Current Rheumatology Reviews - Volume 16, Issue 3, 2020

Wrist pain is a common patient complaint with a myriad of clinical conditions that can explain the underlying cause. Short of wrist arthroscopy, no technique other than formal wrist arthrotomy exists for direct examination of the hyaline cartilage coating the articular surfaces of the carpal bones. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proven accurate in evaluating joint surfaces of large joints such as the shoulder, hip, Read More

Background: The carpus is a complicated and functionally challenged mechanical system, advancements in the understanding of which have been compromised by the recognition that there is no standard carpal mechanical system and no typical wrist. This paper covers components of a larger project that seeks to develop a kinetic model of wrist mechanics to allow reverse analysis of the specific biomechanical controls or rules Read More

Variation in lunate morphology can exist based on the absence (Type I) or presence (Type II) of medial facet on the distal articular surface of the lunate that contacts the proximal pole of the hamate. This additional lunatohamate articulation can affect load transmission across the radiocarpal joint and exert an influence on carpal kinematics. A Type II lunate is protective against carpal instability patterns associated with scaphoi Read More

The study of contact biomechanics of the wrist is a challenge. This is partly due to the relatively small size of the joint as well as the lack of space in the radiocarpal joint which makes the delivery of investigative materials such as pressure sensitive film without causing artifact, difficult. Fortunately, a number of authors have studied the intact wrist, the scapholunate ligament injured wrist, the proximal row carpectomy a Read More

Computer modeling of the wrist has followed other fields in the search for descriptive methods to understand the biomechanics of injury. Using patient-specific 3D computer models, we may better understand the biomechanics of wrist fractures in order to plan better care. We may better estimate fracture morphology and stability and evaluate surgical indications, design more adequate or effective surgical approaches an Read More

Background: Scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) injury following a fall on an outstretched hand may lead to carpal instability and in some cases require long-term rehabilitation following repair. Rehabilitation, especially in athletes, may include pushups, but little is known as to what type of pushup may be safer. Objective: To determine biomechanical differences between two pushup positions (neutral or extended). Metho Read More

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate scaphoid motion within the scapho-trapezio-trapezoidal (STT) joint during wrist motion in the presence of STT joint osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: We studied 11 wrists with STT OA and 5 normal wrists. Computed tomography (CT) images were acquired in five wrist positions (maximum active flexion, extension, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, and neutral position). The 3-di Read More

Background: Morphology may provide the basis for the understanding of wrist mechanics. Methods: We used classification systems based on cadaver dissection of lunate and capitate types to evaluate a normal database of 70 wrist radiographs in 35 subjects looking for associations between bone shapes. Kappa statistics and a log-linear mixed -effects model with a random intercept were used. Results: There were 39 Read More

This review highlights the issue of psychosomatic conditions in rheumatoid arthritis, paying special attention to new researches and trends in this field. Emerging concepts in all the major parts of the problem are covered consecutively, from the impact of chronic musculoskeletal pain on the emotional state to disease influence over quality of life, socio-psychological, and interpersonal relationships. Chronic pain is closely relat Read More

Objective: Analysis and generalization of data related to visfatin involvement in the pathogenesis of inflammation at various stages of rheumatoid arthritis. Data Synthesis: Visfatin is an adipocytokine which has also been identified in non-adipose tissues. It influences directly on the maturation of B cells, which are involved in autoantibody production and T cell activation. Visfatin can promote inflammation via regulation of pro-in Read More

Background: According to the new classification criteria developed by The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society, patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) can be classified in 2 subgroups: Patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: ankylosing spondylitis patients (AS) and those with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). Objective: The aim of the present study is to describe and discuss the diff Read More

Background: Lupus nephritis is one of the major manifestations of SLE. Poor adherence to medications is an important cause of not achieving treatment targets. Methods: We assessed patients’ adherence to immune-suppressive medications in patients with Lupus nephritis using the Morisky, Green, and Levine (MGL) Adherence Scale. The aim was to study the effect of non-adherence on the occurrence of renal flares. Read More

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum level and the severity and activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 120 RA patients referred to the rheumatology clinic, the patients were diagnosed by rheumatologists according to ACR / EULAR 2010 criteria. Based on DAS28 score the patients were divided into 4 groups: Remission, Mild, Read More