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Exercise-induced deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremity. 1. Literature review.

Paget-Schroetter syndrome or effort-related upper extremity deep vein thrombosis is a rare condition that usually afflicts young healthy individuals, most commonly males. The cause is multifactorial but almost always involves extrinsic compression of the subclavian vein at the thoracic inlet, causing venous stenosis from repetitive trauma. The diagnosis of this condition may be difficult, and its delay may contribute to potential complications including thrombosis progression, pulmonary embolism, thrombosis recurrence, and post-thrombotic syndrome. Similarly, the best therapeutic option has not been established and in the lack of evidence-based guidelines, treatment may be extremely challenging especially in children, in whom long-term complications can be particularly disabling.

Adolescent↗

Neuromusculoskeletal disorders in the neck and upper extremities among drivers of all-terrain vehicles--a case series.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether professional drivers of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with neck pain have a different array of neuromusculoskeletal disorders in the neck and upper extremities than a referent group with neck pain from the general population. It is hypothesized that exposure to shock-type vibration and unfavorable working postures in ATVs have the capacity to cause peripheral nervous lesions. METHODS: This study was based on a case series analyzed according to a case-case comparison design. The study population consisted of 60 male subjects, including professional drivers of forest machines (n = 15), snowmobiles (n = 15), snowgroomers (n = 15) and referents from the general population (n = 15) all of whom had reported neck pain in a questionnaire and underwent an extensive physical examination of the neck and upper extremities. Based on symptom history, symptoms and signs, and in some cases chemical, electroneurographical and radiological findings, subjects were classified as having a nociceptive or neuropathic disorder or a mix of these types. RESULTS: The occurrence of asymmetrical and focal neuropathies (peripheral nervous lesion), pure or in a mix with a nociceptive disorder was common among cases in the ATV driver groups (47%-79%). This contrasted with the referents that were less often classified as having asymmetrical and focal neuropathy (27%), but instead had more nociceptive disorders. The difference was most pronounced among drivers of snowgroomers, while drivers of forest machines were more frequently classified as having a nociceptive disorder originating in the muscles. CONCLUSION: This study found a high prevalence of assymetrical and focal neuropathies among drivers with pain in the neck, operating various ATVs. It seems as if exposure to shock-type whole-body vibration (WBV) and appurtenant unfavorable postures in ATVs may be associated to peripheral nervous lesions.

Adult↗

[Anatomy of arteries of the upper extremity in various chromosomal and gene mutations].

Changeability of major + arteries and their main branches has been studied in 159 preparations of the upper extremities of fetuses, newborns and children of suckling age with trisomies of 13, 18, and 21 chromosomes, anencephaly in newborns, died at asphyxia or birth injury without any visible developmental defects. Manifestation of anatomical changeability in the human being is under an essential influence of peculiarities of genotypes. In morphogenesis of the upper extremity arteries genes of 13, 18 and 21 chromosomes participate. Trisomies of 13, 18 chromosomes cause more manifested and specific changes in morphogenesis of some structures, and trisomy 21 and mutant genes, producing anencephaly , only increase variability of their structure.

Anencephaly↗

Claims incidence of work-related disorders of the upper extremities: Washington state, 1987 through 1995.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the claim incidence rate, cost, and industry distribution of work-related upper extremity disorders in Washington. METHODS: Washington State Fund workers' compensation claims from 1987 to 1995 were abstracted and categorized into general and specific disorders of gradual or sudden onset. RESULTS: Accepted claims included 100,449 for hand/wrist disorders (incidence rate: 98.2/10,000 full-time equivalents; carpal tunnel syndrome rate: 27.3), 30,468 for elbow disorders (incidence rate: 29.7; epicondylitis rate: 11.7), and 55,315 for shoulder disorders (incidence rate: 54.0; rotator cuff syndrome rate: 19.9). Average direct workers' compensation claims costs (medical treatment and indemnity) were $15,790 (median: $6774) for rotator cuff syndrome, $12,794 for carpal tunnel syndrome (median: $4190), and $6593 for epicondylitis (median: $534). Construction and food processing were among the industries with the highest rate ratios for all disorders (> 4.0). CONCLUSIONS: Upper extremity disorders represent a large and costly problem in Washington State industry. Industries characterized by manual handling and repetitive work have high rate ratios. The contingent workforce appears to be at high risk.

Absenteeism↗

Measurement of upper extremity torque production and its relationship to throwing speed in the competitive athlete.

