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Today, musculoskeletal pain is frequently seen in the working population. Analgesic drugs are frequently used in the treatment of this chronic pain. However, analgesic drug treatment causes various side effects. Mesotherapy is an application method that aims to heal by injecting a small amount of medication under the skin. In this method, less medication is used compared to systemic treatment and a similar effect is achieved. Although mesotherapy has a wide range of uses, it does not yet have a standard protocol. For these reasons, every study conducted in the field of mesotherapy is quite valuable. It was aimed to contribute to the literature by evaluating the mesotherapy results of three sisters from the same family who applied to our center with various pain complaints. The pain of the sisters, aged 44, 47 and 50, was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after mesotherapy. The pain levels, which were 10/10, 8/10 and 10/10, decreased to 7/10, 4/10 and 3/10 after three sessions of mesotherapy, respectively. In addition, all of them reported an increase in their quality of life. The decrease in pain in these patients with similar genetic and sociodemographic characteristics, consistent with previous studies, can be interpreted as significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index (UWRI) was developed to evaluate the key elements that runners use to self-assess their own running ability following common running-related injuries. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the UWRI and to evaluate the psychometric properties of its Turkish version (UWRI-Tr) in runners. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: The study included 129 runners. The UWRI-Tr, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, the Oswestry Disability Index, the Hip Outcome Score, the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure were applied for the validation purposes. Internal consistency, reliability, construct validity, and discriminant validity of the UWRI-Tr were tested. Results: The test–retest reliability of the UWRI-Tr was excellent with an intraclass correlation coefficient of.85 and a Cronbach α value of.84. There was a small to strong correlation among the UWRI-Tr and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (r =.278), Oswestry Disability Index (r = −.744), Hip Outcome Score (r =.684), The International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form (r =.758), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (r =.498 and.767), indicating that its construct validity was appropriate for use with Turkish runners. Conclusions: The UWRI-Tr was shown to be a valid and reliable tool to use in clinical and research settings as a sport-specific measurement tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widely-known disease distinguished by the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain and morning stiffness. In this context, the role of corticosteroids is well known, but there is still a gap of knowledge on the duty of oxygen-ozone therapy (O2-O3). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate for effectiveness of ultrasound-guided O2-O3 injections compared with corticosteroid injections among patients diagnosed with knee OA. METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on participants with knee OA who were randomly sorted into two groups: group A, undergoing corticosteroid group (n = 47) and group B, undergoing O2-O3 (n = 49) were injected within the knee joint under ultrasound guidance. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) score between baseline and 12-weeks post-injection. Secondary outcome measures included visual analog scale scores, joint effusion and a knee flexion ROM. Assessments were recorded at baseline and 4-weeks and 12-weeks post-injection. For the examination of intra- and inter-group variations at various time points, a repeated-measure analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) was employed. RESULTS: Ninety-six participants completed this study. Based on repeated measurement analysis of variance, a significant effect of time was found for all outcome measures in both groups. Both groups showed clinically significant improvements in knee pain, quality of life and, function. Baseline, 4-week post-injection and 12-week post-injection WOMAC scores (mean ± standard deviation) were 72.54 ± 18.89, 45,95 ± 13.30 and 37.10 ± 19.87 (p = 0.00, p = 0.00, p = 0.00; respectively) in the corticosteroid group, respectively and 68.23 ± 20.18, 42.99 ± 18.67, and 33.43 ± 18.24 (p = 0.00, p = 0.00, p = 0.00; respectively) in the ozone group, respectively. However, no significant group × time interaction was determined regarding all outcome measures. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates the efficacy of O2-O3 compared to steroid injections regarding functioning and pain relief among patients with diagnosed knee OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) occur as a result of long-term exposure to inappropriate working postures and repetitive use of body postures, leading to harmful consequences for patients, employees, and employers. Evaluating distinct working postures can contribute to effective interventions. