1/6. Dokuz Eylul University (DEU) orthosis: an orthotic method of preventing ankle equinus during tibial lengthening.An orthosis developed in Dokuz Eylul University (DEU) at the School of Physical Therapy and rehabilitation, Department of Orthotics and Prostheticsis is described. It is applied as a non-invasive device attached to the distal ring of the Ilizarov external fixator to keep the ankle joint in a neutral position and prevent ankle equinus during tibial lengthening with ilizarov technique. This minimises additional invasive techniques such as heel cord release and prophylactic pinning of the heel and the foot, and manipulation under anaesthesia. It may also be detached by the physiotherapist or patient when physical therapy is needed during the lengthening procedure.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/6. An unusual rupture of the flexor carpi radialis tendon: a case report.We present the unusual case of a flexor carpi radialis tendon that ruptured after extended strenuous physical activity by a patient with paralysis of the opposite limb secondary to poliomyelitis.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/6. Unintended plasma exchange therapy in poliomyelitis: difficulties in the differential diagnosis of paralytic poliomyelitis and polyradiculitis.During the recent polio epidemic in finland, 3 patients were initially misdiagnosed as Guillain-Barre polyradiculitis, and 1 of them was treated with plasma exchange. The follow-up until 2 years showed no difference in the recovery between this patient and the 2 other poliomyelitis patients treated without plasma exchange. The importance of the differential diagnosis between acute poliomyelitis and acute Guillain-Barre polyradiculitis is emphasized. An evaluation scheme includes sequential physical and cerebrospinal fluid examinations, together with viral antibody determinations.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/6. mouth intermittent positive pressure ventilation in the management of postpolio respiratory insufficiency.The use of mouth intermittent positive pressure ventilation alone or in combination with other noninvasive respiratory techniques as an alternative to tracheostomy in the home management of respirator-dependent postpolio persons was studied in 75 patients. The onset of polio was at an average age of 15 years. At that time, all were dependent on some form of respiratory assistance, most frequently, the iron lung. Fifty-nine percent of them remained respirator-dependent from the onset. Forty-one percent became respirator-dependent at an average of 18 years after onset of polio. overall, they lost an average of 1.9 percent of vital capacity per year. All used mouth intermittent positive pressure ventilation as their predominant mode of respiratory assistance for an average of 14.5 years. Four of them who had no measurable vital capacity used only mouth intermittent positive pressure ventilation 24 hours per day. Of the 66 who had no significant tolerance off 24 hours per day respiratory assistance, only six had tracheostomies. Despite severe physical disability and dependence on artificial ventilation, the majority of these persons have married, have been gainfully employed, and lead useful lives in society.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/6. Physical therapy management of the patient with post-polio syndrome. A case report.This case report documents the treatment of a patient who experienced progressive muscle weakness and a decrease in function over time that did not appear to be related to any secondary neuromuscular disease. We discuss the relationship between age and maximal muscle function in addition to some general guidelines for rehabilitation. This type of patient can represent a challenge for the physical therapist. This case report, however, illustrates the degree of muscular and functional recovery that can result with a physical therapy program aimed at reducing levels and intensity of exercise, daily activity, and stress. Such a combination of short-term goals appears to be essential to the successful management of a patient with post-polio syndrome.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 2keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/6. National rehabilitation hospital limb classification for exercise, research, and clinical trials in post-polio patients.A need exists for an objective classification of polio patients for clinical and research purposes that takes into account the focal, asymmetric, and frequent subclinical nature of polio lesions. In order to prescribe a safe, effective exercise program, we developed a five-level (Classes I-V) limb-specific classification system based on remote and recent history, physical examination, and a four-extremity electrodiagnostic study (EMG/NCS). Class I limbs have no history of remote or recent weakness, normal strength, and a normal EMG. Class II limbs have no history of remote or recent weakness (or if remote history of weakness, full recovery occurred), normal strength and EMG evidence of prior anterior horn cell disease (AHCD). Class III limbs have a history of remote weakness with variable recovery, no new weakness, decreased strength, and EMG evidence of prior AHCD. Class IV limbs have a history of remote weakness with variable recovery, new clinical weakness, decreased strength, and EMG evidence of AHCD. Class V limbs have a history of severe weakness with little-to-no recovery, severely decreased strength and atrophy, and few-to-no motor units on EMG. In a prospective study of 400 limbs in 100 consecutive post-polio patients attending our clinic, 94 (23%) limbs were Class I, 88 (22%) were Class II, 95 (24%) were Class III, 75 (19%) were Class IV, and 48 (12%) were Class V. Guidelines for the use of this classification in a clinical/research setting are presented along with sample case histories and class-specific exercise recommendations.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |