Search

To test new treatment modalities, a pilot study with a novel noninvasive biophysical methodology (Delta-S DYD) that can artificially exert a "decrease of entropy" through the patented electromagnetic-driven delivery of "energy clusters" was designed. This process has been modulated and integrated by the body as a "self" source to support the energy-dependent functional stores, thus modifying reparative into regenerative mechanisms of liver parenchyma. Seven long-standing hepatitis C virus-positive (Child A-B) cirrhosis patients with overt symptoms and portal hypertension and failure or side effects of antiviral drug treatment underwent 40-mm sessions of Delta-S DVD daily for six months and were followed up monthly. At the end of the first month, rapid improvement of symptoms and a decease of portal hypertension were noted. At the end of treatment, all patients showed either a complete (80%) of a partial (20%)regression of fatigue (FISK score) peripheral edema pruritus and palmer erythema. As observed despite having stopped beta blockers, F1 esophageal varices disappeared (60%), whereas F2 decreased to F1. The Doppler ultrasound aspect of partial (40%) or total (20%) atrophy was either reduced (60%) or reverted to normal (20%), and the respiratory dynamics of the portal vein improved (80%) or normalized (20%), whereas gross scarring nodules disappeared in 40% of cases. These promising data pave the way for an innovative physiopathological approach with extensive clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dislocations or subluxations of the metatarsophalangeal joints are rare, and open reduction is necessary in special cases. In this case report, we present the case of a 30-year-old man who had chronic dislocation of the V metatarsophalangeal joint after a motorcycle accident. Stiffening of the joint capsule prevented closed reduction therefore the patient underwent surgery, after performing a Gauthier-type osteotomy the joint was stabilized by k-wire. The patient had an excellent recovery with no new dislocation episodes.

Purpose of Review: Therapeutic methods for neuropathic are limited; available drugs can be inadequate or have adverse effects that compromise quality of life. Interest has grown in alternatives to pharmacologic therapy for neuropathic pain. We present a focused review of the literature about the relatively novel noninvasive, nonpharmacologic electrocutaneous nerve stimulation technique called scrambler therapy for treating noncancer neuropathic pain., Recent Findings: Neuromodulation techniques targeting peripheral sites have changed rapidly in recent years. Several clinical studies have demonstrated the analgesic effect of scrambler therapy after 10 sessions of treatment for various types of pain. Although scrambler therapy was originally used for cancer pain, its indications have broadened to postoperative pain, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, low back pain, diabetic neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome and central pain syndrome. That said, some of the studies are controversial owing to their small sample size, lack of appropriate scrambler therapy protocol and possible lack of experience of the operators., Summary: We present the historical perspective, mechanism of action and trial outcomes of scrambler therapy, representing an avenue for managing neuropathic pain without drugs. Well designed phase II/III clinical trials must be conducted to confirm the positive findings reported using scrambler therapy technology. If validated, scrambler therapy could be a game changer., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Hallux rigidus (HR) is one of the most common pathologies of the forefoot. The conservative treatment is indicated for early stages, while surgical treatment is required for advanced osteoarthritis and rigidity. Surgical treatment of advanced stages of HR is still controversial and includes joint-destructive procedures such as arthrodesis and arthroplasty, Weil osteotomy for decompression of the joint space may be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of grade III HR. Twenty-four patients that underwent Weil osteotomy for Grade III HR were retrospectively reviewed. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), ROM and a subjective 5-point satisfaction scale were evaluated preoperatively, at 1 year, and at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Joint space width and metatarsal length were assessed through radiographic examination preoperatively, immediately postoperatively and at 2 years follow up. AOFAS score was 45.1±3.9 preoperatively, 84.9±6.4 at 1 year and 73.7±6.2 at two years of follow up. All patients were satisfied with the procedure at 2 years follow up. Mean ROM increased from 35.1° (range, 10°- 50°) preoperatively to 80.3° (range, 60°-90°) at 1 year. Mean dorsiflexion increased from 5° (range 0° to 10°) preoperatively to 15° (range 7° to 23°) at 1 year. Both total ROM and dorsiflexion values remained constant at 2 years. The joint space was 0.5±0.9 mm preoperatively, 2.0±1.9 mm at 1 year and 1.5±1.2 mm at 2 years. The average metatarsal shortening was 2±1.4 mm. Weil osteotomy alone can be beneficial for the treatment of patients affected by advanced HR. It can improve clinical and radiological outcomes at 2 years follow up in a series of patients affected by grade III HR. Therefore, the sliding oblique osteotomy represent a valid alternative to delay more aggressive procedures., (Copyright 2020 Biolife Sas. www.biolifesas.org.)