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine ergonomic risks of MSDs during repeated blood pressure measurement processes and to evaluate the effectiveness of a training on this topic. Methods: A pretest/posttest quasi-experimental design studied 64 nurses in a training and research hospital in Turkey. Participants were evaluated for the prevalence and risk of MSDs using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Extended Version and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Checklist, and by photographing them performing the procedure. Nurses with high risk for MSDs received an ergonomics training program and were followed up twice in 3 months. Results: Reduction in prevalence of MSDs in neck, shoulder, and hip/thigh areas, and in mean REBA scores after the training were statistically significant. Conclusion: Nurses should be trained about correct posture for specific high-risk activities that may cause MSDs, and offered exercise programs that support the musculoskeletal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research was conducted to determine the effect on pain, psychosocial adjustment and self-care management of motivational interview-based counseling for individuals with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study. The sample size for the study was calculated as 60 individuals (29 intervention, 31 controls) diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Study data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for measuring pain intensity, Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Self-Report Scale, and Self-Care Management Scale in Chronic Diseases. The intervention group received motivational interview-based counseling for four weeks and standard care was administered to the control group. At the end of four weeks, the post-test was applied to participants. Results: Motivational interview-based counseling for the intervention group lasting four weeks significantly decreased the mean scores for the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Self-Report Scale, indicating increased psychosocial adjustment levels. It significantly decreased VAS scores, and significantly increased mean scores for the Self-Care Management Scale in Chronic Diseases, indicating self-care management increased (P < .001). Conclusion: Motivational interview-based counseling for individuals with knee osteoarthritis reduces pain and increases psychosocial adjustment and self-care management. Practice Implementation: Health professionals can use motivational interviewing during the treatment, care and rehabilitation of individuals with knee osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal / Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal (BAUN Health Sci J) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The knee, low back, and shoulder account for most overuse injuries in volleyball. Previous researchers have used methodology that did not examine the extent of injury burden and effect on performance. To develop a more accurate and complete understanding regarding the weekly prevalence and burden of knee, low back, and shoulder problems within the highest levels of men's volleyball, including the role that preseason complaints, match participation, player position, team, and age have on complaints. Descriptive epidemiology study. Professional volleyball clubs and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I program. A total of 75 male volleyball players, representing 4 teams playing in their country's respective premier league (Japan, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States), participated over a 3-season period. Players completed a weekly questionnaire (Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire) reporting pain related to their sport and the extent to which knee, low back, and shoulder problems affected participation, training volume, and performance. Problems leading to moderate or severe reductions in training volume or performance or the inability to participate were considered substantial problems. The mean weekly prevalence of knee, low back, and shoulder problems based on 102 player-seasons was 31% (95% CI = 28%, 34%), 21% (95% CI = 18%, 23%), and 19% (95% CI = 18%, 21%), respectively. Most players (93%, 95/102 player-seasons) reported some level of knee (79%, n = 81/102 player-seasons), low back (71%, n = 72/102 player-seasons), or shoulder (67%, n = 68/102 player-seasons) complaints during the season. Most players (58%, n = 59/102 player-seasons) experienced at least 1 episode of substantial problems affecting the knee (33%, n = 34/102 player-seasons), low back (27%, n = 28/102 player-seasons), or shoulder (27%, n = 28/102 player-seasons). Players with preseason complaints had more in-season complaints than teammates without preseason problems (mean weekly prevalence: knee, 42% versus 8%, t49 = −18.726, P <.001; low back, 34% versus 6%, t32 = −12.025, P <.001; shoulder, 38% versus 8%, t30 = −10.650, P <.001). Nearly all included elite male volleyball players experienced knee, low back, or shoulder problems, and most had at least 1 bout that substantially reduced training participation or sport performance. These findings suggest that knee, low back, and shoulder problems result in greater injury burden than previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Karya