This study was conducted to establish whether or not a correlation exists between peak torque production of upper extremity (UE) musculature and throwing speed. Eleven professional baseball players were tested for upper extremity peak torque production using a Cybex II Isokinetic Dynamometer. Throwing speed was measured with a radar gun. Results of statistical analysis performed on the data indicate a correlation between shoulder adductors and throwing speed.

Arm↗

[ANalysis of upper extremity injuries in the Szczecin shipyard S.A. in the years 1989-1993].

The study covered 534 cases of work-related injuries of upper extremities among workers of the Szczecin Shipyard, registered during the years 1989-93. Some factors influencing the rate and structure of accidents (age, kind of work, section of the plant, occupational exposure and work experience) were analysed. The study showed that hand injuries were the most common effect of work-related accidents involving upper extremities among males employed in the shipyard.

Accidents, Occupational↗

Upper-extremity volume measurements in women with lymphedema: a comparison of measurements obtained via water displacement with geometrically determined volume.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Upper-extremity (UE) swelling following breast cancer treatment is a frequent manifestation of lymphedema. In order to document outcomes from lymphedema treatments, reliable, valid, and practical measurements of UE swelling are necessary. The purpose of this study was to compare geometric methods of determining UE volumes with water displacement methods. SUBJECTS: The edematous hand, forearm, and upper arm of 50 women with UE swelling secondary to lymphedema were measured. METHODS: Upper-extremity volumes were determined by water displacement using arm and hand volumeters. Displaced water was weighed to determine volume. Circumferential girth measurements were taken. Width and depth measurements of the hand were taken with a tension-controlled caliper. Geometric volume formulas for a cylinder, frustum, rectangular solid, and trapezoidal solid were used to calculate volumes of the arm and hand at different measurement intervals. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients [2,1] for interrater and intrarater reliability of all water and geometric measurements of the arm and hand were.91 to.99 and.92 to.99, respectively. Water displacement correlated with geometric measurements in the arm (r=.97-.98) and in the hand (r=.81-.91). The limits of agreement (LOA) indicated that water and geometric measurements of arm volume differed by 479 to 655 mL. Scatterplots of the LOA data indicated in that geometric volumes were either larger or smaller than water volumes. The smallest standard error of measurement for the arm measurements was for the 6-cm frustum method at 115 mL; for the hand measurements, the smallest standard error of measurement was for the frustum method at 16 mL. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Volume of an edematous UE calculated by geometric formulas correlated strongly with volume determined by water displacement. Although strongly correlated, the measurements obtained by the 2 methods did not agree.

Adult↗

Patency of autogenous and polytetrafluoroethylene upper extremity arteriovenous hemodialysis accesses: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Patency rates for autogenous accesses are presumed to be better than for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) accesses, although the strength of the supporting evidence is limited. We undertook this study to test the hypothesis that patency rates for upper extremity autogenous hemodialysis arteriovenous accesses in adults are superior to those for PTFE counterparts. METHODS: A systematic review of relevant literature and meta-analysis of the patency data were performed. Studies were considered acceptable if patency data were reported by either life table or Kaplan-Meier method, including number of patients at risk. RESULTS: The thirty-four studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria were composed predominantly of case series or nonrandomized controlled studies; no randomized, controlled studies comparing autogenous and PTFE accesses were included. The primary patency rate for autogenous accesses was 72% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70%-74%) at 6 months and 51% (95% CI, 48%-53%) at 18 months, and the corresponding primary patency rate for PTFE accesses was 58% (95% CI, 56%-61%) and 33% (95% CI, 31%-36%), respectively. The secondary patency rate for autogenous accesses was 86% (95% CI, 84%-88%) at 6 months and 77% (95% CI, 74%-79%) at 18 months, and the corresponding secondary patency rate for PTFE accesses was 76% (95% CI, 73%-79%) and 55% (95% CI, 51%-59%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The patency rate for autogenous upper extremity arteriovenous hemodialysis accesses in adults is superior to that for PTFE counterparts, although the overall quality of the studies in the meta-analysis was less than ideal. Randomized, controlled studies to further examine the differences in outcome between these two access types are necessary.

Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical↗

Movement patterns of the upper extremity and trunk before and after corrective surgery of impaired forearm rotation in patients with cerebral palsy.

The effect of surgical correction of impaired forearm rotation on associated body movement patterns was studied prospectively by comparison of preoperative and postoperative three-dimensional video analysis of the upper extremity and trunk in eight male and two female patients with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP; mean age 16y 2mo [SD 4y 11mo]; range 11-27y). A customized parameter, 'extrinsic forearm rotation', was used to quantify associated movements supplementing forearm rotation. After surgical correction of the pronation deformity, active forearm supination during a functional reaching task had improved by a mean of 37 degrees in combination with significantly decreased extrinsic forearm rotation by a mean of 13 degrees . In addition, an average loss of 16 degrees of active pronation in combination with increased extrinsic forearm rotation (mean 8 degrees ) was observed. On the basis of these results we conclude that successful surgical correction of a pronation deformity in patients with CP directly affects related movement patterns of the upper extremity and trunk.

Adolescent↗

Combined use of axillary block and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block in upper-extremity injuries requiring large skin grafts.

An axillary block and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block combination was used in 11 patients with upper-extremity injuries requiring large skin grafts. In our experience, this block combination was highly successful. All but one of the patients obtained excellent pain relief (mean visual analog pain scores, 0.2) that required no narcotic analgesics or sedatives. There were no systemic or neurologic side effects attributed to the local anesthetic drugs. We believe that combining an axillary block and a lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block is a clinically useful and effective technique and an excellent anesthetic alternative for procedures requiring large grafts for the upper extremity.

Adult↗

Amputations of the hand and upper extremity in the management of malignant tumors.

The primary goal of treatment for malignant bone and soft tissue tumors of the hand and upper extremity is an oncologic cure. The secondary goal is maintenance of function. Despite recent advances in chemotherapy and radiation techniques, amputation still provides a means for achieving surgical cure for some bone and soft tissue sarcomas. A well planned amputation with attention to level, soft tissue closure, muscle transfer as needed, and nerve handling combined with early fitting of modern prosthetic devices provides patients with a rapid return to normal activity. This article reviews the general principles and specific techniques of amputation in the patient with an upper extremity malignancy.

Amputation, Surgical↗

EMG biofeedback with upper extremity musculature for relaxation training: a critical review of the literature.

A critical review is presented of studies utilizing EMG biofeedback for relaxation of upper extremity musculature. Examined are experimental investigations with normal subjects and those with psychological problems, and clinical applications of the methodology for treatment of involuntary movements and anxiety. Articles are reviewed in terms of procedures, controls and results. It is determined that few valid conclusions can be drawn regarding the efficacy of upper extremity EMG biofeedback for relaxation and that further research is required prior to utilizing the technique clinically. Suggestions are offered for areas of investigation.

Adult↗

Upper extremity peripheral nerve entrapments among wheelchair athletes: prevalence, location, and risk factors.

Wheelchair athletes commonly experience hand pain and numbness. This investigation studied the prevalence, location, and risk factors of upper extremity peripheral nerve entrapment among wheelchair athletes. Clinical and electrodiagnostic assessments were performed on both upper extremities of 28 wheelchair athletes and 30 able-bodied controls. Included in the assessment were short-segment stimulation techniques of the median nerve across the carpal tunnel and the ulnar nerve across the elbow. By clinical criteria, the prevalence of nerve entrapment among the wheelchair athletes was 23%, whereas it was 64% electrodiagnostically. The most common electrodiagnostic dysfunction was of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel (46%), and the portion of the nerve within the proximal carpal tunnel was most frequently affected. Ulnar neuropathy was the second most common entrapment electrodiagnostically (39%) and occurred at the wrist and forearm segments. Disability duration correlated significantly with electrophysiologic median nerve dysfunction.

Adolescent↗

The effects of music on pain perception of stroke patients during upper extremity joint exercises.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of music therapy on pain perception of stroke patients during upper extremity joint exercises. Ten stroke patients (1 male and 9 females) ranging in age from 61 to 73 participated in the study. Music conditions used in the study consisted of: (a) song, (b) karaoke accompaniment (same music to condition A except singers' voices), and (c) no music. Exercise movements in this study included hand, wrist, and shoulder joints. During the 8-week period music therapy sessions, subjects repeated 3 conditions according to the randomized orders and subjects rated their perceived pain on a scale immediately after each condition. The General Linear Model (GLM) Repeated Measures ANOVA revealed that there were no significant differences in pain rating across the three music conditions. However, positive affects and verbal responses, while performing upper extremity exercises with both music and karaoke accompaniment music, were observed using video observations.

Aged↗

Poor results after nerve grafting in the upper extremity: Quo vadis?

