Musculoskeletal Diseases Commons^™

Sex Differences And Cytokine Profiles In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ella Margaret Bartley Miss

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by persistent inflammation, joint destruction, and notable differences in prevalence and severity between sexes. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), are well established mediators of RA pathology. Although extensive research has elucidated their pathological roles, the influence of sex on cytokine profiles and RA outcomes remains undefined.

This review examines preclinical and clinical studies analysing sex-specific cytokine responses in RA. Findings reveal that female patients and experimental models exhibit higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory mediators, with oestrogen and androgen signalling playing relevant …

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal Of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026

International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences

Full Issue: The International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences, Volume 6, Issue 1, July 2026.

Benefits Of Pet Friendly Work Environments On Physical, Mental, And Social Health Of Office Workers: A Systematic Review, Ahmed Radwan, Jenna Keeman, Tristan Hunzinger, Owen Wilson, Shayla Seymour

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

Background: Pet-friendly workplace initiatives are increasingly common, yet the empirical evidence for benefits to office workers’ physical, mental, and social health is scattered and heterogeneous.

Objective: To synthesize evidence on health-related outcomes associated with pet-friendly work environments for office and desk-based workers, and to appraise the current level of evidence.

Methods: A PRISMA-guided systematic search (2014–2024) was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, OVID, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts, extracted data, and appraised study quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklists. Outcomes were coded and synthesized narratively within three domains: physical, mental, …

Exploring Pediatric Leprosy In An Endemic Area: Case Series Of Eight Patients In Indonesia, Gitalisa Andayani Adriono, Tri Rahayu, Sri Linuwih Sw Menaldi, Nelfidayani Nelfidayani, Retno Sulistyo Wardani, Kahlil Gibran, Malika Sabrina Yunifananda, Kartika Qonita Putri, Yunia Irawati

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Leprosy remains a significant public health concern in endemic regions such as Indonesia. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their naive immunity and close familial contacts. This study aims to report cases of pediatric leprosy in Lembata, Indonesia, focusing on clinical characteristics and associated risk factors.

Case Illustration: A case series of eight pediatric patients (<15 >years) diagnosed with leprosy was conducted during a community-based screening program in Lembata, Indonesia, in 2022. Of 140 individuals examined, 8 were children. Most patients were male (6/8) with a mean age of 11.75 years. Multibacillary (MB) leprosy predominated (7/8), and a history …

The Use Of Acupuncture To Address Health Disparities In The Treatment Of Low Back Pain, Vivian Li, Alexander Reals, Deepa Manda, Elizabeth Loomis

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability, and treatment often involves a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Acupuncture is a medical treatment and ideology rooted in traditional Chinese medicine that utilizes applying small needles or pressure to specific points in the body. Utilized as an adjunct to supplement standard medical care, acupuncture is a procedure that can be done in a primary care setting. Multiple studies have shown efficacy in treating acute or chronic back pain, with up to 1.5% of the US population having used acupuncture at one point.

In the pursuit of holistic health, …

Impact Of Apitegromab On Motor Function In Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Jordyn Linfield, Ashley Jacob, Haylee Whyde, Owen Fox, Kaitlyn Bowden, Connor Dains, Brenna Hissong, Manoranjan D'Souza

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder characterized by the progressive loss of alpha motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and impaired motor function.¹ SMA remains an extensive and difficult-to-treat condition, with only three disease-modifying therapies currently available to patients. A new investigational agent with a unique mechanism of action, apitegromab (SRK-015), has shown promising results in recent clinical trials. The safety and efficacy of apitegromab in patients with SMA have been explored in several clinical trials, with the TOPAZ and SAPPHIRE studies being the most notable. This …

Assessing Access To Orthopaedic Care For Patients With Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Annemarie K. Leonard, Kara Ayers, Lauren Faokunla, Kaeli Samson, Erika Carter, Tracy Hart, Maegen Wallace

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Background. Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a rare disorder caused by variations in collagen. Clinical manifestations include multiple fractures, short stature, scoliosis, blue sclera, hearing loss, and opalescent teeth. Patients often need many different medical providers frequently, which may place financial burdens on families. This study sought to identify and understand barriers to care for children with OI.

