Orthopedics Commons^™

Modeling Structural Support To Facilitate Novel Treatments Of Degenerative Disc Disease, Jose Luis Calderon

Poster Presentations

Over 600 million people worldwide suffered from low back pain in 2020, with projections for 2050 being over 800 million [1]. Annual costs associated with low back pain total over 450 billion dollars in the US alone [2]. This research serves as a proof-of-concept for the use of structural supports to facilitate intervertebral disc healing. This treatment would involve the implementation of these supports along with existing injection treatments to promote regeneration. In both models, along with the combined model, the ability for these supports to alleviate intervertebral disc height loss is shown. This indicates that these supports would serve …

A Systemic Review Of Functional Outcomes And Patient Satisfaction Across Lower-Limb Prosthetic Types In Military Personnel And Veterans, Emma Ho Harris, Amir Ghafarian, Sen Gao, Khaled Saleh, Jason Pasley

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background: Military personnel and veterans are at increased risk of lower-limb amputation, often due to combat-related trauma such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as secondary factors including tobacco use, peripheral artery disease, and diabetes. This study systematically reviews and compares lower-limb prosthetic technologies in military personnel and veterans, focusing on functional outcomes, mobility, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed MeSH terms to identify studies examining lower-limb prosthetic use and outcomes among military personnel and veterans. The final MeSH-based search yielded 27 results.

Results: The review included 27 studies on lower-limb prosthetic use …

Relationships Between Quadriceps Neuromuscular Function And Time From Surgery Following Acl Reconstruction Are Sex-Specific, Tatiana Restrepo

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with persistent quadriceps dysfunction, including muscular weakness and altered spinal and cortical excitability. While recovery has been widely studied, most investigations focus on isolated domains and fixed postoperative time points. Emerging evidence suggests females often experience slower or less complete quadriceps recovery compared to males, yet the time-dependent nature of these sex-specific outcomes remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to examine whether relationships between time since ACLR and quadriceps neuromuscular outcomes differ by sex across muscular, spinal, and cortical domains. Adults aged 18–35 with a history of primary, unilateral ACLR were …

Ultrasound-Based Assessment Of Talar Cartilage In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review, Amin Mohammadi, Saeed Eshghi, Iman Mohammadi, Patrick Wilson, Ryan Mccann

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Purpose

To systematically synthesize ultrasound (US) evidence on talar cartilage morphology and load-induced deformation in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), and to map methodological approaches (acquisition, outcome definitions, loading paradigms, and normalization) to inform protocol standardization.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO were searched (March 31, 2025). Eligible studies reported quantitative US-derived talar cartilage morphology (e.g., thickness, cross-sectional area [CSA]) and/or deformation following standardized loading in CAI and comparison groups. Due to heterogeneity in imaging protocols, loading tasks, and outcome definitions, findings were synthesized narratively and organized by outcome domain.

Results

Across available cohorts, load-induced deformation was the …

Outcomes After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction And Repair In Nonthrowing Athletes, William L. Johns, Neel K. Patel, Benjamin Miltenberg, Ryan W. Paul, Adeeb J. Hanna, Michael C. Ciccotti, Steven B. Cohen, Michael G. Ciccotti, Christopher C. Dodson

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in nonthrowing athletes is less commonly performed, and the outcomes of that management have not been thoroughly described.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical outcomes of surgical management of UCL injury in nonthrowing athletes.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on all patients who underwent UCL reconstruction or repair across a 10-year period (2010-2020), with nonthrowing athletes who had >2-year follow-up being specifically identified. Demographic variables such as age, sport participation, concomitant procedures, and graft type, as well as postoperative outcomes such as complications, …

Comparing Lower Extremity Kinematics Using Trazer And Inertial Motion Capture Systems, Gabriella Juoza-Clark Spt, Joellen Carter Spt, Nikki Stam Spt, Kevin Robinson Pt, Dsc, Ocs

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: This study assessed the validity of a non-immersive body motion tracking system (TRAZER) as an alternative to using Inertial Measurement Units (IMU)-based motion capture (MyoMotion) for lower extremity kinematic analysis. Methods: Twenty healthy participants (10 females, 10 males) with a mean age of 24.03 years (range: 20-33 years) and a mean BMI of 25.15 kg/m² (range: 18.45-32.23 kg/m²) performed double and single-leg squats. Data Analysis: Kinematic data from TRAZER and MyoMotion IMUs were compared using a mixed two-way ANOVA. Results: No significant differences were observed in knee flexion data across all movements (p > 0.05) and knee abduction during the …

A Case Series: Effectiveness Of Nintendo Ring Fit In Improving Balance And Stability Deficits After Recovery From Acl Reconstruction, Emma C. Lord, Melissa A. Tolbert, Whitley J. Stone

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 10, 2025. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a gaming system in improving balance, strength, and power after recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Existing bilateral deficits were also assessed among patients.

