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Neto T, Johannsson J, Andrade RJ. Using ultrasound shear wave elastography to characterize peripheral nerve mechanics: a systematic review on the normative reference values in healthy individuals. Ultrasonography 2024; 43:169-178. [PMID: 38544459 PMCID: PMC11079506 DOI: 10.14366/usg.23211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is an emerging non-invasive imaging technique for peripheral nerve evaluation. Shear wave velocity (SWV), a surrogate measure of stiffness, holds promise as a biomarker for various peripheral nerve disorders. However, to maximize its clinical and biomechanical value, it is important to fully understand the factors that influence nerve SWV measurements. This systematic review aimed to identify the normal range of SWV for healthy sciatic and tibial nerves and to reveal the factors potentially affecting nerve SWV. An electronic search yielded 17 studies eligible for inclusion, involving 548 healthy individuals (age range, 17 to 72 years). Despite very good reliability metrics, the reported SWV values differed considerably across studies for the sciatic (1.9-9.9 m/s) and tibial (2.3-9.1 m/s) nerves. Factors such as measurement proximity to joint regions, limb postures inducing nerve axial stretching, and transducer alignment with nerve fiber orientation were associated with increased SWV. These findings suggest regional-specific nerve mechanical properties, non-linear elastic behaviour, and marked mechanical anisotropy. The impact of age and sex remains unclear and warrants further investigation. These results emphasize the importance of considering these factors when assessing and interpreting nerve SWE. While increased SWV has been linked to pathological changes affecting nerve tissue mechanics, the significant variability observed in healthy nerves highlights the need for standardized SWE assessment protocols. Developing guidelines for enhanced clinical utility and achieving a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence nerve SWE assessments are critical in advancing the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Neto
- Luxembourg Institute of Research in Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Science, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Johanna Johannsson
- Department of Physiotherapy, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - Ricardo J. Andrade
- Nantes University, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, UR 4334, 44000, Nantes, France
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Australia
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Australia
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Cocco G, Ricci V, Corvino A, Pacini P, Boccatonda A, Naňka O, Sensi SL, Caulo M, Delli Pizzi A. Ultrasound Imaging of the Sciatic Nerve. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2023; 44:e263-e273. [PMID: 37832532 DOI: 10.1055/a-2095-2842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The sciatic nerve (SN) is the biggest nerve in the human body and innervates a large skin surface of the lower limb and several muscles of the thigh, leg, and foot. It originates from the ventral rami of spinal nerves L4 through S3 and contains fibers from both the posterior and anterior divisions of the lumbosacral plexus. After leaving the neural foramina, the nerve roots merge with each other forming a single peripheral nerve that travels within the pelvis and thigh. Non-discogenic pathologies of the SN are largely underdiagnosed entities due to nonspecific clinical tests and poorly described imaging findings. Likewise, to the best of our knowledge, a step-by-step ultrasound protocol to assess the SN is lacking in the pertinent literature. In this sense, the aim of the present manuscript is to describe the normal sono-anatomy of the SN from the greater sciatic foramen to the proximal thigh proposing a standardized and simple sonographic protocol. Then, based on the clinical experience of the authors, a few tips and tricks have been reported to avoid misinterpretation of confounding sonographic findings. Last but not least, we report some common pathological conditions encountered in daily practice with the main purpose of making physicians more confident regarding the sonographic "navigation" of a complex anatomical site and optimizing the diagnosis and management of non-discogenic neuropathies of the SN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Cocco
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Ultrasound in Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ricci
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio Corvino
- Movement Sciences and Wellbeing Department, University of Naples Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pacini
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences, Umberto I Polyclinic of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Ondřej Naňka
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Advanced Computing Core, Center of Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Massimo Caulo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Delli Pizzi