Methods. We utilized an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved survey for primary caregivers of children with OI. Questions included demographic data, type of health insurance, history of and reasons for insurance denials, access to multidisciplinary OI care, and travel to receive OI care. The …

High Occurrence Of Long Bone Nonunion : Assessing Significant Biological Risk Factors And Management Results, Bimo Sasono, Aldy Dion

Journal of Health Research

Background: A comprehensive study evaluated the risk of nonunion per fracture in a population of over four million adults and determined that rates vary depending on patients' risk factors, nonunion rates can reach in excess of 10%. This study aims to address the issue by scrutinizing the demographic characteristics of patients, pinpointing the biological risk factors for long bone nonunion and evaluating the nonunion management effectiveness.

Methods: This analytical, observational retrospective cohort study used medical record data from a regional hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia (2020–2023), involving 147 eligible patients. Data were analyzed using logistic regression with a significance level of …

Long-Term Autoimmune Polyarthritis Due To Covid-19 Vaccine, Ramesh Pandit, Namratha Pallipamu, Trupiti Pandit

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Vaccinations for COVID-19 have played a pivotal role in controlling the global pandemic, with most adverse events being mild and transient. However, rare post-vaccination autoimmune responses have been reported. The understanding of long-term rheumatologic sequelae, particularly autoimmune polyarthritis following COVID-19 vaccination, remains limited.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 41-year-old previously healthy man who developed progressive polyarthritis and systemic symptoms following the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The initial symptoms of joint swelling and arthralgia appeared within a week of the first vaccine dose, subsiding temporarily with medication. After receiving a booster dose, the patient experienced worsening …

Case With Refractory Myasthenia Gravis Caused By Pembrolizumab, Khaled M. Darwesh, Bushra Amer, Lateefah D. Hawshab, Fatima D Hawshab

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Nowadays, checkpoint inhibitors play a major role in the management of different types of cancers. However, we have seen variants of immune therapy-related adverse events, which usually are variables from fatigue, to neuropathy to severe devastating complications such as respiratory failure due to myasthenia gravis (MG), as we saw in our case. Our patient was started on pembrolizumab, and they developed severe respiratory failure attributed to MG after three weeks from treatment initiation. Also, the patient presented with myositis, mild myocarditis and hepatitis, which were all related to pembrolizumab.

Opportunities And Challenges For E-Health In Hip And Knee Arthroplasty - A Summary Of Recent Literature Review, José Miguel Seguro, Márcia Pestana Santos

Patient Experience Journal

Introduction: The integration of health technologies and e-health into health education is becoming increasingly used. Objective: To identify the e-health challenges and opportunities related to hip and knee arthroplasty patient care. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted. Results: Included 13 primary studies on teleconsultation and the use of digital applications to support patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty. Discussion: E-health resources are increasingly vital in supporting arthroplasty patients throughout their surgical journey, from preoperative preparation to recovery. Teleconsultations and patient-support apps enhance access to care, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost patient satisfaction. The …

Using A Cadaveric Model Of Lumbar Scoliosis To Determine Optimal Patient Positioning For Reliable Bone Mineral Density Measures Using A Hologic Dexa Scanner, Caleb B. Schuring, Alexander H.K. Montoye

The Journal of Integrative Physiology

Introduction: Osteoporosis and osteopenia affect roughly 10 million and 43 million older adults, respectively, in the United States. The primary way to detect osteoporosis and osteopenia is through a bone mineral density (BMD) scan, as is often done using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). However, previous research shows DEXA to be unreliable when assessing BMD in individuals with lumbar scoliosis. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of spine orientation on the DEXA scanning bed on lumbar BMD measures, using a cadaver spine as a model. Methods: One female cadaver was dissected to the skeletal …

Efektivitas Full Body Stretching Dan Edukasi Manual Handling Digital Terhadap Keluhan Musculoskeletal Disorders Pekerja Yantek, Nadia Rosalinda, Anita Sulistyorini, Marji Marji, Supriyadi Supriyadi, Tika Dwi Tama

