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BACKGROUND: Given the high prevalence rate of ulnar neuropathy and importance of its proper management, to have a baseline information about the normative value of motor nerve conduction of first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle and abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADM) and their differences as well as their relation with different demographic characteristics of our population, we aimed to determine and compare the mean value of motor conduction velocity of FDI and ADM at forearm and across the elbow among the normal population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, healthy participants were enrolled in the study. Ulnar nerve motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) was recorded from the ADM and the FDI at forearm and across the elbow. Mean MNCV of the ulnar nerve recorded from ADM and FDI was compared. In addition, MNCV of the ulnar nerve measured at the forearm and across the elbow was compared also. RESULTS: During this study, 165 healthy volunteers selected and participated in the study. Mean of ulnar nerve MNCV for ADM was significantly lower than FDI, both at forearm and across the elbow (P < 0.001). Mean of ulnar nerve MNCV was significantly lower at forearm comparing than elbow level for both ADM and FDI (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study provide us a baseline data regarding the normative mean value of ulnar nerve MNCV in different locations, which could be used for providing an appropriate diagnostic protocol for ulnar nerve neuropathy. However, further studies among patients suspected with ulnar nerve neuropathy are needed.
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BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to clinically examine the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on improvement of plantar fasciitis and its related manifestations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This single-blind randomized controlled trial was performed on 32 consecutive patients with the final diagnosis of plantar fasciitis that were randomly assigned to the case group (that received PRP, n = 16) and the control group (that received corticosteroid as methylprednisolone 1 ml plus lidocaine 1 ml, n = 16). The endpoints in the present study were changes in the visual analog scale score and the modified Roles and Maudsley score (RMS) from baseline, 1-month, 3 months, and 6 months follow-up. Plantar fascia was also assessed by B-mode sonography before and also 3 months after primary assessment. RESULTS: Regarding the pain severity, the PRP group had significantly higher mean pain score at 3 time points of before injection, as well as 1 and 3 months after PRP use when compared to the corticosteroid group (P < 0.05); however, the control group experienced significantly higher pain severity than the PRP group at 6 months after interventions. Also, RMS was lower in PRP group than in corticosteroid group at baseline as well as at 1 and 3 months after injections (P < 0.05). In sonography assessment, no difference was revealed. CONCLUSION: Administration of PRP leads to significant improvement in pain severity and physical limitation in patients with plantar fasciitis. This healing effect may be begun at least 3 months after injection.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Intralesional injection of autologous blood-derived products has recently gained attention as a potential treatment for plantar fasciitis (PF). We compared platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood (WB) for the treatment of chronic PF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with chronic PF received either an intralesional injection of 3 cc PRP prepared by double centrifuge technique or WB (n = 17 in each group). Overall, morning and walking pain severity were assessed by 11-point numerical rating scale, and function was assessed by the Roles and Maudsley score (RMS) at baseline and 1-month and 3 months after treatment. Ultrasonography was performed to measure plantar fascia thickness at baseline and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: Pain scores were reduced over the study in the PRP (mean change = -5.00 ± 1.17 to -5.47 ± 1.46) and WB groups (mean change = -5.29 ± 2.56 to -6.47 ± 2.83), with no difference between groups (P > 0.05). One month and 3 months after treatment, successful treatment (RMS of ≤ 2) was respectively observed in 29.4% and 82.3% of the PRP and in 47.1% and 76.4% of the WB groups (P > 0.05). Also, fascia thickness was decreased in both the PRP and WB groups (mean change = -1.74 ± 1.11 vs. -1.21 ± 0.73 mm, respectively, P = 0.115). CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvement in pain and function, as well as decrease in plantar fascia thickness, was observed by intralesional injection of the PRP and WB in patients with chronic PF. The study results indicate similar effectiveness between PRP and WB for the treatment of chronic PF in short-term.