Accuracy of needle electromyography is typically ensured by use of anatomical landmarks and audit... more Accuracy of needle electromyography is typically ensured by use of anatomical landmarks and auditory feedback related to voluntary activation of the targeted muscle; however, in certain clinical situations, landmarks may not be palpable, auditory feedback may be limited or not present, and targeting a specific muscle may be more critical. In such settings, image guidance might significantly enhance accuracy. Two electromyographers with different levels of experience examined 14 muscles in each of 4 fresh-frozen cadaver lower limbs. Each muscle was tested a total of eight times; four fine wires were inserted without ultrasound (US) guidance and four were inserted under US guidance. Overall accuracy as well as accuracy rates for the individual electromyographers were calculated. Non-guided needle placement was significantly less accurate than US-guided needle placement, particularly in the hands of less experienced electromyographers, supporting the use of real-time US guidance in certain challenging situations in the electromyography laboratory.
ABSTRACT Injury patterns in snowboarding differ from those in Alpine skiing. Snowboarders tend to... more ABSTRACT Injury patterns in snowboarding differ from those in Alpine skiing. Snowboarders tend to have fewer knee and thumb injuries than skiers but more upper-extremity trauma, fractures in general, and ankle injuries. Of particular concern in snowboarding is fracture of the lateral process of the talus (LPT), which masquerades as an inversion ankle sprain, is often missed, and can lead to significant disability. Signs are typically similar to those of inversion sprains, but pain on palpation of the lateral process can be helpful in diagnosis. Standard radiographs often do not show the fracture, so CT or lateral tomography may be required. The most minor, nondisplaced LPT injuries may heal with casting and rehab, but more severe fractures typically require surgery.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 2002
The objective of this study was to describe injury patterns among elite tug of war athletes, usin... more The objective of this study was to describe injury patterns among elite tug of war athletes, using a survey method. The setting was the World Tug of War (TOW) Championships in 1998. All 990 male and female athletes asked to participate. Demographic data, participation history, and injury history during TOW, including injury number and type, were collected. A total of 252 (187 males and 65 females) athletes completed the survey (25% response rate). Although males had been competing longer than females (9.3 +/- 6.9 years vs. 6.5 +/- 5.0 years, t-test, P < 0.005), the percentage of males (64/187 = 32%) and females (24/65 = 37%) females reporting TOW injuries was similar. Strains and sprains comprised over half of all injuries, and the back (42%), shoulder-upper limb (23%), and knee (17%) were most commonly injured. Injury patterns were similar among males and females. Elite TOW athletes represent a diverse age range (15-55 years) of males and females who have competed for 5-10 years. About one-third will have suffered past TOW-related injuries, typically involving sprains or strains of the low back, shoulder girdle-upper extremity, and knee. The possibility of an increased injury rate among female TOW athletes warrants further study. Considerations for future research are discussed.
Accuracy of needle electromyography is typically ensured by use of anatomical landmarks and audit... more Accuracy of needle electromyography is typically ensured by use of anatomical landmarks and auditory feedback related to voluntary activation of the targeted muscle; however, in certain clinical situations, landmarks may not be palpable, auditory feedback may be limited or not present, and targeting a specific muscle may be more critical. In such settings, image guidance might significantly enhance accuracy. Two electromyographers with different levels of experience examined 14 muscles in each of 4 fresh-frozen cadaver lower limbs. Each muscle was tested a total of eight times; four fine wires were inserted without ultrasound (US) guidance and four were inserted under US guidance. Overall accuracy as well as accuracy rates for the individual electromyographers were calculated. Non-guided needle placement was significantly less accurate than US-guided needle placement, particularly in the hands of less experienced electromyographers, supporting the use of real-time US guidance in certain challenging situations in the electromyography laboratory.
ABSTRACT Injury patterns in snowboarding differ from those in Alpine skiing. Snowboarders tend to... more ABSTRACT Injury patterns in snowboarding differ from those in Alpine skiing. Snowboarders tend to have fewer knee and thumb injuries than skiers but more upper-extremity trauma, fractures in general, and ankle injuries. Of particular concern in snowboarding is fracture of the lateral process of the talus (LPT), which masquerades as an inversion ankle sprain, is often missed, and can lead to significant disability. Signs are typically similar to those of inversion sprains, but pain on palpation of the lateral process can be helpful in diagnosis. Standard radiographs often do not show the fracture, so CT or lateral tomography may be required. The most minor, nondisplaced LPT injuries may heal with casting and rehab, but more severe fractures typically require surgery.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 2002
The objective of this study was to describe injury patterns among elite tug of war athletes, usin... more The objective of this study was to describe injury patterns among elite tug of war athletes, using a survey method. The setting was the World Tug of War (TOW) Championships in 1998. All 990 male and female athletes asked to participate. Demographic data, participation history, and injury history during TOW, including injury number and type, were collected. A total of 252 (187 males and 65 females) athletes completed the survey (25% response rate). Although males had been competing longer than females (9.3 +/- 6.9 years vs. 6.5 +/- 5.0 years, t-test, P < 0.005), the percentage of males (64/187 = 32%) and females (24/65 = 37%) females reporting TOW injuries was similar. Strains and sprains comprised over half of all injuries, and the back (42%), shoulder-upper limb (23%), and knee (17%) were most commonly injured. Injury patterns were similar among males and females. Elite TOW athletes represent a diverse age range (15-55 years) of males and females who have competed for 5-10 years. About one-third will have suffered past TOW-related injuries, typically involving sprains or strains of the low back, shoulder girdle-upper extremity, and knee. The possibility of an increased injury rate among female TOW athletes warrants further study. Considerations for future research are discussed.
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