Dimensionality, reliability, and validity of the Finnish version of the pain catastrophizing scale in chronic low back pain.

Objectives: The 13-item pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) is the most commonly used measure of pain catastrophizing. A validated Finnish version of the PCS has previously been unavailable. The objectives were to translate the original English version of the PCS into Finnish (PCS-FI), then to evaluate (i) structural validity of the PCS-FI with a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), (ii) internal reliability with Cronbach's alpha, Omega, and Omega hierarchical, (iii) convergent validity with measures of well-being, quality of life, sleep quality, symptoms of central sensitization, and anxiety, and (iv) known-groups validity between participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and pain-free controls.

Development of the Finnish neurological function testing battery for dogs and its intra- and inter-rater reliability.

Background: The Finnish neurological function testing battery for dogs (FINFUN) was developed to meet the increasing demand for objective outcome measures in veterinary physiotherapy. The testing battery should provide consistent, reproducible results and have established face and content validity. Internal consistency and intra- and inter-rater reliability of the FINFUN were also investigated.

Finnish version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia: Reference values in the Finnish general population and associations with leisure-time physical activity.

Objectives: To create reference values for the general Finnish population using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-FIN), to study gender differences in the TSK-FIN, to assess the internal consistency of the TSK-FIN, to estimate the prevalence of high levels of kinesiophobia in Finnish men and women, and to examine the association between kinesiophobia and leisure-time physical activity and the impact of co-morbidities on kinesiophobia.

Methods: The study population comprised 455 men and 579 women. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire about their socio-demographic factors, leisure-time physical activity, co-morbidities and kinesiophobia.

Test-retest reliability and comparability of paper and computer questionnaires for the Finnish version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia.

Objectives: To estimate the internal consistency, test-retest reliability and comparability of paper and computer versions of the Finnish version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-FIN) among patients with chronic pain. In addition, patients' personal experiences of completing both versions of the TSK-FIN and preferences between these two methods of data collection were studied.

Design: Test-retest reliability study.

Anxiety and depression are independent predictors of quality of life of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

We examined the relative impact of baseline anxiety, depression and fear of movement on health related quality of life at 12-month follow-up after a multidisciplinary pain management programme. One hundred and eleven patients who had chronic musculoskeletal pain (mean age 45 years, 65% women) attended during 2003-2005 a multidisciplinary three-phase pain management programme with a total time frame of six to seven months, totalling 19 days. The Beck Anxiety Inventory was used to rate anxiety, the Beck Depression Inventory depression, the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia fear of movement.

Association of fear of movement and leisure-time physical activity among patients with chronic pain.

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the association of fear of movement and physical activity among patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Methods: The sample comprised 93 patients participating in a multidisciplinary pain management programme. The purpose of the programme was to regain overall functioning by means of physical and functional exercises, education and personal pain management training.

[Diabolically intense axillary-scapular pain in a colleague].

We describe a middle-aged patient, in whom a rare subluxation of the costotransversal joint caused a severe axillary pain. Diagnosis was not achieved by imaging studies or electroneuromyography, but instead simply by palpation. A good treatment outcome was obtained by manipulation.

Assessment of chronic pain behaviour: reliability of the method and its relationship with perceived disability, physical impairment and function.

The aim of the present study was to develop a reliable assessment of pain behaviour performed during the execution of a range of functional assessment measures. For the initial reliability study 18 subjects (consecutive referrals) were assessed. Subjects were observed and videotaped during a variety of physical tasks and demonstrations of pain behaviour were recorded; the videotapes were scored by two independent observers on two occasions.

A novel inserter instrument (Crossbow) for installation of self-reinforced bioabsorbable arrows into meniscus tissue.

A novel inserter, Crossbow, was developed for arthroscopic installation of self-reinforced bioabsorbable meniscus arrows into meniscus tissue. The Crossbow comprises a reservoir cartridge for up to four arrows, a triggering mechanism, and an interchangeable (curved or straight) trocar for guiding and installation of an arrow. A randomized biomechanical study was carried out by installing 13-mm-long meniscus arrows into fresh porcine menisci with the Crossbow and with the standard manual inserter trocar system.

Delusional parasitosis in the elderly: a review and report of six cases from northern Finland.

A patient with delusional parasitosis has a strong conviction of being infested with parasites: for example, lice or worms. Such a patient is not satisfied with assurances or test results that no parasites are present, but is so convinced that he or she will go as far as to bring the parasites in "matchboxes" to a physician. Subjectively worried, the patient may try to pick the parasites out of the skin, causing cutaneous lesions and even ulcerations.