of Pain ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Status Level

Objective: To evaluate the results of arthroscopic treatment of various subtalar joint pathologies. Methods: Retrospective study of patients undergoing arthroscopy of the subtalar joint from 2005 to 2013, totaling 10 cases over a mean follow-up of 27.1 months, in which the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale and pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores before and after surgery were compared. Results: The preoperative AOFAS scores ranged from 35 to 74, with a mean score of 50.1 points, and the postoperative scores ranged from 82 to 100 points, with a mean score of 90.8 points. When comparing the scores, we observed an average gain of 40.1 points. The mean VAS score for the initial pain assessment was 6.5 points, and the mean postoperative score was 1.4 points. Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment of the reported subtalar pathologies led to encouraging results, with a significant reduction of pain and improvement of functional status. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.

scholarly journals Improvement in Contrast Sensitivity Function after Lacrimal Passage Intubation in Eyes with Epiphora

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2761
Author(s):  
Sujin Hoshi ◽  
Kuniharu Tasaki ◽  
Takahiro Hiraoka ◽  
Tetsuro Oshika
Keyword(s):  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Anterior Segment ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Sensitivity Function ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity Function ◽  
Corrected Visual Acuity ◽  
Spatial Frequencies ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Tear Meniscus ◽  
Prospective Case Series

This prospective case series aimed to investigate the contrast sensitivity function before and after lacrimal passage intubation (LPI) in eyes with epiphora due to lacrimal passage obstruction. We included 58 eyes of 51 patients who underwent LPI for lacrimal passage obstruction. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity function, and lower tear meniscus were compared before LPI and one month after lacrimal duct stent removal. The area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) was calculated for the analyses. Lower tear meniscus was assessed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The BCVA was comparable (p = 0.61) before and after LPI, while AULCSF increased significantly after treatment (before LPI: 1.29 ± 0.17, after LPI: 1.37 ± 0.14, p < 0.0001). Treatment resulted in a significant increase in contrast sensitivity at all spatial frequencies, 3–18 cycles/degree (p < 0.01 for 3, p < 0.01 for 6, p < 0.0005 for 12, p < 0.05 for 18 cycles/degree). The lower tear meniscus parameters improved significantly after treatment (p < 0.005); however, no correlation between the changes in the tear meniscus and those of the AULCSF was found. The contrast sensitivity significantly improved after LPI in eyes with epiphora due to lacrimal passage obstruction.

scholarly journals Reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament arthroscopically assisted: a prospective case series with short-term clinical follow-up

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (12_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0019
Author(s):  
Germán A. Jaramillo ◽  
Diego F. Luna ◽  
Narly V. Gómez ◽  
Rubén D. Arias
Keyword(s):  
Medial Patellofemoral Ligament ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Access Method ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Arthroscopically Assisted ◽  
Safe Technique ◽  
Prospective Case Series

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is one of the most important anatomical structure that stabilize the patella, during its injury a repetitive dislocation occurs. The reconstruction of this ligament, it seeks to avoid the recurrence of these episodes, for which there are various surgical techniques, one of these the arthroscopy, it can reduce adverse events of the procedure. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical follow-up of patients who had a reconstruction of the MPFL arthroscopically assisted. This is a prospective case series carried out in two hospitals of Medellín city, between 2010 and 2016. For the clinical follow-up, Lysholm, Kujala and Tegner knee scores were performed before and 12 months after the surgical procedure. Were applied Shapiro Wilk tests to evaluate normality and T-student to compare the results of the scores. We follow fifteen patients, 16 reconstructions of MPFL, of these 12 were female. The average time between the first dislocation and surgery was 12 months. Statistically significant differences were found when comparing the three scores before and after surgery (p= <0.05). Most patients improved pain and no patient required reoperation in the follow-up period. The reconstruction of MPFL arthroscopically assisted is a minimal access method that allows identifying the anatomical insertions of the MPFL, and is a safe technique that causes low morbidity and satisfactory clinical evolution of the patients.

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