Four participants between the ages of 18-24 years were recruited for this case-control study. Participants must have had an ACLR in the last 2 years, been discharged from formal physical therapy, and have a continued history of participating in physical activity at least three times a week. Participants were assigned to either the …

Reliability Of T2-Weighted Mri Volumetric Measurements For Knee Effusion Assessment Following Acl Injury: An Intra-Rater And Inter-Rater Study, Reginald Chinweze, Neal Weldon, Matthew A. Tao, Melissa Manzer, Elizabeth Wellsandt

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Purpose: Knee effusion after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction is associated with quadriceps dysfunction and may contribute to early osteoarthritis development. This study was subsequently designed to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of our method for volumetric quantitative measurements of knee effusion using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after ACL injury and reconstruction.

Methods: MRIs of 10 ACL-injured knees and 10 uninjured knees from participants aged 15-35 years old were included. Exclusion criteria included previous knee injury/surgery, inflammatory disease, BMI >30 kg/m2, and concomitant grade III ligament tears. Two independent raters analyzed effusion volumes using custom MATLAB …

Reduction In Opioid Requirements Following Changes To Regional Anesthesia For Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty, Jeffrey Mauras, Michael Mcmahon, Jaudé Petrie, Ryan Roubion, Amy Bronstone, Claudia Leonardi, Vinod Dasa

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Newer analgesic techniques to reduce opioid use and pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) include preoperative cryoneurolysis, adductor canal block (ACB), and local anesthetic infiltration between the popliteal artery and capsule of the knee (iPACK) block. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether changing the regional analgesic from ropivacaine to liposomal bupivacaine would provide superior pain relief and reduce opioid requirements at 2 and 12 weeks following TKA. Methods: We conducted a retrospective medical records review of 140 consecutive patients who underwent primary TKA at a single site and received ACB with ropivacaine (multimodal-ropivacaine [MM-R] group, n …

The Influence Of Perioperative Education On Postoperative Digestive Restoration, Christian Cedeno

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

The human body often needs encouragement to return to its natural state of functioning following intraoperative and postoperative drug therapy. Anesthesia can sedate the gastrointestinal tract and frequently requires medical and physical interventions to allow the body to return to full functionality. There are several methods thought to be beneficial in overcoming of this condition, and some have proven their significance more so than other methods. This project seeks to measure the power-of-knowledge methodology via a chart review of individuals specifically educated on what they can expect in the postoperative phase of care compared to those that receive routine education. …

Comparison Of Gluteal Muscle Central Activation In Individuals With And Without Patellofemoral Pain, Michael Carpio, John S. Donohue, Jacob P. Kissman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP) often present with knee valgus during weight-bearing activities. Weakness in the gluteal muscles is thought to contribute to this condition, but recent studies suggest that hip weakness might be a secondary problem in this population. Central nervous system adaptations have been noted in persons with PFP, which can lead to altered muscle function, faulty movement patterns, and poor function. Experimentally, central activation can be quantified by a central activation ratio (CAR) via superimposed burst (SIB) during a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) where the ratio of volitionally activated motor units to total motor units …

Effectiveness Of Mind-Body Therapy Techniques In The Management Of Chronic Pain, Esha Sharma, Kalyna Leshchuk, Maria Cox, Kaitlyn Koo, Emily Sarett, Sarah Chen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In this review, we aim to determine whether mind-body therapies—defined here as mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)—can effectively improve pain management in adults with chronic lower back pain, particularly when compared to standard opioid treatments alone or used in conjunction with them. Our hypothesis posits that mind-body therapies serve as valuable supplements to current opioid-based treatment plans, potentially improving not only pain outcomes but also overall quality of life and psychological well-being.

