Musculoskeletal Disorders: Diagnosis, Management, and Rehabilitation

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 6713

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers and practitioners to explore the latest advancements in the diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, affecting fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other supporting structures of the body. These disorders pose significant challenges to patients and healthcare professionals alike, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for effective treatment and care.

This Special Issue seeks to address the key topics related to musculoskeletal disorders, including but not limited to diagnostic techniques, novel imaging modalities, therapeutic interventions, rehabilitation strategies, and patient outcomes. Submissions in the form of original research articles, review papers, and case studies that shed light on various aspects of musculoskeletal disorders, spanning from basic science to clinical applications, are welcome.

Dr. Antonio Stecco
Dr. Carmelo Pirri
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • pain
  • disability
  • diagnosis
  • interventions
  • rehabilitation strategies
  • prognosis

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 790 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Fascial Manipulation® on Posterior Shoulder Tightness in Asymptomatic Handball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Anja Barič, Breda Jesenšek Papež, Majda Bastič, Robi Kelc, Peter Brumat and Antonio Stecco
Diagnostics 2024, 14(17), 1982; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14171982 - 7 Sep 2024
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Abstract
This prospective study aimed to determine the impact of Fascial Manipulation® by Stecco (FM) on the range of motion (ROM) of internal rotation (IR) and horizontal adduction (HADD) in asymptomatic handball players, representing significant risk factors for shoulder injuries. A randomized controlled [...] Read more.
This prospective study aimed to determine the impact of Fascial Manipulation® by Stecco (FM) on the range of motion (ROM) of internal rotation (IR) and horizontal adduction (HADD) in asymptomatic handball players, representing significant risk factors for shoulder injuries. A randomized controlled trial was conducted, with participants randomly assigned to either the investigated group (N = 29) receiving a single session of FM or the control group (N = 27) receiving no treatment. The ROM for IR and HADD were measured before, immediately after, and one month after the FM session. The investigated group experienced a statistically significant acute increase in glenohumeral IR (14 degrees, p < 0.001) and HADD (14 degrees, p < 0.001) compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The positive effects of FM persisted one month post-treatment, with increased IR ROM by 12 degrees (p < 0.001) and HADD ROM by 11 degrees (p < 0.001). Participants in the investigated group reported lower subjective tightness/stiffness immediately after (p < 0.001) and one month after treatment (p = 0.002) compared to the control group. This study demonstrates that a single application of FM effectively improves glenohumeral ROM in the dominant throwing shoulder of asymptomatic handball players. It highlights the immediate and sustained positive effects of FM on IR and HADD. These findings support the use of FM as an effective method for enhancing shoulder ROM and reducing subjective tightness/stiffness. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06009367). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Musculoskeletal Disorders: Diagnosis, Management, and Rehabilitation)
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Review

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38 pages, 855 KiB  
Review
Current and Evolving Concepts in the Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Narrative Review
by Burcu Candan and Semih Gungor
Diagnostics 2025, 15(3), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15030353 - 3 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by severe pain and reduced functionality, which can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. The current treatment of CRPS is challenging. However, recent advances in diagnostic and treatment methods show promise for improving [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by severe pain and reduced functionality, which can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. The current treatment of CRPS is challenging. However, recent advances in diagnostic and treatment methods show promise for improving patient outcomes. This review aims to place the question of CRPS in a broader context and highlight the objectives of the research for future directions in the management of CRPS. Methods: This study involved a comprehensive literature review. Results: Research has identified three primary pathophysiological pathways that may explain the clinical variability observed in CRPS: inflammatory mechanisms, vasomotor dysfunction, and maladaptive neuroplasticity. Investigations into these pathways have spurred the development of novel diagnostic and treatment strategies focused on N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Antagonists (NMDA), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), α1 and α2 adrenoreceptors, as well as the identification of microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers. Treatment methods being explored include immune and glial-modulating agents, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, plasma exchange therapy, and neuromodulation techniques. Additionally, there is ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of other treatments, such as free radical scavengers, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), dimethyl fumarate (DMF), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators such as metformin, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors such as tadalafil. Conclusions: The controversies surrounding the mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of CRPS have prompted researchers to investigate new approaches aimed at enhancing understanding and management of the condition, with the goal of alleviating symptoms and reducing associated disabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Musculoskeletal Disorders: Diagnosis, Management, and Rehabilitation)
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21 pages, 3002 KiB  
Review
Neurosurgical Intervention for Nerve and Muscle Biopsies
by Ali A. Mohamed, Thomas Caussat, Edwin Mouhawasse, Rifa Ali, Phillip M. Johansen and Brandon Lucke-Wold
Diagnostics 2024, 14(11), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14111169 - 31 May 2024
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Abstract
(1) Background: Neurologic and musculoskeletal diseases represent a considerable portion of the underlying etiologies responsible for the widely prevalent symptoms of pain, weakness, numbness, and paresthesia. Because of the subjective and often nonspecific nature of these symptoms, different diagnostic modalities have been explored [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Neurologic and musculoskeletal diseases represent a considerable portion of the underlying etiologies responsible for the widely prevalent symptoms of pain, weakness, numbness, and paresthesia. Because of the subjective and often nonspecific nature of these symptoms, different diagnostic modalities have been explored and utilized. (2) Methods: Literature review. (3) Results: Nerve and muscle biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing many of the responsible neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. However, the need for invasive tissue sampling is diminishing as more investigations explore alternative diagnostic modalities. Because of this, it is important to explore the current role of neurosurgical intervention for nerve and muscle biopsies and its current relevance in the diagnostic landscape of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. With consideration of the role of nerve and muscle biopsy, it is also important to explore innovations and emerging techniques for conducting these procedures. This review explores the indications and emerging techniques for neurological intervention for nerve and muscle biopsies. (4) Conclusions: The role of neurosurgical intervention for nerve and muscle biopsy remains relevant in diagnosing many neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. Biopsy is especially relevant as a supportive point of evidence for diagnosis in atypical cases. Additionally, emerging techniques have been explored to guide diagnostics and biopsy, conduct less invasive biopsies, and reduce risks of worsening neurologic function and other symptoms secondary to biopsy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Musculoskeletal Disorders: Diagnosis, Management, and Rehabilitation)
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