The Relationship Among Probable SARCopenia, Osteoporosis and SuprasPinatus Tendon Tears in Postmenopausal Women: The SARCOSP Study

We aimed to investigate the relationship among probable sarcopenia, osteoporosis (OP) and supraspinatus tendon (SSP) tears in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women screened/followed for OP were recruited. Demographic data, comorbidities, exercise/smoking status, and handgrip strength values were recorded. Probable sarcopenia was diagnosed as handgrip strength values < 20 kg. Achilles and SSP thicknesses were measured using ultrasound. Among 1443 postmenopausal women, 268 (18.6%) subjects had SSP tears. Unilateral tears were on the dominant side in 146 (10.1%) and on the non-dominant side in 55 women (3.8%). In contrast to those without, women with SSP tears had older age, lower level of education, thinner SSP and lower grip strength (all p < 0.05). In addition, they had higher frequencies of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, DM, OP and probable sarcopenia, but lower exercise frequency (all p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression modeling revealed that age [odds ratio (OR): 1.046 (1.024-1.067 95% CI)], hypertension [OR: 1.560 (1.145-2.124 95% CI)], OP [OR: 1.371 (1.022-1.839 95% CI)] and probable sarcopenia [OR: 1.386 (1.031-1.861 95% CI)] were significant predictors for SSP tears (all p < 0.05). This study showed that age, presence of hypertension, probable sarcopenia and OP were related with SSP tears in postmenopausal women. To this end, although OP appeared to be related to SSP tears, SSP tear/thickness evaluation can be recommended for OP patients, especially those who have other risk factors such as older age, higher BMI, hypertension, and probable sarcopenia.

Additional contribution of phonophoresis and low-level laser therapy to exercise in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A clinical, electrophysiological, and ultrasonographic evaluation

OBJECTIVES

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve compression syndrome. This study aims to evaluate the additive contribution of phonophoresis and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to tendon and nerve gliding exercises electrophysiologically, ultrasonographically, and clinically in the treatment of moderate CTS.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 45 patients with moderate CTS, randomized into three groups. Group 1 received phonophoresis and exercise, Group 2 received LLLT and exercise, and Group 3 received exercise alone. Participants were evaluated electrophysiologically, clinically, and ultrasonographically before treatment and at the 6th and 12th weeks after the treatment.

RESULTS

An improvement was observed in clinical parameters (Boston Functional Status Scale, Boston Symptom Severity Scale, visual analog scale at rest, and visual analog scale during activity) for all groups at the 6th and 12th weeks after the treatment (p<0.05). An improvement was also noted in the ultrasonographic parameter (cross-sectional area) for all groups at the 12th week after the treatment (p=0.017).

CONCLUSION

Phonophoresis and LLLT do not provide additional effects to exercise therapy. Exercise therapy alone may positively contribute to ultrasonographic and clinical outcomes in the treatment of moderate CTS.

Femoral cartilage thickness measurements in healthy individuals: learning, practicing and publishing with TURK-MUSCULUS

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Measurement of the femoral cartilage thickness by using in-vivo musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) has been previously shown to be a valid and reliable method in previous studies; however, to our best notice, normative data has not been provided before in the healthy population.The aim of our study was to provide normative data regarding femoral cartilage thicknesses of healthy individuals with collaborative use of MSUS.

METHODS

This is across-sectional study run at Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Departments of 18 Secondary and Tertiary Centers in Turkey. 1544 healthy volunteers (aged between 25-40 years) were recruited within the collaboration of TURK-MUSCULUS (Turkish Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography Study Group). Subjects who had a body mass index value of less than 30 and who did not have signs and symptoms of any degenerative/inflammatory arthritis or other rheumatic diseases, history of knee trauma and previous knee surgery were enrolled. Ultrasonographic measurements were performed axially from the suprapatellar window by using linear probes while subjects' knees were in maximum flexion. Three (mid-point) measurements were taken from both knees (lateral condyle, intercondylar area, medial condyle).

RESULTS

A total of 2876 knees (of 817 M, 621 F subjects) were taken into analysis after exclusion of inappropriate images. Mean cartilage thicknesses were significantly lower in females than males (all p< 0.001). Thickness values negatively correlated with age; negatively (females) and positively (males) correlated with smoking. Men who regularly exercised had thicker cartilage than who did not exercise (all p < 0.05). Increased age (in both sexes) and absence of exercise (males) were found to be risk factors for decreased cartilage thicknesses.

CONCLUSION

Further data pertaining to other countries would be interesting to uncover whether ethnic differences also affect cartilage thickness. Collaborative use of MSUS seems to be promising in this regard.