Journal of Health Science is the property of Karya Journal of Health Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of basic body awareness therapy (BBAT) on pain, balance, muscle strength, and functionality in knee OA. Forty patients (mean age: 55.20 ± 6.40 years) with knee OA were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Both groups participated in a home-based exercise programme. The home-based exercise programme was performed daily for 6 weeks. In addition to the home-based programme, patients in the experimental group participated in BBAT 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The visual analogue scale, fall risk assessment, single-leg stability test, knee extension muscle strength, five times sit-to-stand test, joint range of motion assessment, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, 6-minute walk test, and stair climb test were performed at baseline and after 6 weeks. All outcomes in the experimental group significantly improved after 6 weeks (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of the experimental group in muscle strength (p = 0.018, η2= 0.191), five times sit-to-stand test (p < 0.001, η2= 0.510), and the stair climbing test (p = 0.012, η2=0.212). This study showed that BBAT, in addition to a home-based exercise programme, can improve muscle strength and functionality in patients with knee OA. NCT04165187 Basic Body Awareness Therapy in addition to a home exercise program can be effective on muscle strength, and functionality in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A decrease in knee extension muscle strength is one of the prominent features of knee osteoarthritis and better muscle strength is associated with less functional limitations. Adding Basic Body Awareness Therapy to the physiotherapy program can improve functions such as climbing up and down stairs and sitting and standing up in knee osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Kinesio taping® (KT) is a widely used treatment method in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Little is known about the KT treatment and hip strength in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the KT treatment on hip muscle weakness in early rehabilitation of ACLR and the possible determinants of the ACLR-hip strength deficit (HSD). Design: Double-blind sham-controlled study. Setting: Rehabilitation department. Patients: A total of 26 male patients who underwent unilateral ACLR using hamstring autograft or allograft 4 days before. Interventions: The patients were randomized to receive the knee KT treatment (n = 13) with lymphatic correction plus muscle (biceps/rectus femoris) facilitation or sham KT (n = 13) for 10 days. In addition, the same ACLR rehabilitation program was applied to all the patients. Main Outcome Measures: The baseline data included demographic and clinical characteristics, postoperative swelling, knee motion loss and knee pain, and bilateral strength of the knee and hip muscle groups, except for rotator. Then, percentage values of hip HSD and knee strength limb symmetry index were calculated. The hip strength measurements in ACLR-operated leg were repeated on the 5th to 10th days of KT. Results: Changes in all hip strength values over time were significant in both groups (P <.01). In intergroup analysis of 5th and 10th days, improvements in the flexor (only 10th day), extensor, and adductor hip strength on operated leg were in favor of KT group (P <.05). In addition, the postoperative thigh swelling and knee strength limb symmetry index values were correlated with the HSD outcomes in baseline data (P <.05). Conclusions: ACLR-HSD can be caused by postoperative increased swelling and reduced knee strength. The KT treatment with lymphatic correction and muscle facilitation can be used in the treatment of postoperative hip muscle weakness after ACLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the compliance with the current evidence-based perspective by revealing the evaluation and treatment approaches, knowledge levels and treatment preferences in early knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation from physiotherapists in Turkey; Methods: A 2-part questionnaire (30 questions, 5 minutes filling time) was created by researchers. The questionnaire was sent to 112 physiotherapists via Google Forms to the mobile application group of the Turkish Physiotherapists Association; Results: The evaluation methods preferred by physiotherapists at the first physiotherapy visit are palpation (100%), muscle strength (100%) and gait analysis (94.64%). Their preferences for a single basic treatment application are electrophysical agents (EPA) use (25.89%), strengthening exercises (24.11%), and weight control (18.75%). Additional method preferences are EPA (79.46%), cold application (70.54%) and weight control (56.25%). Strengthening exercises are always preferred by 71.43%. Physiotherapists gave written (77.68%) and verbal (62.5%) information to the patients and declared that they made all these choices mostly in the light of their experience-based skills (54.46%); Conclusion: The results of our study identify the evidence-to-practice gap amongst of physiotherapists in Turkey that can lead to non-evidence-based or non-guided practice behaviors for the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) develop due to exposure to physical and psycho-social factors in the work environment. The diagnostic criteria and prevalence of WMSDs are not well established. In this study, we aimed to determine which WMSDs occur in automotive industry workers and what the underlying risk factors may be. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed that included 200 automotive industry workers who were diagnosed with a WMSD by physical and radiological examination in the physical therapy and rehabilitation outpatient clinic in the past year. We recorded demographic data, risk factors and WMSD diagnosis names for the patients. Results: In our study, the most common diagnosis was low back disorder (66.5%), followed by neck and shoulder (58%) and upper extremity (23%) disorders. There was a statistically significant increase in the occurrences of shoulder-neck diseases, upper extremity, and low back-lower extremity diseases in workers with inappropriate posture (P < 0.001). Workers who exerted heavy effort or performed repetitive motions were statistically more likely to experience upper extremity disorders (P < 0.001) as well as low backlower extremity disorders (P = 0.020 and P < 0.001, respectively); there was no statistically significant change in the incidence of shoulder and neck diseases with heavy effort (P = 0.538). Conclusion: WMSD is a serious health and economic problem. In our study, we found that low back and lower extremities and neck and shoulder problems are the most common types of WMSDs in individuals working in the automotive sector. Not using proper posture while working causes health problems in the shoulders, neck, upper extremities and low back and lower extremities. Employees in this sector should be encouraged to use good work ergonomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how walking and balance are affected at different time intervals after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). Methods: Forty-five patients with APM and a healthy control group of 46 people were included in the study. Gait and bipedal balance analysis were performed to the patient group twice in 4 weeks and 12 weeks after surgery. Results: In the gait analysis performed after 4 weeks, stance phase (SP), step time (ST), and total double support (TDS) were higher, and step length (SL), swing phase (SWP), cadence (C), and speed (V) in the patient group were lower. After 12 weeks, SP, TDS, and step width (SW) data were higher in the patient group and SWP was lower. In both measurements, the gait of the patient group is not symmetrical. In open-eye balance test, it was observed that the data of length of ellipse (LoE), area of ellipse (AoE), and path length of CoP (PL) were different after 4 weeks but these differences disappeared after 12 weeks. Width of ellipse (WoE), LoE, AoE, and PL data were different in the test performed with eyes closed after 4 weeks. In addition to the same data after 12 weeks, the medio-lateral direction (ML) was also higher than the patient group. Conclusion: After 12 weeks, walking has not fully recovered. There was no difference in the balance analysis with eyes open, but the differences were still present in the eyes-closed analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Synovial osteochondromatosis (SOC) is an uncommon benign condition characterized by the proliferation of the synovium with cartilaginous metaplasia. It can develop in any joint where synovium exists but is most prevalent in the knee. It generally occurs in the knee's anterior compartment, but it can also be seen in the posterior fossa. In this article, we report a 58-year-old woman with knee pain and swelling secondary to SOC. The detection of calcific nodules in both plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging of the knee determined the diagnosis. SOC needs attention due to its high morbidity rates and possibility of malignant transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the emergence of pain in critical-care nurses and the prognostic risk factors. Design: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive research. Setting and Subjects: This study was conducted with the participation of 111 critical-care nurses in Zonguldak province, Turkey. Interventions: The data were collected using a survey form and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire between August and November 2015. The data were evaluated using frequency, average, Pearson correlation analysis, χ², logistic regression, and odds ratio tests. Results: The critical-care nurses were found to experience pain mostly in their lower backs (88.3%), upper backs (77.5%), right (76.6%) and left (78.4%) feet, necks (73.9%), and most infrequently in the right (28.8%) and left (28.8%) lower arms. Changing bed linens while the patient remained in bed and lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy materials caused those nurses who felt despondent and tired to feel significant pain in the shoulder, neck, upper arm, wrist, and knee (P < .05). Conclusions: These results were significant for placing emphasis on maintaining body mechanics while caring for patients, providing appropriate environmental conditions, and ensuring ergonomics to preserve the health of critical-care nurses who work in hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Analyses of pain coping strategies in patients with osteoarthritis are important for minimizing the impact of symptoms and establishing appropriate disease management. