Comparison of immediate and delayed effects of superficial and deep dry needling in patients with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points.

Background: Dry needling is one of the most common treatments for this condition. In this study the immediate and delayed effects of superficial dry needling (SDN) and deep dry needling (DDN) on upper trapezius muscle function and patients' pain and disability was evaluated.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 47 women with active MTrPs were randomly divided into SDN and DDN groups and received one session treatment.

Prolongation of F-wave minimal latency: a sensitive predictor of polyneuropathy.

Introduction: To evaluate the sensitivity of F-wave minimal latencies, we compared F-waves with motor and sensory nerve conduction studies (MNCS and SNCS) in patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Methods: A retrospective chart review conducted in 484 patients confirmed the clinical evidence of a polyneuropathy, and studies of F-wave minimal latencies as well as MNCS and SNCS in each patient.

Results: Overall rate of abnormality reached 469/484 (96.

Conventional versus implant-retained overlay dentures: a pilot study of masseter and anterior temporalis electromyography.

Implant-supported overlay dentures (ISODs) have been widely accepted among patients using conventional removable complete dentures (CRCDs). The present study aimed to comparatively study conventional and ISODs in terms of function and coordination of masticatory muscles using electromyograms. Included were 10 patients with ISODs (each with 2 implants in the intercanine area).

In vivo integration of poly(ε-caprolactone)/gelatin nanofibrous nerve guide seeded with teeth derived stem cells for peripheral nerve regeneration.

Artificial nanofiber nerve guides have gained huge interest in bridging nerve gaps and associated peripheral nerve regeneration due to its high surface area, flexibility and porous structure. In this study, electrospun poly (ε-caprolactone)/gelatin (PCL/Gel) nanofibrous mats were fabricated, rolled around a copper wire and fixed by medical grade adhesive to obtain a tubular shaped bio-graft, to bridge 10 mm sciatic nerve gap in in vivo rat models. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous tooth (SHED) were transplanted to the site of nerve injury through the nanofibrous nerve guides.

Incidence of trapezius myofascial trigger points in patients with the possible carpal tunnel syndrome.

Background: Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) often complain of prominent pain in shoulder and arm, also there are patients that have pain in their shoulder and arm which is due to myofascial trigger point (MTP) located in their upper trapezius muscle. Despite the frequency of this observation, few studies have previously sought to establish possible relationship between the CTS and MTP in shoulder area.

Methods: Samples were 160 patients (221 hands) consist of 130 females and 30 males, with suspected diagnosis of CTS, from March 2008 to October 2008.