A Clinical Approach to the Diagnosis of Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome: A Review.

Importance: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) refers to pathologic changes that have been found in some individuals with a history of repetitive traumatic impact to the head (hereinafter referred to as head trauma). These changes cannot be assessed during the clinical evaluation of a living patient.

Observations: The neuropathologic features, taxonomy, history, role of biomarkers in diagnosis, and existing criteria of CTE are reviewed.

Choosing the right diagnostic imaging modality in musculoskeletal diagnosis.

Radiological studies can confirm or rule out competing diagnoses for musculoskeletal injuries and pain. Obtaining a detailed history and physical examination is pivotal for localizing the pain generator and choosing the most appropriate imaging studies, based on the suspected injured tissue. Judicious use of imaging is important to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure, minimize cost, and avoid therapy targeting asymptomatic imaging abnormalities.

The ligamentum flavum at L4-5: relationship with anthropomorphic factors and clinical findings in older persons with and without spinal disorders.

Objective: To examine the relationship between ligamentum flavum thickness and clinical spinal stenosis.

Design: A validation study.

Setting: Clinical research laboratory.