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Diseases (PAK) in the form of pain complaints in the skeletal system that cause the work process are called Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). PT. PLN Yantek workers are at risk of experiencing MSDs complaints because the work is done manually and the work posture is less ergonomic. This study aimed to analyze the effect of implementing full-body stretch and digital-based manual handling education and to assess its effectiveness on MSDs. The study used a quasi-experimental method with a one-group pretest-posttest design involving 26 Yantek workers. The intervention was given at 10 meetings, MSDs complaints were measured using the Nordic Body …

Congenital Rickets, Melissa Intriago

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of Fu's Subcutaneous Needling In Pain Management And Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review, Po-En Chiu, Chun-Chang Wu, De-Jian Lu, Zhonghua Fu, Li-Wei Chou

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling (FSN) is a modern needling technique distinct from traditional acupuncture, primarily used for musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic conditions, and emerging applications in rehabilitation. FSN is also designated as a kind of dry needling focusing on deactivating myofascial trigger points. This review categorizes FSN-related studies into case reports, clinical trials, and animal studies, evaluating its therapeutic efficacy, safety, and mechanisms. Case reports suggest that FSN provides rapid pain relief and functional improvement, while clinical trials, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), support its role in reducing pain and enhancing neuromuscular function despite limitations in sample size and protocol consistency. Animal …

A Retrospective Data Analysis On Marine Animal Injuries At A Large, Multi-Site Medical System, Anthony Shadiack, J Burton Banks

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

With increasing numbers of human-animal interactions, there has been an increase in animal-related injuries. While canine bites are the most commonly reported animal injury, little data exists in regard to the other classes of animals, particularly marine life. The last comprehensive report on injuries related to noncanine bites and stings seen in emergency departments (EDs) across the US was between 2011 and 2015.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis from 2014-2019 on marine injuries from a large hospital network with over 180 hospitals, 100 freestanding EDs, and 170 urgent care centers to provide an update on the volume and …

Thrower’S Fracture With Subsequent Compartment Syndrome Requiring Emergent 2 Compartment Upper Extremity Fasciotomy, Andrew Wise, Darwin Ang

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

A thrower’s fracture is a mid-to-distal third humerus fracture that commonly presents as an audible pop with severe arm pain sustained during the throwing motion. Although thrower’s fracture has been described previously in the literature, this report is the first to demonstrate compartment syndrome as its potential sequel.

Case Presentation

A 25-year-old semi-professional pitcher presented to the emergency department with severe right arm pain following a pitch. He described hearing an audible pop with subsequent severe pain. He was found to have elevated compartment pressures in his upper arm and was rushed to the operating room for a 2 …

The Effects Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation On Pain And Function In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Critically Appraised Topic, P. Drake Short, Rileigh T. Ricken, Jennifer L. Volberding

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that impacts upwards of 40% of patients over the age of 70, and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is a common treatment protocol. To date, there is no consensus on the effectiveness of TENS as a modality for knee OA. Thus, this critically appraised topic (CAT) aims to determine the impact of TENS on the pain and functional outcome of patients with knee OA. Methods: To assess the therapeutic efficacy of TENS, a systematic search of the available literature was conducted, focusing on pain and function in knee osteoarthritis. Online databases were searched …

Inter-Institutional Analysis Of Skin Of Color Representation In Dermatological Lecture Content At Md And Do Medical Schools, Oluwafunke Oluwatosin Ogunremi, Blake Fredericksen, John Komas, Sana Ismail, Siri Knutsen-Larson Md, Valeriy Kozmenko Md, Afia Albin Do

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the lecture materials provided in medical schools through a diversity lens. Skin pathologies manifest distinctively on various shades of skin and physicians must be equipped with the proper knowledge to identify and diagnose these conditions accurately and promptly. For most medical students, images in prominent textbooks and lecture slides are their first encounter with disease presentations. Therefore, it is important to analyze the diversity of skin tones in the content that is being delivered. Specifically, the use of images featuring darker skin tones compared to those depicting lighter skin tones. This study …

Effects Of Core Stabilization Exercises In Patients With Non-Specific Low Back Pain: Huber Motion Lab Versus Conventional, Ebru Koyuncu, Nur Tunali, Seda Saka, Ertuğrul Ural, Melek Güneş Yavuzer

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the effects of core stabilization exercises with Huber® Motion Lab on pain, depression, and activity levels in patients with non-specific low back pain (LBP).

