Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2022 Apr 29. Epub 2022 Apr 29.

Department of Neurosurgery, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon, Korea.

Background: Spinal nerve root anomaly is a rare feature that can result in unexpected outcomes in epidural steroid injections or surgical procedures. Preoperative diagnostic tools for root anomalies are limited, as they are usually found intraoperatively.

Objective: This case report aims to propose an effective diagnostic process for nerve root anomalies by introducing clinical manifestations, electrodiagnostic findings, and sophisticated imaging techniques such as coronal view magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spine. Read More

Int Ophthalmol 2022 Apr 27. Epub 2022 Apr 27.

Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Research Center, Imam Hussein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Purpose: To assess the occurrence and severity of electrodiagnostic signs of carpal tunnel syndrome (ED-CTS) in patients with ocular pseudoexfoliation (PEX) and compare them with normal subjects.

Method: A cross-sectional study with comparison group was designed and 60 patients with PEX were recruited from May 2019 to February 2021, and the findings were compared with 59 healthy subjects. All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination and nerve conduction velocity test at the median nerve was used to assess the occurrence and severity of ED-CTS in both hands. Read More

Zh Vopr Neirokhir Im N N Burdenko 2022 ;86(2):109-118

Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Care, Moscow, Russia.

One of the most common causes of radiculopathy requiring neurosurgical treatment is a herniated disc. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is still the main diagnostic approach for this lesion. However, MRI does not allow assessing the functional state of the root. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2022 Apr 11. Epub 2022 Apr 11.

From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital; Division of Plastic Surgery, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University; and American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Background: The American Board of Plastic Surgery has been collecting practice data on carpal tunnel syndrome treatment since 2004 as part of its Continuous Certification Program. These data allow plastic surgeons to compare their surgical experience to national trends and analyze those trends in relation to current evidence-based medicine.

Methods: Data on carpal tunnel syndrome treatment from 2004 to 2014 were compared to those from 2015 to 2020. Read More

J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol 2022 Apr 31;27(2):256-260. Epub 2022 Mar 31.

Department of Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Some patients with a confirmed diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) on clinical examination and electrodiagnostic testing (EDX) may also have one or more clinical features of pronator syndrome (PS). However, the EDX is negative for PS. We label these patients as suspected concurrent carpal tunnel and pronator syndrome (CCPS). Read More

Diagnostics (Basel) 2022 Feb 20;12(2). Epub 2022 Feb 20.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, 23 Kyung Hee Dae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.

Although radiologic methods confirm the diagnosis of patients with large vestibular schwannomas, these methods usually indicate only the size of the tumor and its possible nerve compression. Electrodiagnostic methods can reveal the functional state of the nerves, particularly the trigeminal and facial nerves, as well as providing a basis for objectively evaluating nerve injury. Due to the lack of an established objective evaluation method, electrodiagnostic methods were utilized to assess injury to the cranial nerve in a patient with a large vestibular schwannoma. Read More

J Vasc Surg 2022 Feb 15. Epub 2022 Feb 15.

Department of Vascular Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Care and Public Health Research Institute, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. Electronic address:

Background: Chronic compression of the inferior trunk of the brachial plexus can result in severe pain and progressive atrophy and weakness of the musculature of the forearm and hand, known as Gilliatt-Sumner hand (GSH). The objective of treatment for these patients is to stop further atrophy and pain. Restoration of motor function has been thought to be seldom achieved. Read More

Turk J Phys Med Rehabil 2021 Dec 1;67(4):518-525. Epub 2021 Dec 1.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karabuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Karabuk, Turkey.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the predictors of standard nerve conduction study (NCS) parameters in determining the presence of axonal loss by means of spontaneous activity in patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Patients And Methods: Between May 2015 and April 2018, a total of 118 patients (11 males, 107 females; mean age: 52.3±10. Read More

Muscle Nerve 2022 05 11;65(5):513-520. Epub 2022 Mar 11.

Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Children's Health Ireland (CHI)-Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.

Introduction/aims: Electrodiagnostic testing (EDX) is important in evaluation of pediatric neuromuscular disease. Non-specific referrals have emerged as a leading reason for EDX in recent years. We examine whether referral-specificity is predictive of test outcomes in children. Read More

Pain 2021 Oct 12. Epub 2021 Oct 12.

Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States Musculoskeletal Outpatient Department, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, United States Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom RECOVER Injury Research Centre, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Recovery Following Road Traffic Injuries, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Abstract: There is no clear understanding of the mechanisms causing persistent pain in patients with whiplash-associated disorder (WAD). The aim of this systematic review was to assess the evidence for nerve pathology and neuropathic pain in patients with WAD. EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), and MEDLINE were searched from inception to September 1, 2020. Read More

PM R 2022 Jan 17. Epub 2022 Jan 17.

Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

Peripheral nerve injuries in the upper extremities may be common in throwing athletes as the throwing motion places extreme stress on the dominant arm. The combination of extreme stress along with repetitive microtrauma from throwing uniquely places the throwing athlete at elevated risk of upper extremity peripheral nerve injury. However, because symptoms can be nonspecific and frequently coexist with pathology in the upper extremity, the diagnosis of peripheral nerve injury is often delayed. Read More

Palliat Med 2021 09;35(8):1629-1633

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Background: Pain management is crucial in palliative care for patients with advanced cancer. Here, we report a case of shoulder pain in a patient with renal cell carcinoma.

Case Presentation: A 36-year-old male diagnosed metastatic renal cell carcinoma presented with pain and weakness on left shoulder for more than 6 months. Read More

Neural Plast 2021 20;2021:9959103. Epub 2021 Jul 20.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, China.

Objective: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes, leading to disability and decreased quality of life. In past research and clinical studies, the lower limb function of DPN patients was often the principal subject of research, with little attention given to the upper limb and hand. Our goal was to assess and compare hand function between elderly diabetic patients with DPN and without DPN. Read More

Muscle Nerve 2022 02 31;65(2):137-146. Epub 2021 Jul 31.

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Over the past 2 decades, the surgical treatment of brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries has advanced considerably. Nerve transfers have become an important surgical tool in addition to nerve repair and grafting. Electrodiagnosis has traditionally played a role in the diagnosis and localization of peripheral nervous system injuries, but a different approach is needed for surgical decision-making and monitoring recovery. Read More

J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2022 ;35(2):439-447

Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common forms of peripheral neuropathies due to median nerve compression. Occupational factors, such as repetitive hand motions are believed to be associated with this condition.

Objective: This clinical trial assessed the effect of Kinesio taping (KT) of hand flexor muscles on the management of mild to moderate CTS in Iranian manual laborers. Read More

J Chin Med Assoc 2021 09;84(9):885-889

Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.

Background: Guyon's canal syndrome is nerve compressive pathology which can lead to sensory and/or motor function deficits. This problem is usually difficult to distinguish from cubital tunnel syndrome and relatively less common than cubital tunnel syndrome. This study evaluated the functional results and patient-reported outcomes following decompression of the ulnar nerve in Guyon's canal. Read More

J Hand Ther 2021 Apr 14. Epub 2021 Apr 14.

Mercer University, College of Health Professions, Department of Physical Therapy, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Davis Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30341. Electronic address:

Background: Diagnostic ultrasound is becoming more available and has potential for identifying carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), but there is a lack of consensus on optimal measurement parameters and interpretation.

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze and summarize recent published data evaluating measurement properties of diagnostic ultrasound for use in individuals with CTS.

Methods: Five databases were searched to identify studies reporting on diagnostic measurement in individuals ≥18 years of age. Read More

J Hand Surg Am 2021 09 20;46(9):778-788. Epub 2021 Jun 20.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Electronic address:

Adult brachial plexus injuries result in profound functional deficits, debilitating pain, substantial mental health implications, and extensive economic impacts. Their initial evaluation includes a detailed physical examination, electrodiagnostic studies, advanced imaging, and patient counseling. A team-based approach, led by a peripheral nerve surgeon and including hand therapists, electrodiagnosticians, mental health experts, and pain-management specialists, is used to provide optimal longitudinal care during the lengthy recovery process. Read More

World J Clin Cases 2021 Jun;9(17):4303-4309

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul 04763, South Korea.

Background: Herpes zoster is a painful infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. Herpes zoster radiculopathy, which is a type of segmental zoster paresis, can complicate the disease and cause motor weakness. This complication should be considered when a patient with a rash complains of acute-onset motor weakness, and the diagnosis can be verified electrodiagnostic study. Read More

Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2021 07;100(7):721-724

From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.

Abstract: Signs and symptoms of a C8 radiculopathy could mimic common comorbidities such as entrapment and peripheral neuropathies. These conditions and a C8 radiculopathy both can result in abnormal findings on needle examination of intrinsic hand muscles. It was hypothesized that needle examination of C8-innervated muscles in the forearm might improve concordance with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the presence of underlying comorbidities. Read More

Neurol Sci 2022 Jan 25;43(1):399-410. Epub 2021 May 25.

Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center (PCGTRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Introduction: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder of alpha motor neurons of spinal cord associated with progressive muscle weakness and hypotonia, is the most common genetic cause of infant mortality. Although there is few promising treatment for SMA, but the field of translational research is active in it, and stem cell-based therapy clinical trials or case studies are ongoing. Combination of different therapeutic approaches for noncurative treatments may increase their effectiveness and compliance of patients. Read More

J Diabetes Investig 2021 Nov 19;12(11):2010-2018. Epub 2021 Jun 19.