By synthesizing findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, this review builds on existing literature by narrowing the treatment scope and …

Virtual Reality-Enhanced Rehabilitation For Improving Musculoskeletal Function And Recovery After Trauma, Phani Paladugu, Rahul Kumar, Joshua Ong, Ethan Waisberg, Kyle Sporn

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

Orthopedic trauma remains a critical challenge in modern healthcare, often resulting in severe mobility limitations, acute pain, and delayed recovery. Conventional rehabilitation techniques, though effective, fail to address the individualized, high-precision interventions needed for musculoskeletal injuries like fractures, joint instability, ligament tears, and muscular atrophy. Virtual reality (VR) technologies, such as Apple Vision Pro and HTC Vive Pro, offer a transformative approach by enhancing diagnostic precision, rehabilitation effectiveness, and patient engagement through interactive, immersive environments that improve clinical outcomes. These VR technologies provide real-time biomechanical data, such as joint mechanics, muscle coordination, and movement patterns, allowing clinicians to design personalized …

Optimizing Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation: An Exploratory Study On The Role Of Electrode Montages And Stimulation Intensity On Reflex Pathway Modulation, Shirin Madarshahian, Michael Trakhtorchuck, Tatiana Guerrero, Kristin Gustafson, James Harrop, Caio Matias, M. J. Mulcahey, Alessandro Naopli, Alex Vaccaro, Mijail Serruya

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a promising non-invasive method to improve motor function in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) by enhancing spinal reflex pathways. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different tSCS electrode placement montages and targeted spinal levels on neurophysiological responses such as spinally evoked motor responses (sEMRs), dorsal root reflex activation, and muscle recruitment in individuals with SCI and healthy controls to optimize stimulation strategies for motor recovery. Five participants (three individuals with SCI and two controls) underwent transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation using various electrode montages, target spinal level stimulation, and single- and paired-pulse …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Cryoneurolysis As A Preoperative Intervention In Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Literature Review, Paul Bonilla, Anesu K. Murambadoro, Juan Pablo Flanagan, Victoria Elizondo, Aamir Ahmad

Research Symposium

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a highly effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis, but significant postoperative pain often necessitates opioid use. Over 70% of patients use opioid drugs 3 weeks after TKA and up to 15% of TKA patients develop opioid dependence, increasing the risk of adverse effects, infections, and contributes to costly revision surgeries. Cryoneurolysis, a minimally invasive technique involving freezing peripheral nerves, has gained attention as a promising preoperative intervention. This study explores the potential of cryoneurolysis as a preoperative intervention to alleviate pain, reduce opioid dependence, and improve functionality.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using the …

Comparison Of Baumgaertner Reduction Quality Criteria , Chang Criteria And Ap3×Ml3 Classification And Their Ability To Predict Mechanical Complications Of Trochanteric Fractures Fixed With Proximal Femoral Nail, Amr Elhadidy Elhadidy, Ahmed Abdelbadie Ibrahim, Sallam Ibrahim Fawzy, Ehab Youssef Hassanin

Mansoura Medical Journal

Background Trochanteric fractures are common injuries among the elderly. Despite advances in fixation with proximal femoral nails (PFN), Mechanical complication remain significant. Several reduction quality systems have been proposed, but their predictive value and reproducibility remain debated. Aim To evaluate and compare the predictive value and reproducibility of Baumgaertner Reduction Quality Criteria (BRQC), Chang Reduction Quality Criteria (CRQC), and AP3×ML3 classification in patients with AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) 31-A1 and 31-A2 trochanteric fractures fixed with PFN. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted on 146 patients with 31-A1 and A2 trochanteric fractures treated by PFN. Postoperative radiographs were assessed …

Psychometric Validation Of Eq-5d-5l In Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury In China, Haixia Xie, Qi Zhang, Rong Jin, Jianhui He, Xinxing Hu, Yixuan Zhang, Xiaoping Shao, Xiaohong Li, Hua Zhai, Fengshui Chang

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Objectives

The EQ-5D is a brief measure for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but chronic spinal cord injury (CSCI) related psychometric evaluation of the EQ-5D-5L has not been explored. We conducted a validation study on the Chinese version of the EQ-5D-5L for individuals with CSCI in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center. The floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency, test and retest reliability, discriminatory power (only for EQ-5D-5L), convergent validity (using Spearman correlation coefficients), and known-group validity of the EQ-5D-5L and visual analog scale (VAS) were analyzed.