Materials and methods: In this study, 30 patients with non-specific LBP were allocated either to an experimental or to a control group. Both groups received a conventional physiotherapy program for 15 sessions. In addition, the control group performed 30 minutes of core stabilization exercises on the floor, whereas the experimental group used the Huber® Motion Lab device. The main outcome measures were pain severity (Visual Analogue Scale VAS), depression (Beck …

A Suspected Case Of Levetiracetam Induced Rhabdomyolysis, Luke Merrill Ms, Layne Hohn Ms, Marlee Jones Ms, Sydney Gibson Ms, Ty Moody Md, Anthony Breemo Md

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

Background: Levetiracetam is a broad-spectrum antiseizure drug which works to terminate convulsions and is used in the treatment of certain types of seizures. It is commonly used to treat epilepsy in adults, and has proven an effective treatment for adults with focal seizures. This drug is normally well tolerated, but commonly reported adverse effects include fatigue, somnolence, and dizziness. A few less common effects have been noted as well, including behavioral disturbances, thrombocytopenia, and—in very few cases—rhabdomyolysis.

Case Report: Our case reports a 55-year-old male who presented to a rural emergency department for active convulsing and unresponsiveness. Initial …

Prevalence And Clinical Characteristics Of Temporomandibular Disorders In Adults: An Epidemiological Study In The Mediterranean Region Of Türkiye, Esra Yavuz, Selmi Yardimci, Humeyra Tercanli

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

The prevalence and clinical characteristics of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in the Mediterranean region of Türkiye have not yet been thoroughly investigated. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of TMD in a sample of the population in this region and to characterize the clinical findings related to TMD. Methods: Four hundred and one participants were included in this study. “Presence of TMD” in the participants was evaluated using the Fonseca Anamnestic Index. Through clinical examination, the findings in the participants were classified as limited mouth opening, deviation, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds, TMJ pain, and muscle …

Is There Room For Individual Patient-Specified Preferences In The Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Revolution?, Leif I. Solberg, Jeanette Y. Ziegenfuss, Rachael L. Rivard, Christine K. Norton, Robin R. Whitebird, Glyn Elwyn, Mark Swiontkowski

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: The study aim was to test the feasibility of collecting qualitative patient-preferred outcomes or goals and the degree of their attainment as an addition to a standardized process for collecting quantitative composite patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) from patients undergoing knee joint replacement..

Methods: Patients of a large Midwestern medical group scheduled to have total replacement of their knee joint have been asked to complete a PROMs survey preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months after surgery since 2014. In March 2020, an open-ended question about their most important preferred outcome was added to the existing questionnaire. The responses for …

Ciprofloxacin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Report, Alexander Refaeian, Eric L. Vest, Michael Schmidt, Jorge D. Guerra, Mohd N. Refaei, Michael Refaeian, Ryan A. Floresca, Manouchehr Refaeian

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Fluoroquinolones, a class of antibiotics, are commonly employed in the treatment of a wide array of bacterial infections. Recognized for their effectiveness against a broad spectrum of pathogens, fluoroquinolones have played a pivotal role in managing conditions like urinary tract infections and respiratory diseases. Nevertheless, their usage is not without contention due to their association with a variety of adverse effects, including tendon rupture and the less frequently reported issue of peripheral neuropathy.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a 42-year-old male who developed peripheral neuropathy several days after completing a 10-day course of ciprofloxacin for gastroenteritis. The …

Treatment Of Knee Synovitis From Psoriatic Arthritis With Platelet Rich Plasma Injection, Nicolle Mazzei, Arielle Hall, Cody Clinton

