Background: Strain elastography (SE) and shear wave elastography (SWE) are emerging techniques for evaluating the elasticity of soft tissue. This study aimed to determine interobserver and intraobserver reliability for elasticity measurements of different tissues and anatomic locations using SE and SWE. Methods: Ten healthy adult male individuals with 20 upper extremities participated in this study. The elasticities of the wrist extensor muscle, the common extensor tendon, and supraspinatus tendon were measured. Strain ratio and shear wave velocity were measured twice by 2 different examiners (examiner 1 with over 20 years of experience in musculoskeletal sonography and examiner 2 with 1 year of experience). Interobserver and intraobserver reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The 10 individuals’ age ranged from 28 to 35 years. In SE, interobserver reliabilities at the 3 anatomic locations (wrist extensor muscle, common extensor tendon, and supraspinatus tendon) showed fair to moderate agreement (ICC = 0.489, p = 0.076;ICC = 0.408, p = 0.131; and ICC = 0.296, p = 0.711, respectively). The intraobserver reliabilities of examiner 1 were moderate to substantial only at the wrist extensor muscle and the common extensor tendon (ICC = 0.563, p = 0.039 and ICC = 0.702, p = 0.006, respectively). In SWE, interobserver reliabilities for the wrist extensor muscle and the supraspinatus tendon were moderate to substantial (ICC = 0.756, p = 0.002 and ICC = 0.565, p = 0.039, respectively). The intraobserver reliabilities of examiner 1 at the 3 anatomic locations were almost perfect (ICC = 0.843, p = 0.001; ICC = 0.800, p = 0.001; and ICC = 0.825, p = 0.001, respectively).The results of examiner 2 showed almost perfect agreement at the wrist extensor muscle (ICC = 0.886, p = 0.001) and moderate to substantial agreement at the tendons of the common extensor and supraspinatus (ICC = 0.592, p = 0.029 and ICC = 0.682, p = 0.008, respectively). Conclusions SWE is a reliable method for assessing the flexibility of soft tissue, but it is affected by expertise and the specific anatomical site.

Background: Strain elastography (SE) and shear wave elastography (SWE) are emerging techniques for evaluating the elasticity of soft tissue. This study aimed to determine interobserver and intraobserver reliability for elasticity measurements of different tissues and anatomic locations using SE and SWE. Methods: Ten healthy adult male individuals with 20 upper extremities participated in this study. The elasticities of the wrist extensor muscle, the common extensor tendon, and supraspinatus tendon were measured. Strain ratio and shear wave velocity were measured twice by 2 different examiners (examiner 1 with over 20 years of experience in musculoskeletal sonography and examiner 2 with 1 year of experience). Interobserver and intraobserver reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The 10 individuals’ age ranged from 28 to 35 years. In SE, interobserver reliabilities at the 3 anatomic locations (wrist extensor muscle, common extensor tendon, and supraspinatus tendon) showed fair to moderate agreement (ICC = 0.489, p = 0.076;ICC = 0.408, p = 0.131; and ICC = 0.296, p = 0.711, respectively). The intraobserver reliabilities of examiner 1 were moderate to substantial only at the wrist extensor muscle and the common extensor tendon (ICC = 0.563, p = 0.039 and ICC = 0.702, p = 0.006, respectively). In SWE, interobserver reliabilities for the wrist extensor muscle and the supraspinatus tendon were moderate to substantial (ICC = 0.756, p = 0.002 and ICC = 0.565, p = 0.039, respectively). The intraobserver reliabilities of examiner 1 at the 3 anatomic locations were almost perfect (ICC = 0.843, p = 0.001; ICC = 0.800, p = 0.001; and ICC = 0.825, p = 0.001, respectively).The results of examiner 2 showed almost perfect agreement at the wrist extensor muscle (ICC = 0.886, p = 0.001) and moderate to substantial agreement at the tendons of the common extensor and supraspinatus (ICC = 0.592, p = 0.029 and ICC = 0.682, p = 0.008, respectively). Conclusions SWE is a reliable method for assessing the flexibility of soft tissue, but it is affected by expertise and the specific anatomical site.

