Biomedical subjects

Zmago Turk

Publications and source records attributed to Zmago Turk.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

The impact of anthropometric parameters on the incidence of low back pain.

Endogenic factors as one of possible reasons for low back pain were investigated and discussed in this study. The study included 122 male bus drivers, average age 44.2 years, average period of active service 24.4 years. The following anthropometric indexes have been calculated: Quetelet's index, percentage of body fat, relative body weight, Olivier's typologic index, Lorenz's constitution index and muscle index. According to inquiry form regarding history of low back pain the subjects were divided in two groups: 36 had no low back pain history and 76 had a history of recurrent low back pain. The results showed statistically nonsignificant differences in the anthropometric parameters and the calculated indexes between these two groups of subjects. The chosen subject sample showed that nutritional status, body build, constitution and muscular development are not associated with the incidence of low back pain.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Clinical versus electrodiagnostic effectiveness of splinting in the conservative treatment of carpal-tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Splinting is known as one of the most effective non-aggressive treatments for carpal-tunnel syndrome (CTS). Early and accurate diagnosis of CTS is critical for effective non-surgical management. Nerve-conduction studies confirm the diagnosis of CTS with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. Many patients report that their symptoms decrease after splinting; consequently, improved electrophysiological findings are expected. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and neurophysiological effectiveness of splinting in patients with CTS. METHODS: In a prospective study of 77 hands with CTS symptoms, neurophysiological tests were performed before and after 12 weeks of using a splint. A custom-made volar thermoplastic wrist splint was fabricated in a neutral wrist position to maximize carpal-tunnel space and minimize the compressive forces on the median nerve. Each patient was provided with a custom-made splint, and was asked to wear it during sleep and whenever possible when awake. The case history was taken, and a physical examination and repeated nerve conduction studies were performed at the start and after 12 weeks. Data were analysed statistically. RESULTS: We calculated the mean and the range for each electrophysiological test before and after 12 weeks of splint use. There was no significant difference between pre- and post-measurement of each parameter (p > 0.05). Good relief of symptoms occurred soon after the patients began wearing the splint; however, the electrodiagnostic test remained pathological. CONCLUSION: Even though immobilization (wrist splint in neutral position) does not affect the common electrodiagnostic parameters in CTS diagnostics, it caused the disappearance of clinical symptoms in 75% of the patients. There is therefore a need for further research regarding the usefulness of repeated electrodiagnostic studies.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Importance of intervertebral disc size in low back pain.

AIM: To compare two anthropometrical methods for measuring the intervertebral disc size with computer tomography measurements and to develop a new anthropometric method for calculating intervertebral disc area. METHODS: Intervertebral disc size was measured using computer tomography and two anthropometric methods (Colombini and modified Colombini) in a sample of 40 subjects. The new calculation for intervertebral disc size was developed and used in a sample of male bus drivers with (n=65) and without (n=30) anamnestic low back pain to asses clinical usefulness. RESULTS: The modified anthropometric method for intervertebral disc size assessment correctly predicted intervertebral disc size in 89% of the cases and the determination error was diminished to an average of 4.1% for level L4-L5 and 4.4% for level L5-S1. The average size of the intervertebral discs in 65 subjects with anamnestic lower back problems was significantly smaller than in the control group of 30 subjects having no such problems (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of the presented formulas for the calculation of the intervertebral disc in L4-5 and L5-S1 areas from the data obtained by simple anthropometrical measurements is sufficiently reliable and accurate. The method is economical and harmless.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[Low back pain--what do we really know?].

Low back pain is one of the most frequent health problems of contemporary people. Therapy is usually conservative and symptomatic because in the most part of cases the etiology remains unknown. Evidence based medicine is putting itself in front also in the field of low back pain diagnosis and treatment. The therapy for low back pain is thoroughly and scientifically rigorously analized by the professionals from the Cochrane Collaboration. There are still not published enough randomized controlled studies to conclude about the effectiveness of most frequently used physical therapy modalities. There is a necessity for additional researching in that field.

Evidence-Based Medicine↗