Cooper Rowan Medical Journal

Psoriatic arthritis has been known to cause many inflammatory clinical features, including synovitis. In the past, synovitis has been primarily treated with NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and synovectomy when needed. This case report outlines a 49-year-old female with synovitis caused by psoriatic arthritis who did not respond to conventional treatment options and was apprehensive to surgery. She was offered a platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection as alternative therapy to a synovectomy. This case explores the use of PRP injections as a potential treatment modality for patients with synovitis caused by psoriatic arthritis. This patient was able to show improvement in her …

Socioeconomic Disparities Exist In Access To Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery, Justin Solarczyk, Heather Roberts Md, Stephanie Wong Md, Derek Ward Md

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Background: The relationship of socioeconomic disparity in access to rotator cuff repair (RCR) has not been well studied. Socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic disparities in access to surgical management of rotator cuff tears have previously been described in patients with commercial insurance. This study is a population-level analysis which investigates racial and ethnic disparities in access to surgical rotator cuff repair across multiple health insurance statuses.

Purpose: (1) Is non-white race and ethnicity associated with lower rates of RCR? (2) Do these associations change throughout different insurance statuses?

Methods: We used the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) database to identify …

Stellate Ganglion Block For Refractory Raynaud’S Phenomenon- A Case Report, William J. Naber Ii, Derik J. Scribner, Gabriel Howard

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Introduction: Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is predominately a sympathetically mediated ischemic vasospastic disease involving the distal limbs and is associated with sharp pains, numbness, and dermatological color changes. The symptoms are commonly induced by cold weather, stress, and trauma and it is known to affect 4.85% of the population. There are few well-defined treatments for patients with RP that are refractory to 1st-line therapies. We present a case of intractable RP with corresponding response to stellate ganglion block (SGB) which demonstrates the efficacy profile and safety of SNS blocks in treatment of resistant RP.

Methods: Per Bon Secours Mercy Health …

Impact Of Perioperative Dexamethasone On Hospital Length Of Stay And Glycemic Control In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty, Vanessa Williams, Mohammad J. Uddin Ansari, Amruta Jaju, Stacey Ward, Daniel O'Keefe, Jumana Abdelkarim, Nicole Montes, Ula Tarabichi, Albert Botchway, Michael G. Jakoby Iv

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate effects of perioperative dexamethasone on hospital length of stay (LOS) and glycemic control for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods: We performed retrospective case review of THA performed in adults (≥ 18 years old) with type 2 diabetes at Springfield Memorial Hospital (Springfield, IL) immediately before (2013), during (2014), and after (2015) publication of consensus guidelines for use of perioperative dexamethasone. Hospital LOS was the primary endpoint. Capillary blood glucose by hospital day, proportion of patients treated with insulin, and median insulin dose by hospital day …

Clinicopathological And Prognostic Significance Of Cxcr4 Expression In Osteosarcoma: A Meta-Analysis, I Gusti Ngurah Ananda Wira Kusuma, Grace Yulia Alphani Yapson, John Nolan, I Gede Eka Wiratnaya, I Gede Putu Supadmanaba

BioMedicine

Background: The C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor (CXCR4) is an oncogene that has been widely studied and associated with worse clinicopathological features and prognosis outcomes in many types of cancer. Besides that, significance of CXCR4 expression on clinicopathological features and prognostic factors in osteosarcoma (OS) requires further validation.

Aim: We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between positive CXCR4 expression with clinicopathological features and prognosis in OS.

Methods: Literature searches on Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were conducted systematically up to December 2021 to find relevant references. The effects of CXCR4 expression on clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic were …

Cost Analysis Of Implementing An Exercise Program For Fall And Fracture Prevention In Older Adults On Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy, Thomas Adam Wichelmann, Nhan Dang, David H. Kruchko, Sufyan Abdulmujeeb, Eli D. Ehrenpreis

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Falls have significant financial impact. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is associated with an increased risk of falls and fractures. Exercise programs have been shown to decrease risk of falls in the elderly population and are recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for patients over age 65 to reduce falls. Our study aimed to explore the potential financial benefit of implementing three different Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended exercise-based interventions for fall prevention (Tai Chi, Stepping On, and Otago Exercise Program) in ≥ 65-year-old patients on PPI therapy.

Methods: A Markov model was developed to predict …