Results

A total of 271 …

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 …

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Barbotage And Ultrasonic Tenotomy For Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy, Toru Omodani

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT) is a common source of shoulder pain caused by calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons. Ultrasound-guided interventions have emerged as effective, minimally invasive alternatives to surgery for symptomatic cases unresponsive to conservative treatments. This review summarizes two primary techniques: percutaneous needle barbotage and percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy. In needle barbotage, one or two needles are inserted under ultrasound guidance to inject and aspirate saline, thereby fragmenting and removing the calcific deposit. This method yields rapid pain relief and improved shoulder function, with follow-up imaging often demonstrating near-complete deposit resolution. For particularly hard or recalcitrant deposits, …

Comparing Functional Outcomes Between 3d Printed Acetabular Cups And Traditional Prosthetic Implants In Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review And Meta Analysis, Ryan St. John, Seth Spicer, Mo Hadaya, Hanna Brancaccio, Seungkyu Park, Sean Mcmillan

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

OBJECTIVE: The primary research aim was to determine if the use of traditional or 3D printed prosthesis resulted in better functional outcome scores in hip arthroplasty.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted utilizing the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Six databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, WebOfScience, and Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) were searched yielding 1117 article titles and abstracts. Rayyan.ai was used to detect duplicates (n = 246) and for manual screening for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included were controlled studies of any publication time that assessed Harris Hip Score (HHS) at baseline and twelve months. Six papers were sought for …

Concomitant Epidural And Longitudinal Anterior Spinal Artery Contrast Spread In A Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection (Tfesi), Philip J. Koehler Iii, Paul M. Kitei, David S. Stolzenberg, Elaine H. Hatch

Rothman Institute Papers

A 78-year-old female with a remote history of L3-4 decompression and fusion presented with several months of low back and radicular leg pain. MRI revealed moderate L2-L3 spinal canal stenosis, ligamentum flavum infolding, moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis, and a grade I retrolisthesis. A right sided L2-L3 TFESI was performed using multiplanar fluoroscopic imaging with a subpedicular supraneural approach. During live iodinated contrast injection, imaging revealed concomitant epidural and central arterial contrast spread. The needle was retracted and repeat live fluoroscopic imaging demonstrated no vascular uptake. Desired epidural and nerve root contrast spread remained in place with repeat still imaging. Dexamethasone …

Perceived Patient-Centered Care In Marching Band Artists, A L. Merrill, Z K. Winkelmann, N A. Uriegas

Bakerman Student Research Awards

Objective: Approximately 27,000 college marching band (MB) artists in the United States could benefit from access to healthcare services and patient-centered clinicians. The purpose of this study was to explore HCPs MB artists have access to and their perceptions of patient-centered care (PCC). Methods: We used a cross-sectional web-based survey of MB artists (n=751, age=20±8 years). MB directors from 242 colleges were emailed a survey link to forward to MB artists. Participants indicated which HCPs they could access. Those who reported no access or unsure were prompted to describe what they would do if an injury or illness occurred. Participants …

Evaluating The Superiority Of Multimodal Analgesia Over Opioid-Based Analgesia In Postoperative Pain Management For Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Comprehensive Integrative Review, Janna Smith, Mahdi Mofazali, Nya-Qien Smith

Master's Projects

With total knee arthroplasty (TKA), postoperative pain management is so important for optimal recovery and patient outcomes. This integrative review evaluates the effectiveness of multimodal analgesia (MMA) compared to traditional opioid-based analgesia in reducing pain and opioid consumption post-TKA. Research shows that MMA is very effective at providing adequate pain relief, reducing side effects, and also decreasing opioid use. MMA also addresses both the specific needs of individual patients and the broader public health issue of opioid dependence. However, a significant barrier to widespread adoption is the absence of standardized protocols. This review sets forth the importance of coming up …

Enhancing Recovery: Surgical Techniques And Rehabilitation Strategies After Direct Anterior Hip Arthroplasty, Alberto Di Martino, Christopher Keating, Micahel J. Butsick, Daniela Platano, Lisa Berti, Louis N. Hunter, Cesare Faldini

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common surgical procedure for hip joint pathologies, with the direct anterior approach (DAA) gaining popularity due to potential benefits in postoperative recovery. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of rehabilitation strategies following DAA THA, focusing on surgical techniques, postoperative care, and outcomes. The evolution of the DAA to THA is discussed, highlighting historical advancements and comparisons with other surgical approaches. Surgical techniques and considerations specific to the DAA are detailed, including outcomes and complications compared to alternative approaches. The role of the surgical technique in influencing postoperative rehabilitation is explored, emphasizing the …