Background: Strain elastography (SE) and shear wave elastography (SWE) are emerging techniques for evaluating the elasticity of soft tissue. This study aimed to determine interobserver and intraobserver reliability for elasticity measurements of different tissues and anatomic locations using SE and SWE. Methods: Ten healthy adult male individuals with 20 upper extremities participated in this study. The elasticities of the wrist extensor muscle, the common extensor tendon, and supraspinatus tendon were measured. Strain ratio and shear wave velocity were measured twice by 2 different examiners (examiner 1 with over 20 years of experience in musculoskeletal sonography and examiner 2 with 1 year of experience). Interobserver and intraobserver reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The 10 individuals’ age ranged from 28 to 35 years. In SE, interobserver reliabilities at the 3 anatomic locations (wrist extensor muscle, common extensor tendon, and supraspinatus tendon) showed fair to moderate agreement (ICC = 0.489, p = 0.076;ICC = 0.408, p = 0.131; and ICC = 0.296, p = 0.711, respectively). The intraobserver reliabilities of examiner 1 were moderate to substantial only at the wrist extensor muscle and the common extensor tendon (ICC = 0.563, p = 0.039 and ICC = 0.702, p = 0.006, respectively). In SWE, interobserver reliabilities for the wrist extensor muscle and the supraspinatus tendon were moderate to substantial (ICC = 0.756, p = 0.002 and ICC = 0.565, p = 0.039, respectively). The intraobserver reliabilities of examiner 1 at the 3 anatomic locations were almost perfect (ICC = 0.843, p = 0.001; ICC = 0.800, p = 0.001; and ICC = 0.825, p = 0.001, respectively).The results of examiner 2 showed almost perfect agreement at the wrist extensor muscle (ICC = 0.886, p = 0.001) and moderate to substantial agreement at the tendons of the common extensor and supraspinatus (ICC = 0.592, p = 0.029 and ICC = 0.682, p = 0.008, respectively). Conclusions SWE is a reliable method for assessing the flexibility of soft tissue, but it is affected by expertise and the specific anatomical site.

Background: Strain elastography (SE) and shear wave elastography (SWE) are emerging techniques for evaluating the elasticity of soft tissue. This study aimed to determine interobserver and intraobserver reliability for elasticity measurements of different tissues and anatomic locations using SE and SWE. Methods: Ten healthy adult male individuals with 20 upper extremities participated in this study. The elasticities of the wrist extensor muscle, the common extensor tendon, and supraspinatus tendon were measured. Strain ratio and shear wave velocity were measured twice by 2 different examiners (examiner 1 with over 20 years of experience in musculoskeletal sonography and examiner 2 with 1 year of experience). Interobserver and intraobserver reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The 10 individuals’ age ranged from 28 to 35 years. In SE, interobserver reliabilities at the 3 anatomic locations (wrist extensor muscle, common extensor tendon, and supraspinatus tendon) showed fair to moderate agreement (ICC = 0.489, p = 0.076;ICC = 0.408, p = 0.131; and ICC = 0.296, p = 0.711, respectively). The intraobserver reliabilities of examiner 1 were moderate to substantial only at the wrist extensor muscle and the common extensor tendon (ICC = 0.563, p = 0.039 and ICC = 0.702, p = 0.006, respectively). In SWE, interobserver reliabilities for the wrist extensor muscle and the supraspinatus tendon were moderate to substantial (ICC = 0.756, p = 0.002 and ICC = 0.565, p = 0.039, respectively). The intraobserver reliabilities of examiner 1 at the 3 anatomic locations were almost perfect (ICC = 0.843, p = 0.001; ICC = 0.800, p = 0.001; and ICC = 0.825, p = 0.001, respectively).The results of examiner 2 showed almost perfect agreement at the wrist extensor muscle (ICC = 0.886, p = 0.001) and moderate to substantial agreement at the tendons of the common extensor and supraspinatus (ICC = 0.592, p = 0.029 and ICC = 0.682, p = 0.008, respectively). Conclusions SWE is a reliable method for assessing the flexibility of soft tissue, but it is affected by expertise and the specific anatomical site.

Objective: We developed the Indoor Cognitive Training combined with Physical Activity (ICT-PA) program, incorporating memory registration, navigation, and image recall through wearable sensors and Bluetooth Low Energy tags, aimed at enhancing cognitive function and physical activity in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: Thirty-six elderly individuals over 60 years diagnosed with MCI participated in a 6-week ICT-PA program. The primary outcome measure was the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropsychological Assessment Battery Total Score 1 (CERAD-TS1), and the secondary outcome measures were the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire (SMCQ), and Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-KR). Changes in scores before and after the program were analyzed using paired t-tests. Program satisfaction was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: CERAD-TS1 scores significantly improved after ICT-PA training (pre 57.3±11.3; post 60.3±13.1; p=0.006), while MMSE, SMCQ and GDS-KR scores remained unchanged. Subgroup analysis showed significant CERAD-TS improvements in the compliance group (>360 minutes of ICT-PA use) (pre 58.5±11.7; post 62.7±12.9; p=0.002). The average program satisfaction score was 7.7±1.6 out of 10. Data are presented as mean±standard deviation. Conclusion The ICT-PA program effectively improved cognitive functions in MCI patients, with high satisfaction rates.

