Tendinopathy Treatment Evolution – Do Human Amnion/Chorion Membrane Injections Work? PM&R News   •   January 2018 The treatment of tendinopathy has recently erupted with numerous regenerative techniques being used in practice with little significant data to support its use. A newer technique is using human amnion/chorion membrane injections and this case series evaluated 40 patients to help give insight into its’ effectiveness. All patients received 40 mg of dehydrated human amniotic/chorionic membrane allograft under ultrasound guidance. In addition to injection, tenotomy was performed in the area of tendinosis. Post-injection instructions included avoidance of strenuous activity for 3-5 days, no NSAIDs use for 2 weeks, and [...]

Can You Fix Santa Before Christmas!? PM&R Case   •   December 2017 T'was a few days before Christmas and Santa Claus (and the world) desperately need your help! He presents to your clinic hoping you can save him. A 1700-year-old male presents to your clinic with a 3 month history of right buttock pain without inciting event. He describes a 9/10 right buttock pain that is characterized as stabbing and occasionally radiates in the right lower leg. Pain is worse when sitting in his sleigh or at the mall. He notes that children sit on his right leg when taking pictures. He has an elf [...]

PT vs NSAIDs for Back Pain   PM&R News   •   December 2017     Back pain continues to be one of the most common reasons for clinic visits and one of the most costly diagnoses. As physiatrists, we often prescribe physical therapy and attempt to motivate the patient that they can improve.  However, is physical therapy beneficial in improving outcomes in non-specific acute, subacute, or chronic low back pain or are we contributing to the rising cost of healthcare? This Cochrane review evaluated the effectiveness of physical therapy in non-specific low back pain. Sixty-one randomized controlled trials were included with many [...]

What's that hand image?   PM&R News   •   November 13th, 2017     This image is demonstrating both a distal radius fracture and a distal ulnar fracture. Distal radius fractures are the most common type of orthopedic fracture and if the mechanism is high energy the ulnar can be involved as well. When the injury is this significant, the patient typically needs surgery to reduce and fix the fracture. Nonoperative indications of distal radius fractures are if the fracture is extra articular, if there is <5mm radial shortening, or if dorsal angulation is less than 5 degrees. A common complication of this injury [...]