People's Hospital of Jiaozuo City, Jiaozuo, Henan Province, China.

Aims/introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) can occur together, and this concomitance is thought to be higher in diabetes patients. We aimed to examine and compare hand function in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without CTS and DPN (CTS-DPN-), patients with CTS without DPN (CTS+DPN-), patients with DPN without CTS (CTS-DPN+), and patients with CTS and DPN (CTS+DPN+).

Materials And Methods: A total of 161 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients underwent physical examination and electrodiagnostic tests. Read More

Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2022 01;101(1):78-88

From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York (SPJ); Department of Family Medicine, Larner Medical College at the University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont (SPJ); Adirondack Rehabilitation Medicine, PLLC, Queensbury, New York (SPJ); Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (MSC); and Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas (JN).

Abstract: Accurate assessment of neuromuscular disorders is critical to facilitate timely treatment and achieve the best outcomes. Historically, electrodiagnostic studies have filled this role, but recently, neuromuscular ultrasound is being used in the electrodiagnostic laboratory. This review discusses the uses of neuromuscular ultrasound in the electrodiagnostic laboratory that have strong evidence, emphasizing those that could be adopted in a typical electrodiagnostic laboratory with a reasonable level of equipment and training. Read More

Support Care Cancer 2021 Aug 21;29(8):4187-4190. Epub 2021 Mar 21.

Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.

Purpose: Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (fESWT) has been shown to be effective in a large number of musculoskeletal disorders. Until 2016, cancer was considered a contraindication for fESWT. The goal of this Commentary is to address the subject of fESWT in cancer patients and present a case of a successful application of fESWT in a breast cancer patient with metastatic bone disease, suffering from debilitating heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Read More

Muscle Nerve 2021 07 12;64(1):50-58. Epub 2021 Mar 12.

Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Objective: Gray scale ultrasound (US) has been demonstrated to be a sensitive and specific tool in the diagnosis of pediatric neuromuscular disease (NMD). With recent advances in genetic testing, the diagnostic work up for NMD has evolved. The purpose of this study was to compare the current diagnostic value of gray scale US to previously defined sensitivities and specificities to determine when this test can add value to a patient's diagnostic workup. Read More

Am Fam Physician 2021 03;103(5):275-285

Eglin Family Medicine Residency Program, Eglin Air Force Base, FL, USA.

Peripheral nerves in the upper extremities are at risk of injury and entrapment because of their superficial nature and length. Injury can result from trauma, anatomic abnormalities, systemic disease, and entrapment. The extent of the injury can range from mild neurapraxia, in which the nerve experiences mild ischemia caused by compression, to severe neurotmesis, in which the nerve has full-thickness damage and full recovery may not occur. Read More

J Neurotrauma 2022 02 1;39(3-4):259-265. Epub 2021 Apr 1.

Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Nerve transfer surgery (NT) constitutes an exciting option to improve upper limb functions in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), but requires intact sublesional lower motor neuron (LMN) health. The purpose of this study was to characterize patterns of LMN abnormality in nerve-muscle groups that are the potential recipients of NT, using a standardized electrodiagnostic examination, in individuals with chronic SCI (injury duration >2 years, injury levels C4-T1). The LMN abnormality was determined using a semihierarchical approach, combining the amplitude compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and abnormal spontaneous activity on needle electromyography (EMG). Read More

Wien Klin Wochenschr 2021 Jun 22;133(11-12):568-577. Epub 2020 Dec 22.

Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.

Background: The carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy in the general population. A conservative treatment should be considered in mild to moderate cases. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Read More

Am Fam Physician 2020 12;102(12):732-739

Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.

Peripheral neuropathy, a common neurologic problem encountered by family physicians, can be classified clinically by the anatomic pattern of presenting symptoms and, if indicated, by results of electrodiagnostic studies for axonal and demyelinating disease. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in the general population ranges from 1% to 7%, with higher rates among those older than 50 years. Common identifiable causes include diabetes mellitus, nerve compression or injury, alcohol use, toxin exposure, hereditary diseases, and nutritional deficiencies. Read More

PM R 2021 08 23;13(8):852-861. Epub 2021 Jan 23.

Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Department of Orthopaedics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.

Background: The combined sensory index (CSI) is the most sensitive electrodiagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and the CSI and Bland criteria have been shown to predict surgical treatment outcomes. The proposed ultrasound measurements have not been assessed against the CSI for diagnostic accuracy and grading of CTS severity.

Objective: To investigate the use of ultrasound evaluations for both diagnosis and assessment of severity grading of CTS in comparison to electrodiagnostic assessment. Read More