Background/objectives: Lymphedema, a common source of disability among oncology patients, necessitates continuous targeted rehabilitation. Recent studies have revealed the role of connective tissue in this pathology; however, despite existing research on ultrasound (US) use in lymphedema, no studies have specifically addressed the use of ultrasound to assess fasciae in patients with lymphedema. This study aims to provide a more objective characterization of typical US alterations in these patients by quantifying the thickness of superficial and deep fasciae and comparing them with those of healthy volunteers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe retinacula of the ankle are specialized anatomical structures characterized by localized thickenings of the crural fascia that envelop the deep components of the lower leg, ankle and foot. The ankle retinacula include the extensor retinacula, the peroneal retinacula and flexor retinaculum. Despite their potential to explain persistent and unexplained pain following an injury, these structures are often overlooked or incorrectly diagnosed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOver the past decade, there has been a notable increase in research focused on ultrasound imaging of thoracolumbar fascia (TLF). Nevertheless, published papers' results about the application of US imaging in TLF examination are still sparse. : Hence, this systematic review was performed aiming to firstly investigate the use and the methodology of ultrasound imaging to assess pathologic and healthy TLF.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn the context of long-distance space travel, managing medical conditions presents unique challenges due to communication delays. Consequently, onboard physicians must possess proficiency in diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, which has demonstrated its efficacy in the Space. However, there is a notable lack of comprehensive discussion regarding its effectiveness in handling medical scenarios in the Space.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe superior extensor ankle retinaculum (SEAR), a transversely fascial thickening positioned above the tibia-talar joint, serves as a crucial anatomical structure in ankle stability. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare by ultrasound (US) imaging the bilateral thickness and echogenicity of SEAR in football players with previous multiple ankle sprains (group 1) and healthy volunteers (group 2). A cross-sectional study was performed using ultrasound imaging to measure longitudinal and transversal axes using a new protocol in a sample of 50 subjects: 25 football players with previous multiple ankle sprains and 25 healthy subjects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNerve/tendon snapping can occur due to their sudden displacement during the movement of an adjacent joint, and the clinical condition can really be painful. It can actually be challenging to determine the specific anatomic structure causing the snapping in various body regions. In this sense, ultrasound examination, with all its advantages (especially providing dynamic imaging), appears to be quite promising.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCrural fascia (CF) and plantar fascia (PF) are biomechanically crucial in the gait and in the proprioception, particularly in the propulsion phase of the foot during the gait cycle and in the dissipation of forces during weight-bearing activities. Recent studies have revealed an association between increases in PF thickness and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare by ultrasound (US) imaging the thickness of the CF and PF at different regions/levels in chronic Charcot diabetic foot patients (group 1) and in healthy volunteers (group 2).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFlexibility and dynamic perspective of ultrasound imaging allow for a targeted/focused examination, yielding extra find-ings. Sonopalpation - also referred as sono-Tinel for nerves - is one of those particular features of ultrasound examination whereby the ultrasound probe is actively 'manipulated'. It is paramount to ascertain the painful structure/pathology during the evaluation of a patient and it is not possible with other imaging techniques other than ultrasonography.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) plays an important role in lower back pain (LBP). Recent studies have revealed an association between increases in TLF thickness and reduced TLF gliding in patients with LBP. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare by ultrasound (US) imaging the thickness of the TLF at the bilateral L3 level of the lumbar spine in the longitudinal and transverse axes in chronic non-specific LBP and in healthy subjects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUltrasound imaging of the musculoskeletal system is paramount for physicians of different specialties. In recent years, its use has become the extension of physical examinations like using a "magnifying glass". Likewise, the eventual concept has naturally and spontaneously evolved to a "fusion" of classical physical examination and static/dynamic ultrasound imaging of the musculoskeletal system.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUltrasound (US) imaging is increasingly the most used tool to measure the thickness of superficial and deep fasciae, but there are still some doubts about its reliability in this type of measurement. The current study sets out to assess the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of US measurements of superficial and deep fasciae thicknesses in the arm and forearm. The study involved two raters: the first (R1) is an expert in skeletal-muscle US imaging and, in particular, the US assessment of fasciae; the second (R2) is a radiologist resident with 1 year's experience in skeletal-muscle US imaging.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe superficial fascia has received much attention in recent years due to its important role of compartmentalizing the subcutaneous tissue. Ultrasound (US) imaging, owing to its high definition, provides the possibility of better visualizing and measuring its thickness. The aim of this study was to measure and compare, with US imaging, the thickness of superficial fascia in the arm and forearm in different regions/levels.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHyaluronan (HA) has complex biological roles that have catalyzed clinical interest in several fields of medicine. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of HA aggregation, also called densification, in human organs. The literature suggests that HA aggregation can occur in the liver, eye, lung, kidney, blood vessel, muscle, fascia, skin, pancreatic cancer and malignant melanoma.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWound healing is an intricate, dynamic process, in which various elements such as hyperglycemia, neuropathy, blood supply, matrix turnover, wound contraction, and the microbiome all have a role in this "out of tune" diabetic complex symphony, particularly noticeable in the complications of diabetic foot. Recently it was demonstrated that the fasciae have a crucial role in proprioception, muscular force transmission, skin vascularization and tropism, and wound healing. Indeed, the fasciae are a dynamic multifaceted meshwork of connective tissue comprised of diverse cells settled down in the extracellular matrix and nervous fibers; each constituent plays a particular role in the fasciae adapting in various ways to the diverse stimuli.
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