Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common cause of pain and functional limitation in the general population. The study aim was to evaluate shortwave diathermy (SWD) effects on pain and quality of life in people with musculoskeletal disorders. Eighty participants (31 men, mean age 56 ± 12.49 years) were enrolled, recruiting from outpatient clinics at the Rehabilitation Unit, University Hospital, Padova. Inclusion criteria were pain lasting more than 15 days, pain visual analog scale (VAS) score higher than 50/100 mm, and a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, neck/back pain, or tendinopathies. All participants underwent ten sessions of percutaneous SWD, 3 times/week. Each session lasted 15-20 min, with frequencies of 4 or 8 MHz and heat intensity between 40 and 60 W. Outcomes were assessed before and after treatment. Primary outcome was pain reduction, evaluated by short form McGill pain questionnaire, which includes VAS and present pain intensity (PPI). Secondary outcome was improvement in social and work-related activity limitations. Participants were grouped based on classification of pain [nociceptive and neuropathic pain (group A) vs nociceptive only (group B)]. VAS and PPI improved significantly (p < 0.01). No difference in pain reduction (VAS and PPI) emerged between the groups. Limitations due to pain in work-related and non-work-related activities decreased (p < 0.01); use of pain medications was reduced at T1 vs T0 (p < 0.01). Our results suggest that SWD is effective in reducing musculoskeletal pain in the short term, providing relief and improving quality of life.

SummaryBackground: The anatomy of hip is widely complex and several anatomical structures interact and contribute to its functioning. For position and role, hip and the surrounding tendons, which have their insertion around, are overstressed and often overloaded, especially in athletes. This could lead to the developing of several tendinopathies, among which the differential diagnosis is often complicated. Many conservative treatments are used in clinical practice, while actually, no defined conservative protocol is recommended. Methods: This is a review article. The aim of this manuscript is to evaluate the current evidences about the effectiveness of conservative management in hip tendinopathies. Conclusion: Conservative treatment is effective in the management of hip tendinopathies and may be considered the first-line approach for patients affected. However, there is lack of evidences about which is the most effective treatment. Exercise therapy seems to provide long-term pain relief, but the literature is still lacking about the correct type, dose, posology, intensity of exercise prescribed. Further studies about different local approaches, as PRP or hyaluronic acid injections, may be encouraged. Level of evidence: I.

Introduction: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a frequent medical condition which might determine an important reduction of the patient's quality of life (QoL). The analysis of OD-related QoL may play an important role in clinical practice since the patient's perspectives may influence clinical decisions and could be used to monitor the longitudinal course of individual outcomes. Evidence acquisition: Only a limited number of specific instrument able to evaluate OD-related QoL have been proposed so far and their clinical application is limited. The aim of this review was to analyze the available instruments useful for OD-related QoL measurement in order to increase clinicians' awareness of OD and their ability to evaluate its impact. Evidence synthesis: The Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD) is the more widely used but its internal consistency is poor. The Importance of Olfaction Questionnaire demonstrated a good internal consistency but no information regarding its reliability are available. The Self-Administered Odor Questionnaire (SAOQ) demonstrated satisfactory clinical validity and responsiveness to changes but no information regarding its internal consistency and reliability are available. The Scandinavian adaptation of the Multi-Clinic Smell and Taste Questionnaire (MCSTQ-Sc) appears too time consuming. Finally, the Modified Short version of the QOD (MS-QOD) demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency, optimal test re-test reliability and satisfactory discriminant and convergent validity. Conclusions: There is a need for a psychometrically robust, time-and cost-efficient, easy-to-use instrument to be used in everyday clinical practice for the evaluation of the impact of OD on patient's QoL

Background: Great advances in knowledge and understanding of the biomechanics of the hip, both in arthroscopic procedures and imaging techniques, have expanded and improved the diagnosis of pathologies of the young adult hip. The anatomy of the hip joint is complex due to its morphology and orientation. The interpretation of the images requires deep knowledge of the osseous and soft tissue anatomy: muscles, tendons, ligaments, vessels and ner ves. There are multiple imaging tools. Diagnostic techniques have different utilities and often are comple mentary. Methods: In this article the various diagnostic imaging techniques for evaluation of hip pathologies are discussed, their indications and usefulness, with emphasis on those resolved arthroscopically. Conclusion: Young adult hip disorders are increasingly diagnosed and treated as arthroscopic procedures improved. Radiology is a fundamental contribution in the diagnostic process. Plain radiography (X-ray) is always the initial examination. Level of evidence: V.

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