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, Gabriele d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Rossetto G, Lopomo NF, Shaikh SZ. Longitudinal Movements and Stiffness of Lower Extremity Nerves Measured by Ultrasonography and Ultrasound Elastography in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Populations: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2023:S0301-5629(23)00140-0. [PMID: 37331920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of ultrasonography (US) and ultrasound elastography (UE) in evaluating longitudinal sliding and stiffness of nerves. In line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, we analyzed 1112 publications (range: 2010-2021) extracted from MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science focusing on specific outcomes, including shear wave velocity (m/s), shear modulus (kPa), strain ratio (SR) and excursion (mm). Thirty-three papers were included and evaluated for overall quality and risk of bias. From the analysis of data concerning 1435 participants, mean shear wave velocity (SWV) in the sciatic nerve was 6.70 ± 1.26 m/s in controls and 7.51 ± 1.73 m/s in participants presenting with leg pain; in the tibial nerve, mean SWV was 3.83 ± 0.33 m/s in controls and 3.42 ± 3.53 m/s in participants presenting with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The mean shear modulus (SM) was 20.9 ± 9.33 kPa for sciatic nerve, whereas it was an average of 23.3 ± 7.20 kPa for the tibial nerve. Considering 146 subjects (78 experimental, 68 controls) no significant difference was observed in SWV when comparing participants with DPN with controls (standard mean difference [SMD]: 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54, 1.97), whereas a significant difference was observed in the SM (SMD: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.25); furthermore, we found significant differences between left and right extremity nerves (SMD:1.14. 95% CI: 0.45, 1.83) among 458 participants (270 with DPN and 188 controls). No descriptive statistics are available for excursion because of the variability in participants and limb positions, whereas SR is considered only a semiquantitative outcome and therefore not comparable among different studies. Despite the presence of some limitations in study designs and methodological biases, on the basis of our findings, we can conclude that US and UE are effective methods in assessing longitudinal sliding and stiffness of lower extremity nerves in both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Rossetto
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Summaiva Zareen Shaikh
- Department of Neuro-physiotherapy, SIA College of Health Sciences, College of Physiotherapy, Thane, India.
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Lavoie FA, St-Pierre MO, Paquin JP, Gilbert K, Ellis R, Sobczak S. Mechanical Effects of a Specific Neurodynamic Mobilization of the Superficial Fibular Nerve: A Cadaveric Study. J Athl Train 2023; 58:445-451. [PMID: 35834709 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0154.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT A specific neurodynamic mobilization for the superficial fibular nerve (SFN) has been suggested in the reference literature for manual therapists to evaluate nerve mechanosensitivity in patients. However, no authors of biomechanical studies have examined the ability of this technique to produce nerve strain. Therefore, the mechanical specificity of this technique is not yet established. OBJECTIVES To test whether this examination and treatment technique produced nerve strain in the fresh frozen cadaver and the contribution of each motion to total longitudinal strain. DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. SETTING Laboratory. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) A differential variable reluctance transducer was inserted in 10 SFNs from 6 fresh cadavers to measure strain during the mobilization. A specific sequence of plantar flexion, ankle inversion, straight-leg raise position, and 30° of hip adduction was applied to the lower limb. The mobilization was repeated at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of the straight-leg raise position to measure the effect of hip-flexion position. RESULTS Compared with a resting position, this neurodynamic mobilization produced a significant amount of strain in the SFN (7.93% ± 0.51%, P < .001). Plantar flexion (59.34% ± 25.82%) and ankle inversion (32.80% ± 21.41%) accounted for the biggest proportions of total strain during the mobilization. No difference was noted among different hip-flexion positions. Hip adduction did not significantly contribute to final strain (0.39% ± 10.42%, P > .05), although high variability among limbs existed. CONCLUSIONS Ankle motion should be considered the most important factor during neurodynamic assessment of the SFN for distal entrapment. These results suggest that this technique produces sufficient strain in the SFN and could therefore be evaluated in vivo for correlation with mechanosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kerry Gilbert
- Institute of Anatomical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock
| | - Richard Ellis
- Active Living and Rehabilitation: Aotearoa New Zealand, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
| | - Stephane Sobczak
- Department of Human Kinetics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada
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Spatial variation in mechanical properties along the sciatic and tibial nerves: an ultrasound shear wave elastography study. J Biomech 2022; 136:111075. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Fodor D, Rodriguez-Garcia SC, Cantisani V, Hammer HB, Hartung W, Klauser A, Martinoli C, Terslev L, Alfageme F, Bong D, Bueno A, Collado P, D'Agostino MA, de la Fuente J, Iohom G, Kessler J, Lenghel M, Malattia C, Mandl P, Mendoza-Cembranos D, Micu M, Möller I, Najm A, Özçakar L, Picasso R, Plagou A, Sala-Blanch X, Sconfienza LM, Serban O, Simoni P, Sudoł-Szopińska I, Tesch C, Todorov P, Uson J, Vlad V, Zaottini F, Bilous D, Gutiu R, Pelea M, Marian A, Naredo E. The EFSUMB Guidelines and Recommendations for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound - Part I: Extraarticular Pathologies. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2022; 43:34-57. [PMID: 34479372 DOI: 10.1055/a-1562-1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The first part of the guidelines and recommendations for musculoskeletal ultrasound, produced under the auspices of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB), provides information about the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound for assessing extraarticular structures (muscles, tendons, entheses, ligaments, bones, bursae, fasciae, nerves, skin, subcutaneous tissues, and nails) and their pathologies. Clinical applications, practical points, limitations, and artifacts are described and discussed for every structure. After an extensive literature review, the recommendations have been developed according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine and GRADE criteria and the consensus level was established through a Delphi process. The document is intended to guide clinical users in their daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fodor