Anxiety And Depression Amongst Female Athletes, Dp Golden, Re Obmann, Em Moore

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Anxiety (categorized by a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness) and depression (mood disorder causing feelings of persistent sadness and loss of interest in things an individual once loved) are two major mental health disorders effecting females considerably who participate in sport. Females are more likely to present with anxiety (55-60%)1 and depression (1.844 times)2 compared to males. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence between mental health comorbidities (anxiety and depression), across female athletes aged 18-40. Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed via snowball sampling using social media. Demographic data, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), validated …

Effects Of Sex Hormones And The Menstrual Cycle On Knee Joint Laxity In Physically Active Females: A Critically Appraised Topic, Ae Eicher, Rj Gage, K Park-Braswell

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Clinical Scenario: In recent years, females have exhibited increased physical activity and sport participation than ever before. Recent studies have identified a rising incidence rate of ACL injuries and indicate that the risk of ACL tears is greater in females than males. Knee laxity and physiological variation in women during the menstrual cycle have demonstrated increased ligament laxity, therefore, varying hormone concentrations may contribute to changes in ligamentous mechanical properties. Despite these findings, it remains unclear whether fluctuating sex hormone concentrations directly correlate to measurable changes in knee laxity. Clinical Question: How do fluctuations in sex hormones throughout the menstruation …

Individual Goal And Velocity Based Throwing Program For Collegiate Baseball Pitchers With Medial Elbow Injuries, Le Trail, Jm Cline, Ap Jacobsen

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: A 22-year-old male collegiate baseball pitcher experienced sudden pain in the medial left elbow following feeling a pop when pitching. The pitcher was removed from the competition and was evaluated with a point-of-care ultrasound at the conclusion of the competition. Ultrasound revealed an intact ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and no edema. Differential Diagnosis: UCL sprain, Wrist flexor strain Treatment: The patient was referred to a primary care sports medicine physician for further evaluation. The physician found no tenderness or laxity at the UCL and ordered an MRI arthrogram for further diagnostic information. MRI revealed a grade II flexor digitorum …

Presentation Of An Accessory Navicular Bone In A Collegiate Women’S Field Hockey Player: A Type 3 Clinical Case Study, N Sutker, J Franco, K Mallory, B Hansberger

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: The accessory navicular is an extra bone located posterior and medial to the navicular tuberosity. The prevalence of accessory navicular has been reported to be 4 - 21% in the general population though this anatomical variant may often be overlooked during differential diagnosis. This case presents a female collegiate field hockey patient that was initially diagnosed with a midfoot sprain but was later determined to have an accessory navicular bone which required surgical removal. Patient: A 19-year-old female Division I collegiate field hockey patient presented to the athletic training clinic with pain in her left medial foot. The patient …

Changes In Neural Excitability Following 6-Week Of Balance Training In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability, Sh Chung, J Freeman, Rs Mccann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) often struggle with balance issues due to changes in the central nervous system (CNS). Specifically, difficulties in modulating spinal reflexive excitability and enhancing corticospinal excitability contribute to poor balance, indicating challenges in transferring control to supraspinal centers. A recent study found that a single session of balance training could positively impact the CNS, improving spinal reflexive excitability modulation and corticospinal excitability in CAI patients. However, there is limited research on the effects of long-term balance training on neural excitability in CAI individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a 6-week …

Chronic Neck Pain, Vasculopathy, And Pre-Syncope In A Young Adult: A Type 4 Case Study, Tn Crane, K Moore, A Field

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: The patient is a 23-year-old college female presenting with chronic cervicalgia, bilateral upper extremity neurovascular symptoms, and insidious pre-syncope episodes over the past 3.5 years. Upper extremity neurovascular symptoms include bilateral numbness and tingling into the hands and bilateral throbbing arm pain originating proximal to the elbow and traveling to the fingers, which worsens with cervical rotation bilaterally. The patient has experienced 10 episodes of pre-syncope lasting less than 30 seconds that occur with cervical flexion, extension, or bilateral rotation. Pre-syncope symptoms include lightheadedness, blurry vision, increased neck/arm pain, headache, and malaise. Upon clinical evaluation, no obvious deformity, discoloration, …