Tıp Fakültesi / Faculty of Medicine

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11727/1403

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    Ultrasonographic And Electrophysiological Outcomes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated With Low-Level Laser Therapy: A Double-Blind, Prospective, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study
    (2022) Nalbant, Merve; Yemisci, Oya Umit; Ozen, Selin; Tezcan, Sehnaz; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0501-5127; 35949869; AAJ-8820-2021
    Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on clinical, ultrasonographic (US), and electrophysiological findings in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Patients and methods: Between January 2015 and August 2015, 42 patients (7 males, 35 females; mean age: 50.4 +/- 8.7 years; range, 32 to 65 years) with mild-to-moderate CTS were randomly assigned to one of two groups: active LLLT (therapy group, n=22) 0.8 J/painful point and sham LLLT groups (n=20). Both groups wore neutral wrist orthoses. The patients were evaluated before and after 15 sessions of therapy (670 nm, 4 J/session over the carpal tunnel). Follow-up parameters included the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), Functional Status Scale (FSS), nerve conduction studies and US evaluation of the median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA), vascularization (via power Doppler), flattening ratio (FR), and palmar bowing of the flexor retinaculum. Results: Nocturnal paresthesia improved in both groups; however, pain and patients with a positive Phalen's test reduced only in the therapy group (p=0.031). The FSS and SSS scores also improved only in the therapy group (p<0.001). Electrophysiologically, median sensory nerve conduction velocities showed a significant improvement only in the therapy group (p=0.002). The CSA, FR, and vascularization of the median nerve showed a significant improvement in the therapy group alone (p<0.001, p=0.048, and p=0.021, respectively). Conclusion: Improvements in the signs and symptoms of CTS and hand function, the improvements in sensory nerve conduction studies, and reduction in median nerve CSA, FR and vascularity in the LLLT group can be attributed to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of LLLT. This study provides new US data demonstrating efficacy of LLLT along with a clinical and electrophysiological improvement. The LLLT seems to be an easily applied, non-invasive treatment option.
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    Ulnar Nerve Conduction Abnormalities in Turkish Taxi Drivers
    (2014) Afsar, Sevgi Ikbali; Cetin, Nuri; Ayas, Sehri; Mumcu, Gamze Akin; Karatas, Metin
    Objectives: This study aims to investigate the presence of ulnar entrapment neuropathy at the elbow in taxi drivers, and possible relationship between ulnar entrapment neuropathy and habitually leaning the left elbow on the lower edge of the window. Patients and methods: The study was performed between December 2008 and February 2009 in Ankara and included 40 male taxi drivers (mean age 35.5 +/- 7.3 years; range 25 to 54 years) and 40 healthy male controls (mean age 33.6 +/- 6.1 years; range 25 to 54 years). Nerve conduction studies were performed on both upper limbs of all participants. Results: Left side motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities at the elbow segment of the ulnar nerve were significantly decreased, while F latency of the ulnar nerve was significantly prolonged in taxi drivers. Motor and sensory conduction velocity over both left and right ulnar nerve at the elbow segment were significantly decreased, while F latency of the ulnar nerve was significantly prolonged in the taxi drivers compared to the control group. Ulnar nerve conduction parameters and F latency on both sides were statistically similar in the non-leaning group of taxi drivers; however, motor and sensory conduction studies over the left side of the ulnar nerve elbow segment were slower and F latency was longer in the leaning group of taxi drivers, compared to the right side and to the non-leaning group of taxi drivers. Conclusion: Prolonged elbow flexion and habitually leaning the left elbow may cause electrodiagnostically diagnosed ulnar entrapment neuropathy in taxi drivers.