Scrambler therapy (ST) is an electro-analgesia therapy for the noninvasive treatment of chronic neuropathic and cancer pain based on a new generation of medical device that uses 5 artificial neurons and is based on a novel theoretical model the differs from gate control theory. The active principle with Scrambler Therapy is such that synthetic "non-pain" information is transmitted by C fiber surface receptors. This is a different theoretical mechanism than the traditional electric stimulation of A-Beta fibers to produce paresthesia and/or block the conduction of nerve fibers to produce an analgesic effect, that is, via TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machines. Scrambler therapy was developed to treat chronic neuropathic pain and cancer pain resistant to opioids and other types of treatments. The goal of Scrambler Therapy is to eliminate pain during treatment and allow for long-lasting analgesia after a series of 10 to 12 consecutive treatments performed over a 2-week period. The aim of this review is to clarify the underlying theory of Scrambler Therapy and describe the appropriate usage method that maximizes its effectiveness while reducing bias and deepen the explanation of the artificial neuron technology associated with Scrambler Therapy.

Objectives: Postherpetic neuropathy (PHN) is common, severe, and often refractory to treatment. We treated 10 patients with refractory PHN using Scrambler therapy, a neurocutaneous stimulation device that delivers "nonpain" information with surface electrodes., Methods: Scrambler therapy was given as 30-minute sessions daily for 10 days. Pain was recorded before and after treatment. Two centers., Result: The average pain score rapidly diminished from 7.64 ± 1.46 at baseline to 0.42 ± 0.89 at 1 month, a 95% reduction, with continued relief at 2 and 3 months. Patients achieved maximum pain relief with less than 5 treatments., Discussion: Scrambler therapy appears to have a promising effect on PHN, with prompt and continued relief and no side effects. Further research is warranted.

Nonunion of the first metatarsal after hallux valgus surgery is a rare complication that often results in significant pain and disability requiring surgical management. We report the case of a 42-year-old woman who developed a pseudarthrosis of the first metatarsal after percutaneous retrocapital distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal for a mild hallux valgus deformity. The operative treatment consisted of debridement of fibrous nonunion with plating followed by application of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) with an external device.

Context: Neuropathic pain is common, disabling, and often difficult to treat., Objectives: To compare guideline-based drug management with Scrambler therapy, a patient-specific electrocutaneous nerve stimulation device., Methods: A clinical trial with patients randomized to either guideline-based pharmacological treatment or Scrambler therapy for a cycle of 10 daily sessions was performed. Patients were matched by type of pain including postsurgical neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, or spinal canal stenosis. Primary outcome was change in visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores at one month; secondary outcomes included VAS pain scores at two and three months, pain medication use, and allodynia., Results: Fifty-two patients were randomized. The mean VAS pain score before treatment was 8.1 points (control) and 8.0 points (Scrambler). At one month, the mean VAS score was reduced from 8.1 to 5.8 (-28%) in the control group, and from 8 to 0.7 points (-91%) in the Scrambler group (P<0.0001). At two and three months, the mean pain scores in the control group were 5.7 and 5.9 points, respectively, and 1.4 and 2 points in the Scrambler group, respectively (P<0.0001). More relapses were seen in polyradicular pain than monoradicular pain, but retreatment and maintenance therapy gave relief. No adverse effects were observed., Conclusion: In this pilot randomized trial, Scrambler therapy appeared to relieve chronic neuropathic pain better than guideline-based drug management., (Copyright © 2012 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Pathologies of tendon of the long head of the biceps (LHB) are an important cause of shoulder pain. They include tendinopathy, rupture, superior labrum anterior and posterior lesions, pulley tears, and tendon instability. Conservative management of symptomatic LHB tendinopathy is commonly accepted as the first-line treatment. It consists of rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. Biceps tenotomy and tenodesis are the most common surgical procedures to manage both isolated LHB pathology and biceps-glenoid complex tears combined with rotator cuff tears. However, controversy persists about the superiority of one of them because there is no evidence of significant differences in functional scores or patient satisfaction between the 2 techniques. This article provides an overview on biomechanical function of the LHB and current strategies for treatment of LHB disorders.

Background: In a retrospective study, we evaluated the effect of the addition of a decompressive osteotomy to hemiarthroplasty of the great toe in terms of clinical and radiographic outcomes., Material and Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients affected by Grade III hallux rigidus underwent distal oblique osteotomy of the first metatarsal and hemiarthroplasty of the hallux metatarsophalageal joint. Clinical evaluation included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring system (AOFAS) and the Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36), preoperatively and at followup visits. Standard weightbearing radiographs were performed to assess implant alignment, loosening, and bone loss. The mean followup was 26.4 (range, 16 to 29) months., Results: The mean AOFAS score improved from 47.5 ± 11.5 preoperatively to 76.0 ± 15.5 postoperatively (p < 0.01). At the last followup the SF-36 subscales Physical functioning, Bodily pain and Emotional role scores were increased from baseline. At the last followup, six patients (28.5%) were very satisfied with the outcome, ten patients (47.6%) were satisfied and five patients (23.8%) were dissatisfied. In the dissatisfied group, two patients had persistent joint pain with stiffness and subluxation of the prosthesis. Dorsal subsidence of the implant was present in ten patients at the last radiographic followup., Conclusion: Hemiarthroplasty of the proximal phalanx and distal oblique metatarsal osteotomy for Grade III hallux rigidus at 2-years followup yielded mixed patient satisfaction and unsatisfactory radiographic outcome.