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the strategies that patients with knee osteoarthritis use to cope with pain and effect of these strategies on disease-specific quality of life. Methods: The study is a descriptive one. Nonrandom sample included 145 patients with knee osteoarthritis, who presented to the orthopedics outpatient clinic during one year. This study was performed at a training and research hospital in Ankara, Turkey. The institutional consent was obtained for the study. Data collected with the patient information form, pain definition and coping strategies evaluation form, and Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2. Collected data were analysed by descriptive and analytical statistics using SPSS 15.0 software. Results: With increasing severity of pain, quality of life was being affected unfavorably. The mostly experienced problem was within the area of symptom status (pain of arthritis) ( x̅ =7.06±1.94). The average scores of areas of quality of life were more favorable in patients who were using non-pharmacological and alternative strategies compared to patients who were using pharmacological and traditional strategies. Conclusion: A pain management plan, which includes non-pharmacological and alternative strategies that have favorable effects on quality of life areas, should be prepared and implemented with an organized education and counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The most common disease of the older age group in Turkey is degenerative articular disease and pain associated with the disease. Analgesics and physical therapy are preferred treatment for geriatric chronic pain but suffering from multiple medical and nutritional problems in old ages can limit treatment options with analgesics due to an increased risk of adverse effects and drug interactions. OBJECTIVES: We aim to show the effect of acupuncture on back-pain and knee-pain treatment of elderly people. METHODS: The study includes 34 patients, 24 female and 8 male. The mean age was 69.0417 ± 8.95 years for females and 73.12 ± 8.95.24 years for males. Every two days for a total of 10 sessions acupuncture treatment to Yintang, Ht 7 (Shenmen), LI 4 (Hegu), Ki 3 (Taixi) and Ki 6 were found to significantly reduce pain scores of patients. RESULTS: Mean back pain scores (8.8696 ± 1.546) and mean knee pain scores (9.1304 ± 1.4239) of patients were reduced significantly to 2.1739 ± 1.466 and 1.455 ± 0.7; p < 0.001 respectively after the acupuncture treatment. CONCLUSION: These are important results as they give rationale to use acupuncture treatment widely in chronic low back pain and knee pain in the geriatric group of patients to reduce the side effects of polypharmacy in elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although glucosamine is commonly consumed by athletes, its effectiveness in sports injuries is still under debate. We aimed to investigate the effects of glucosamine to the rehabilitation outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructed athletes. Glucosamine-sulfate (1000 mg daily, for 8 weeks) was administered to half of the cohort of 30 male athletes, the other half used a placebo. Both groups received the same rehabilitation protocol. Knee pain and functions were evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores before and after oral administration. Additionally, an isokinetic test was performed after the administration period. The scores revealed significant improvements in both groups after 8 weeks, but no significant difference was detected between groups in any of the parameters. Glucosamine supplementation did not improve the rehabilitation outcomes of athletes after ACL reconstruction. This is the first study investigating this topic. Further studies will help to obtain clear evidence about glucosamine efficacy on ACL injured or ACL reconstructed athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The number of studies and evidences is inadequate especially with regard to the efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) application in non-spinal indications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PRF on pain, functioning and quality of life in patients with advanced knee OA. METHODS: The study included 21 patients with complaints of knee pain. Intra-articular PRF was applied for 10 minutes at 42°C. Pain severity was assessed using the 10 cm standard visual analogue scale (VAS). Outcome measures also included a 20-meter walk test, a 6-minute walk test, WOMAC, Lequesne index, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). All measurements were assessed before treatment and 4 and 12 weeks after the treatment. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement was found in VAS scores at rest and after walking, subscores of SF36-pain and SF36-social functioning, and Lequesne score at week four (p < 0.05). This improvement was maintained for the scores of VAS-walking at week 12 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is possible to state that intra-articular PRF application is effective and safe for the pain treatment of patients with advanced knee OA. Therefore, we think that PRF application will be included in chronic pain treatment guidelines in the future with the increase in the number of future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of the straight leg raise exercise (SLRE) and mini squat exercise (MSE) on pain intensity, performance, muscle strength, physical function and balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients and methods: Forty female patients (mean age 59.93±10.61 years; range 30-65 years) who were admitted to Baçkent University Hospital between February 2009 and February 2010 with bilateral knee OA were included in this randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial. The patients were assigned into two groups, including SLRE and MSE. Both exercise groups were scheduled for a threeweek program of five sessions per week. Both groups also received an electrotherapy program in each session. Knee pain using the visual analog scale (VAS), physical performance using Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths using Cybex II, static balance using Sport KAT 3000, physical function using Knee Injury and Osteoarhtritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Short Form (KOOS-PS) were assessed at baseline, at treatment end, and one month after treatment end. Results: No significant difference was found In static balance testing parameters after exercise program (EP) (p=0.659) and during follow-up period (p=0.327) between the groups. There was no significant difference in KOOS-PS scores after EP (p=0.398) and during follow-up (p=0.201) between SLRE and MSE groups. There was no significant difference in VAS scores after EP (p=0.149), however significant difference was found during follow-up (p=0.030) between SLRE and MSE groups. Mini squat exercise group had significantly higher TUG scores and higher right knee extensor torque at 607sec (p=0.024), 90°/sec (p=0.003), 1207sec (p=0.005) and 1807sec (p=0.017) compared to the SLRE group at the end of EP. Conclusion: Further studies are required including long-term follow-up and the evaluation criteria of the effectiveness of SLRE and MSE after this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate (1) the probable correlation between clinical and ultrasonographic findings in chronic painful primary knee OA patients referred with acute flare-ups and (2) the impact of diagnostic ultrasonography (US) to determine the real source of pain in these patients. We included 100 patients consecutively who were admitted to our outpatient unit with a pain complaint on a single knee with the diagnosis of primary knee OA according to the ACR criteria. The control group consisted of the patients with pain-free knees at least during the last month, who were already included in the study group. The sonographic evaluation of the knee was performed by a physician who was blinded to the clinical evaluation and/or the physical and radiological evaluations. In the present study, sonographic findings were significantly more observed on the painful knees ( p < 0.001). The most commonly encountered findings on the symptomatic knees were the suprapatellar effusion (55 %), the baker cyst (25 %), and the pes anserine bursitis. The distribution of the findings on the asymptomatic knees was as follows: 22 %, the suprapatellar effusion and 5 %, the Baker cyst. Effusion was detected in 55 % of the painful knees of our patients with knee OA. This finding was statistically significant compared to the painless knees of the subjects included. The results of our study also showed that there was a significant relation between the Kellgren-Lawrence grading and the frequency of suprapatellar effusion on US examination ( p = 0.026). It was concluded that in chronic, primary, painful knee osteoarthritis, US is a valuable diagnostic method in the confirmation of synovitis and/or the inflammatory episode in spite of the absence of obvious clinical parameters. In advanced osteoarthritis, when we consider that the inflammatory episodes are expected findings, the early confirmation of the inflammation on US may be particularly valuable in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: We studied the long-term efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency treatment (PRF) on the saphenous nerve in 115 patients with chronic knee pain. Materials and methods: 115 patients with chronic knee pain were investigated in a period of 22~months retrospectively. All patients had pulsed radiofrequency to the saphenous nerve. The mean age was 59 (range, 51-67). All patients were accessed with the visual analog scale (VAS) and WOMAC score pain at rest, pain on movement, and pain in flexion at 10th day, 3rd and 6th~months post procedure. Results: All patients showed improvement in their VAS scores as well as in their WOMAC scores after ten day, three month, and 6 months (p=0.001). No side effects were reported. Conclusion: PRF application to the saphenous nerve for eight minutes showed remarkable amount of patient satisfaction. Application of PRF for the second time could be recommended if it shows some benefit after the sixth month. But none of our patients needed a second application of PRF after six months period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]