Purpose: Epidemiological data on injuries resulting from ice hockey and their management are lacking in Korea. A comprehensive analysis of such data is crucial for the effective prevention and management of ice hockey injuries. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological profile of ice hockey injuries and their management among elite Korean players. Methods: The descriptive epidemiological study involved three semiprofessional male ice hockey teams and used a retrospective self-reported questionnaire for assessment. The data collected included demographic characteristics such as player positions and stick-side preferences, injured body parts, injury types, treatment methods, and the decision-maker for returning to sports. Results: A total of 68 players were included in the study, of whom 58 (85.3%) experienced moderate-to-severe orthopedic injuries. Among the reported injuries, 93 (77.5%) occurred during the games, with player-to-player contact being the most frequent cause of such injuries. The decision to return to sports in 53 cases (44.2%) was made by the medical staff, whereas players and nonmedical staff made that decision in 67 cases (55.8%). The decision-making process of the medical staff for allowing players to return to sports was significantly associated with the player’s position and whether the injury required surgery. Conclusion The study emphasizes the high prevalence of orthopedic injuries among elite ice hockey players in Korea and the importance of injury prevention strategies. It also highlights the need for increased involvement of medical staff in return-to-play decisions to ensure successful recovery of players and their reintegration into the competition.

As the aging population increases, the number of patients with osteoporosis is gradually rising. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by low bone mass and the microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in reduced bone strength and an increased risk of low-energy or fragility fractures. Thus, the use of anti-resorptive agents, such as bisphosphonates (BPs), to prevent osteoporotic fractures is growing annually. BPs are effective in reducing hip and other fractures. However, the longer a patient takes BPs, the higher the risk of an atypical femoral fracture (AFF). The exact mechanism by which long-term BP use affects the development of AFFs has not yet been clarified. However, several theories have been suggested to explain the pathogenesis of AFFs, such as suppressed bone remodeling, impaired bone healing, altered bone quality, and femoral morphology. The management of AFFs requires both medical and surgical approaches. BPs therapy should be discontinued immediately, and calcium and vitamin D levels should be evaluated and supplemented if insufficient. Teriparatide can be used for AFFs. Intramedullary nailing is the primary treatment for complete AFFs, and prophylactic femoral nailing is recommended if signs of an impending fracture are detected.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the shoulder girdle muscle characteristics of elite archery athletes and provides suggestions for archery training programs. METHODS: This study enrolled 15 cases of high level archery athletes (7 males, 8 females) and 30 cases of (15 males, 15 females) sex, age-matched, healthy, non-athletic individuals. We measured peak torques of flexion (FL), extension (EX), abduction (ABD), adduction (ADD), external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) of both shoulders at an angular velocity of 30°/sec, 60°/sec, and 180°/sec. The peak torques and peak torque ratios of FL/EX, ABD/ADD, and ER/IR of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The archer group had a greater peak torque of IR and ADD, but only in the left shoulder (p < 0.05). In the same group, both shoulders had greater peak torque of EX and lower peak torque of FL. The peak torque ratios of FL/EX of both shoulders were significantly lower in the archer group at all three angular velocities (p < 0.05). The peak torque ratios of ABD/ADD were significantly greater in only the left shoulder of the archer group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prominent characteristics of the shoulder girdle muscles of an elite archer are stronger adductor muscles of the bow shoulder and stronger extensors of both shoulders, as compared to healthy, non-athletic individuals. These muscle groups of the shoulder probably contribute a major role in maintaining the accuracy and stability during archery shooting. Hence, a training program that selectively enhances the adductor and extensor muscles could prove helpful in enhancing the archery skills of the athlete.
Athletes ; Education ; Humans ; Male ; Muscles ; Shoulder ; Torque

The authors report a case of bladder fistula associated with a medial thigh cutaneous fistula and chronic osteomyelitis of the pubic bone 11 years after surgery for a pelvic bone fracture and bladder rupture. In the presenting case, despite the clinical suspicion, none of the diagnostic tools demonstrated the bladder fistula preoperatively. This case suggests that bladder repair should be prepared, even if the bladder fistula cannot be confirmed by imaging studies because the amount of urine leakage can be minimal or the fistula can close spontaneously.
Abscess/complications/*diagnosis ; Cutaneous Fistula/complications/*diagnosis/radiography/surgery ; Groin ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteomyelitis/complications/*diagnosis/radiography ; Pelvis/radiography ; *Pubic Bone/surgery ; Urinary Bladder Fistula/complications/*diagnosis/radiography/surgery

OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical and sonographic parameters which predict the likelihood of successful labor induction in preterm women. METHODS: This prospective observational study enrolled 103 consecutive preterm women (<37 weeks gestation) with singleton gestations scheduled for induction of labor. Transvaginal ultrasound for measurement of the cervical length was performed and the Bishop score was determined by digital examination. The parameters studied were gestational age at induction, parity, maternal age, Bishop score, sonographic cervical length, and current body mass index (BMI). Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Successful induction of labor occurred in 45 (44%) of women. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified parity, maternal BMI, and gestational age at induction as the independent predictors of successful labor induction in preterm women, although gestational age did not reach statistical significance (P=0.056). However, maternal age, sonographic cervical length, and Bishop score did not provide independent contribution to success of induction. CONCLUSION: In preterm women undergoing induction of labor parity, maternal BMI, and gestational age at induction were independent parameters in predicting successful induction of labor. However, sonographic cervical length and Bishop score had poor predictive values for success of labor induction.
Body Mass Index ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Lipids ; Logistic Models ; Maternal Age ; Parity ; Prospective Studies ; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds ; Statistics as Topic