Aim: The therapy in question uses an innovative bioengineering device denoted as ''Delta-S DVD Entropy Variation System''. Previous research indicated regression of cirrhosis as evaluated in its morphofunctional and symptomatological aspects. The aim of the study is to confirm and extend previous experimental observations by enhancing hemodynamic evaluation techniques. In order to clarify scar regression, it was decided to include in the endpoints a quantitative evaluation of portal hypertension called HVPG, which is sensitive to the breakdown of hepatic architecture and the influence of regeneration nodules and therefore the advance of cirrhosis., Methods: The experimental design consists of a self-controlled study carried out on Child A-B cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient, HVPG > or = 10 mmHg). Five patients were enrolled, 4 HCV positive, one with autoimmune cirrhosis, all showing extensive symptoms., Results: At the end of the treatment all patients showed a reduction in portal hypertension (mean reduction HVPG = 40.2%, P<0.011), together with an improved ultrasound flowmeter pattern and a sharp decrease or disappearance of the symptoms. No adverse effects were reported. Efficacy on autoimmune cirrhosis was unaffected., Conclusions: By means of a quantitative analysis of portal hypertension and of functional aspects, this study confirms that the Delta-S DVD system can lead to the regression of the scar component of cirrhosis, promote the regeneration of functioning liver tissue with positive effects on hepatic functionality and prevent symptoms and the risk of varicose vein rupture.

Unlabelled: In neuropathies there are complex reactions that modify the homeostatic equilibrium of pain system. In such a context the Scrambler Therapy (ST5) interferes with pain signal transmission, by ''mixing'' a ''non-pain'' information into the nerve fibres. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of ST5 in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The ST5 consists of a multiprocessor apparatus able to simulate 5 artificial neurons by the application of surface electrodes on skin pain areas. A total of 226 patients, all suffering from intense drug-resistant neuropathic pain, were recruited for this trial in 2004., Inclusion Criteria: neuropathic pain, very high baseline visual analogue scale (VAS)., Exclusion Criteria: pacemaker users, neurolithic blocks or neurolesive pain control treatment. The treated neuropathic pain syndromes were: failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), sciatic and lumbar painpost-herpetical (PHN), trigeminal neuralgia, post-surgery nerve lesion neuropathy, pudendal neuropathy, brachial plexus neuropathy, low back pain (LBP), others. The trial programme: 1 to 6 therapy sessions of 5 treatments, each one lasting 30 min. Pain intensity was evaluated using VAS before and after each treatment. The statistical significance of VAS was measured using the paired t-test. The total results show 80.09% of responders (pain relief>50%), 10.18% of partially responders (pain relief from 25% to 49%) and 9.73% of no responders (patients with pain relief<24% or VAS>3). The, Conclusions: is draen that ST5 produced a statistically significant (P<0.0001) pain relief in all treated neuropathies.

Context: Visceral pain characterizing pancreatic cancer is the most difficult symptom of the disease to control and can significantly impair the quality of life which remains and increase the demand for euthanasia., Aim: To investigate a possible new method based on biophysical principles (scrambler therapy) to be used in the effective treatment of drug-resistant oncological pain of the visceral/neuropathic type., Setting: Eleven terminal cancer patients (3 pancreas, 4 colon, 4 gastric) suffering from elevated drug resistant visceral pain., Design: The trial program was related to the first ten treatment sessions. Subsequently, each patient continued to receive treatment until death., Main Outcome Measures: Pain measures were performed using the visual analogue scale before and after each treatment session and accompanied by diary recordings of the duration of analgesia in the hours following each single application. Any variation in pain-killing drug consumption was also recorded., Results: All patients reacted positively to the treatment throughout the whole reference period. Pain intensity showed a significant decrease (P<0.001), accompanied by a gradual rise both in the pain threshold and the duration of analgesia. Nine (81.8%) of the patients suspended pain-killers within the first 5 applications, while the remaining two (18.2%) considerably reduced the dosage taken prior to scrambler therapy. No undesirable side effects were observed. Compliance was found to be optimal., Conclusions: The preliminary results obtained using scrambler therapy are extremely encouraging, both in terms of enhanced pain control after each treatment session and in view of the possible maintenance of effectiveness over time.