BackgroundRemovable plug insoles appear to be beneficial for patients with diabetic neuropathic feet to offload local plantar pressure. However, quantitative evidence of pressure reduction by means of plug removal is limited. The value of additional insole accessories, such as arch additions, has not been tested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of removing plugs from foam based insoles, and subsequently adding extra arch support, on plantar pressures.MethodsIn-shoe plantar pressure measurements were performed on 26 patients with diabetic neuropathic feet at a baseline condition, in order to identify the forefoot region with the highest mean peak pressure (MPP). This was defined as the region of interest (ROI) for plug removal.The primary outcome was measurement of MPP using the pedar® system in the baseline and another three insole conditions (pre-plug removal, post-plug removal, and post-plug removal plus arch support).ResultsAmong the 26 ROIs, a significant reduction in MPP (32.3%, P<0.001) was found after removing the insole plugs. With an arch support added, the pressure was further reduced (9.5%, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in MPP at non-ROIs between pre- and post-plug removal conditions.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that forefoot plantar pressure can be reduced by removing plugs and adding arch support to foam-based insoles. This style of insole may therefore be clinically useful in managing patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The insufficient investigations on the changes of spinal structures during traction prevent further exploring the possible therapeutic mechanism of cervical traction. A blind randomized crossover-design study was conducted to quantitatively compare the intervertebral disc spaces between axial and anterior lean cervical traction in sitting position. A total of 96 radiographic images from the baseline measurements, axial and anterior lean tractions in 32 asymptomatic subjects were digitized for further analysis. The intra-and inter-examiner reliabilities for measuring the intervertebral disc spaces were in good ranges (ICCs = 0.928-0.942). With the application of anterior lean traction, the statistical increases were detected both in anterior and in posterior disc spaces compared to the baseline (0.29 mm and 0.24 mm; both P \ 0.01) and axial traction (0.16 mm and 0.35 mm; both P \ 0.01). The greater intervertebral disc spaces obtained during anterior lean traction might be associated with the more even distribution of traction forces over the anterior and posterior neck structures. The neck extension moment through mandible that generally occurred in the axial traction could be counteracted by the downward force of head weight during anterior lean traction. This study quantitatively demonstrated that anterior lean traction in sitting position provided more intervertebral disc space enlargements in both anterior and posterior aspects than axial traction did. These findings may serve as a therapeutic reference when cervical traction is suggested.

We report the case of a 43-year-old man who sustained a head injury with left frontal hematoma after being hit by a falling steel plate. He had persistent left shoulder pain but plain film could not clearly demonstrate the suspected scapular fracture, which was finally confirmed by 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructed computed tomography (CT). With the presence of fractures at the base of the coracoid process and the neck of the glenoid process of the scapula, suspected suprascapular neuropathy was confirmed by nerve conduction studies and electromyography. Despite atrophied muscle bulk of the supraspinatus, the patient showed good functional results after nonsurgical treatment. We suggest the use of CT with 3D reconstruction in patients with persistent shoulder pain, marked weakness and suspected scapular fracture not clearly demonstrated on plain film for better evaluation of the extent and complication of the fracture.

Lumbar spinal cysts often present with backache and may be accompanied by lower extremity weakness as well as radiation pain if root compression occurs. The treatment regimens include anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, procedures guided by fluoroscopy or computed tomography, and surgery. We report the case of a patient with a symptomatic lumbar spinal cyst at the L4-L5 facet joint. The symptoms immediately remitted after ultrasound-guided steroid-lidocaine injection into the L4-L5 facet joint. Magnetic resonance imaging follow up 4 months after injection showed complete resolution of the cyst.

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