OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of peripheral repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) on recovery of traumatic brachial plexopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty four patients who presented with traumatic brachial plexopathy were studied. Strength of different muscles of upper limbs was evaluated neurologically. Assessment of nerve conduction study (NCS) and F wave of upper limbs visual analogue scale (VAS) for each pain. They were assigned randomly into two groups with a ratio of 2:1; each patient received conventional physiotherapy modalities and active exercises as well as real rMS or sham rMS applied over the superior trapezius muscle of the affected limb daily for 10 sessions. They were reassessed after the 5th, 10th session and then 1 month after rMS treatment using the same parameters. RESULTS: No significant differences between groups were recorded at base line assessment. Significant improvement was observed (time X groups) after real rMS in comparison to the sham group (p = 0.0001 for muscle strength and 0.01 for VAS). These improvements were still present at 1 month after the end of treatment. In accordance with the clinical improvement, a significant improvement was recorded in the neurophysiological parameters in the real versus the sham group. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that peripheral rMS for 10 sessions may have positive therapeutic effects on motor recovery and pain relief in patients with traumatic brachial plexopathy, and is a useful adjuvant in the therapy of these patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of peripheral repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) on recovery of traumatic brachial plexopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty four patients who presented with traumatic brachial plexopathy were studied. Strength of different muscles of upper limbs was evaluated neurologically. Assessment of nerve conduction study (NCS) and F wave of upper limbs visual analogue scale (VAS) for each pain. They were assigned randomly into two groups with a ratio of 2:1; each patient received conventional physiotherapy modalities and active exercises as well as real rMS or sham rMS applied over the superior trapezius muscle of the affected limb daily for 10 sessions. They were reassessed after the 5th, 10th session and then 1 month after rMS treatment using the same parameters. RESULTS: No significant differences between groups were recorded at base line assessment. Significant improvement was observed (time X groups) after real rMS in comparison to the sham group (p = 0.0001 for muscle strength and 0.01 for VAS). These improvements were still present at 1 month after the end of treatment. In accordance with the clinical improvement, a significant improvement was recorded in the neurophysiological parameters in the real versus the sham group. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that peripheral rMS for 10 sessions may have positive therapeutic effects on motor recovery and pain relief in patients with traumatic brachial plexopathy, and is a useful adjuvant in the therapy of these patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of peripheral repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) on recovery of traumatic brachial plexopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty four patients who presented with traumatic brachial plexopathy were studied. Strength of different muscles of upper limbs was evaluated neurologically. Assessment of nerve conduction study (NCS) and F wave of upper limbs visual analogue scale (VAS) for each pain. They were assigned randomly into two groups with a ratio of 2:1; each patient received conventional physiotherapy modalities and active exercises as well as real rMS or sham rMS applied over the superior trapezius muscle of the affected limb daily for 10 sessions. They were reassessed after the 5th, 10th session and then 1 month after rMS treatment using the same parameters. RESULTS: No significant differences between groups were recorded at base line assessment. Significant improvement was observed (time X groups) after real rMS in comparison to the sham group (p = 0.0001 for muscle strength and 0.01 for VAS). These improvements were still present at 1 month after the end of treatment. In accordance with the clinical improvement, a significant improvement was recorded in the neurophysiological parameters in the real versus the sham group. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that peripheral rMS for 10 sessions may have positive therapeutic effects on motor recovery and pain relief in patients with traumatic brachial plexopathy, and is a useful adjuvant in the therapy of these patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of peripheral repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) on recovery of traumatic brachial plexopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty four patients who presented with traumatic brachial plexopathy were studied. Strength of different muscles of upper limbs was evaluated neurologically. Assessment of nerve conduction study (NCS) and F wave of upper limbs visual analogue scale (VAS) for each pain. They were assigned randomly into two groups with a ratio of 2:1; each patient received conventional physiotherapy modalities and active exercises as well as real rMS or sham rMS applied over the superior trapezius muscle of the affected limb daily for 10 sessions. They were reassessed after the 5th, 10th session and then 1 month after rMS treatment using the same parameters. RESULTS: No significant differences between groups were recorded at base line assessment. Significant improvement was observed (time X groups) after real rMS in comparison to the sham group (p = 0.0001 for muscle strength and 0.01 for VAS). These improvements were still present at 1 month after the end of treatment. In accordance with the clinical improvement, a significant improvement was recorded in the neurophysiological parameters in the real versus the sham group. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that peripheral rMS for 10 sessions may have positive therapeutic effects on motor recovery and pain relief in patients with traumatic brachial plexopathy, and is a useful adjuvant in the therapy of these patients.