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Vito Cantisani
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Hilde B Hammer
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Wolfgang Hartung
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Asklepios Clinic, Bad Abbach, Germany
| | - Andrea Klauser
- Department of Radiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Section Head Rheumatology and Sports Imaging, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Carlo Martinoli
- Department of Health Science - DISSAL, University of Genova, Italy
- UO Radiologia, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Lene Terslev
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fernando Alfageme
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Bong
- Instituto Poal de Reumatologia Barcelona, EULAR Working Group Anatomy for the Image, University of Barcelona, International University of Catalunya, Spain
| | - Angel Bueno
- Department of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paz Collado
- Rheumatology Department, Transitional Care Clinic, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Antonietta D'Agostino
- Istituto di Reumatologia Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, UOC Reumatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Iohom
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jens Kessler
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuela Lenghel
- Radiology Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Clara Malattia
- UOC Clinica Pediatrica e Reumatologia, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetic and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI) University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Peter Mandl
- Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mihaela Micu
- Rheumatology Division, 2nd Rehabilitation Department, Rehabilitation Clinical Hospital Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ingrid Möller
- Instituto Poal de Reumatologia Barcelona, EULAR Working Group Anatomy for the Image, University of Barcelona, International University of Catalunya, Spain
| | - Aurelie Najm
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Levent Özçakar
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Riccardo Picasso
- Department of Health Science - DISSAL, University of Genova, Italy
- UO Radiologia, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Athena Plagou
- Ultrasound Unit, Private Radiological Institution, Athens, Greece
| | - Xavier Sala-Blanch
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Hospital Clinic, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luca Maria Sconfienza
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Oana Serban
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paolo Simoni
- Paediatric Imaging Department, "Reine Fabiola" Children's University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Iwona Sudoł-Szopińska
- Department of Radiology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Plamen Todorov
- Department of Internal Disease Propaedeutic and Clinical Rheumatology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Jacqueline Uson
- Department of Rheumatology Hospital Universitario Móstoles, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Violeta Vlad
- Sf. Maria Hospital, Rheumatology Department, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Federico Zaottini
- Department of Health Science - DISSAL, University of Genova, Italy
- UO Radiologia, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Diana Bilous
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Roxana Gutiu
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Michael Pelea
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anamaria Marian
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Esperanza Naredo
- Department of Rheumatology, Bone and Joint Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Tensioning techniqueswere the first neurodynamic techniques used therapeutically in the management of people with neuropathies. This article aims to provide a balanced evidence-informed view on the effects of optimal tensile loading on peripheral nerves and the use of tensioning techniques. Whilst the early use of neurodynamics was centered within a mechanical paradigm, research into the working mechanisms of tensioning techniques revealed neuroimmune, neurophysiological, and neurochemical effects. In-vitro and ex-vivo research confirms that tensile loading is required for mechanical adaptation of healthy and healing neurons and nerves. Moreover, elimination of tensile load can have detrimental effects on the nervous system. Beneficial effects of tensile loading and tensioning techniques, contributing to restored homeostasis at the entrapment site, dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord, include neuronal cell differentiation, neurite outgrowth and orientation, increased endogenous opioid receptors, reduced fibrosis and intraneural scar formation, improved nerve regeneration and remyelination, increased muscle power and locomotion, less mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and allodynia, and improved conditioned pain modulation. However, animal and cellular models also show that ‘excessive’ tensile forces have negative effects on the nervous system. Although robust and designed to withstand mechanical load, the nervous system is equally a delicate system. Mechanical loads that can be easily handled by a healthy nervous system, may be sufficient to aggravate clinical symptoms in patients. This paper aims to contribute to a more balanced view regarding the use of neurodynamics and more specifically tensioning techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ellis