The clinical success of peripheral nerve grafting in the upper extremity was evaluated retrospectively in 41 patients. This study comprises a 10-year follow-up in a single institution. Donor and acceptor site morbidity as well as functional nerve recovery were evaluated. Thirty-one men and 10 women were included. Autologous nerve grafts were used for reconstruction of digital nerves in 17 patients, ulnar nerves in 12 patients, median nerves in 10 patients, radial nerve in 1 patient, and both the radial and median nerve in 1 patient. The length of nerve grafts ranged from 1-12.5 cm (mean, 4.8 cm). The follow-up period ranged from 18 months to 10 years. Acceptor site-related problems were noted in 51%% (n = 21) of patients. Donor-site morbidity was seen in 4 patients (10%%). The return of function was scored as "good" in 3 (7%%), "fair" in 11 (27%%), and "bad" in 27 (66%%) patients. The outcome of autologous nerve grafts in this small group of patients treated by several surgeons was unfavorable in terms of function. Recent experimental and clinical studies with biodegradable nerve guides for the repair of peripheral nerve gaps showed superior results in comparison to classic nerve grafts.

Adolescent↗

Pathophysiology of upper extremity muscle disorders.

A review of the literature on the pathophysiology of upper extremity muscle disorders (UEMDs) was performed. An overview is given of clinical findings and hypotheses on the pathogenesis of UEMDs. The literature indicates that disorders of muscle cells and limitations of the local circulation underlie UEMDs. However, these disorders identified do not necessarily lead to symptoms. The following mechanisms have been proposed in the literature: (1) selective recruitment and overloading of type I (Cinderella) motor units; (2) intra-cellular Ca(2+) accumulation; (3) impaired blood flow; (3b) reperfusion injury; (3.3c) blood vessel-nociceptor interaction; (4a) myofascial force transmission; (4b) intramuscular shear forces; (5) trigger points; (6) impaired heat shock response. The results of the review indicate that there are multiple possible mechanisms, but none of the hypotheses forms a complete explanation and is sufficiently supported by empirical data. Overall, the literature indicates that: (1) sustained muscle activity, especially of type I motor units, may be a primary cause of UEMDs; (2) in UEMDs skeletal muscle may show changes in morphology, blood flow, and muscle activity; (3) accumulation of Ca(2+) in the sarcoplasm may be the cause of muscle cell damage; (4) it seems plausible that suboptimal blood flow plays a role in pathogenesis of UEMDs; (5) since the presence of fiber disorders is not a sufficient condition for the development of UEMSDs additional mechanisms, such as sensitization, are assumed to play a role.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

[A patient with choreoathetosis of the left upper extremity due to acute cerebral infarction].

A 71-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of involuntary movement of the left upper extremity. MR image of the brain 15 days after the onset revealed the low intensity in right posterior limb of internal capsule. The lesion was surrounded by thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, and globus pallidus with enhancement by Gd-DTPA. Surface EMG revealed irregular grouped discharge in short duration and grouped discharge in long duration in the left upper extremity. Those features are compatible with one of choreoathetosis. Choreoathetosis due to cerebral infarction in acute phase is rare. We discussed pathophysiology of this involuntary movement due to lacunar infarction of posterior limb of internal capsule in acute phase.

Aged↗

Evaluation of three methods to rate impairment in patients with complex regional pain syndrome I of one upper extremity.

OBJECTIVE: To gain insight into the best way of obtaining an impairment rating in complex regional pain syndrome I (CRPS I) of the upper extremity. This syndrome can potentially result in permanent impairment. DESIGN: Comparison of three evaluation methods to obtain impairment scores. Each patient was seen by one tester; two testers in total participated in the research. SETTING: Outpatient clinic of a university hospital. SUBJECTS: Seventy-four patients (27 men, 47 women, mean age 52 years) with CRPS I of one upper extremity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Methods I and II were conducted according to the American Medical Association's Guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment method I according to the general guidelines, and method II according to the methodology specificially described for CRPS I. Method III was developed by the Dutch Association of Neurologists. For comparison, differences between methods were plotted against their mean ratings, with the limits of agreement. Also the paired t-statistics were calculated (alpha = 0.05/3). RESULTS: The mean difference between methods I and II was -0.7% whole body impairment, between methods II and III 8.1% and between methods I and III 7.3%. Outcomes obtained with method III differed significantly from the other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Method I most accurately and objectively reflected the permanent impairment level resulting from CRPS I.

Adult↗