- School of Clinical Sciences, Active Living and Rehabilitation: Aotearoa, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Physiotherapy, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Giacomo Carta
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (Nico), University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy.,ASST Nord Milano, Sesto San Giovanni Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Ricardo J Andrade
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Australia.,School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Queensland, USA
| | - Michel W Coppieters
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Australia.,Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Gitto S, Messina C, Vitale N, Albano D, Sconfienza LM. Quantitative Musculoskeletal Ultrasound. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2020; 24:367-374. [PMID: 32992365 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1709720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) imaging plays a crucial role in the assessment of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders. Several quantitative tools are offered by US systems and add information to conventional US imaging. This article reviews the quantitative US imaging tools currently available in MSK radiology, specifically focusing on the evaluation of elasticity with shear-wave elastography, perfusion with contrast-enhanced US and noncontrast superb microvascular imaging, and bone and muscle mass with quantitative US methods. Some of them are well established and already of clinical value, such as elasticity and contrast-enhanced perfusion assessment in muscles and tendons. MSK radiologists should be aware of the potential of quantitative US tools and take advantage of their use in everyday practice, both for clinical and research purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Gitto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Carmelo Messina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicoló Vitale
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università Degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Domenico Albano
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy.,Sezione di Scienze Radiologiche, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca Maria Sconfienza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
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10
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Neto T, Freitas SR, Andrade RJ, Vaz JR, Mendes B, Firmino T, Bruno PM, Nordez A, Oliveira R. Shear Wave Elastographic Investigation of the Immediate Effects of Slump Neurodynamics in People With Sciatica. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2020; 39:675-681. [PMID: 31633231 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neurodynamic techniques are often used to treat people with sciatica pain, but their mechanical effects on the sciatic nerve are unknown. Shear wave elastography (SWE) has been shown to effectively estimate the stiffness of peripheral nerves in real time. The aim of this study was to use SWE to assess the effects of slump neurodynamics in the sciatic stiffness of people with sciatica. METHODS Sixteen participants volunteered for this study. The sciatic stiffness of 8 patients with unilateral chronic sciatica and 8 healthy control participants was measured by SWE, with the participants in a prone position and during a dynamic condition (ie, ankle dorsiflexion). These measurements were performed before and immediately after the neurodynamic intervention, which consisted of a static slump position applied to the symptomatic limb of the patients with sciatica and in a randomly chosen limb of the healthy participants. RESULTS The 8 patients with sciatica included 6 male and 2 female patients, and the 8 healthy control participants included 5 male and 3 female volunteers. Slump neurodynamics resulted in an immediate decrease in the sciatic nerve stiffness of the symptomatic limb in people with sciatica by 16.1% (effect size = 0.65; P = .019). The intervention showed no significant changes in the sciatic nerve stiffness of the healthy participants (effect size = 0.05; P = .754). CONCLUSIONS Slump neurodynamics have the potential of decreasing the sciatic nerve stiffness in people with sciatica, and this effect can be quantified by SWE, which may provide valuable information for health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Neto
- Department of Physiotherapy, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise, and Sports, Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - Sandro R Freitas
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana (CIPER), Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J Andrade
- Movement, Interactions, and Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - João R Vaz
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana (CIPER), Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bruno Mendes
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana (CIPER), Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Telmo Firmino
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana (CIPER), Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Human Performance Department, Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula M Bruno
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana (CIPER), Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Antoine Nordez
- Movement, Interactions, and Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Raúl Oliveira
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo da Performance Humana (CIPER), Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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