Because of the similarity between the diagnostic criteria for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA), therefore diagnosis and treatment of PSRA are not well defined. To clarify whether PSRA is a separate disease entity? And to evaluate the extent of joint affection by using various clinical, laboratory and radiological tools. Fifty patients with arthritis secondary to infection with Group A ß-haemolytic streptococcus (GAβS) attended Outpatient Rheumatology Clinics of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation and Internal Medicine Departments; Assuit University Hospitals, in addition to 20 healthy volunteers as controls were included in this study. All patients were submitted to complete medical history and clinical examination. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Rheumatoid factor (RF), Antinuclear antibody (ANA), throat swab, Anti-streptolycin-O titre (ASOT), Electrocardiography (ECG) and Echocardiography have been done to all patients. Plain radiography, ultrasonography (US) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to both knees and ankles were done to all patients. ASOT was positive with a range (200-800) IU. Culture of throat swab was positive for GAßS in 72%, staphylococci in 24% and pneumococci in 16% of the patients. All patients had non migratory arthritis of lower limbs. Knees and ankles synovitis with minimal effusion was detected in 36% of the patients by US, and 32% and 40% by MRI respectively. Synovitis with marked effusion of knees and ankles was detected in 36% and 44% of patients respectively by US and 40% by MRI. In conclusion, PSRA is a separate disease entity. The extent of joint affection might be evaluated by the use of US and MRI as the findings were concordant in knee joint affection. MRI was preferable in evaluating ankle joint synovitis.

Because of the similarity between the diagnostic criteria for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA), therefore diagnosis and treatment of PSRA are not well defined. To clarify whether PSRA is a separate disease entity? And to evaluate the extent of joint affection by using various clinical, laboratory and radiological tools. Fifty patients with arthritis secondary to infection with Group A ß-haemolytic streptococcus (GAβS) attended Outpatient Rheumatology Clinics of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation and Internal Medicine Departments; Assuit University Hospitals, in addition to 20 healthy volunteers as controls were included in this study. All patients were submitted to complete medical history and clinical examination. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Rheumatoid factor (RF), Antinuclear antibody (ANA), throat swab, Anti-streptolycin-O titre (ASOT), Electrocardiography (ECG) and Echocardiography have been done to all patients. Plain radiography, ultrasonography (US) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to both knees and ankles were done to all patients. ASOT was positive with a range (200-800) IU. Culture of throat swab was positive for GAßS in 72%, staphylococci in 24% and pneumococci in 16% of the patients. All patients had non migratory arthritis of lower limbs. Knees and ankles synovitis with minimal effusion was detected in 36% of the patients by US, and 32% and 40% by MRI respectively. Synovitis with marked effusion of knees and ankles was detected in 36% and 44% of patients respectively by US and 40% by MRI. In conclusion, PSRA is a separate disease entity. The extent of joint affection might be evaluated by the use of US and MRI as the findings were concordant in knee joint affection. MRI was preferable in evaluating ankle joint synovitis.

Because of the similarity between the diagnostic criteria for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA), therefore diagnosis and treatment of PSRA are not well defined. To clarify whether PSRA is a separate disease entity? And to evaluate the extent of joint affection by using various clinical, laboratory and radiological tools. Fifty patients with arthritis secondary to infection with Group A ß-haemolytic streptococcus (GAβS) attended Outpatient Rheumatology Clinics of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation and Internal Medicine Departments; Assuit University Hospitals, in addition to 20 healthy volunteers as controls were included in this study. All patients were submitted to complete medical history and clinical examination. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Rheumatoid factor (RF), Antinuclear antibody (ANA), throat swab, Anti-streptolycin-O titre (ASOT), Electrocardiography (ECG) and Echocardiography have been done to all patients. Plain radiography, ultrasonography (US) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to both knees and ankles were done to all patients. ASOT was positive with a range (200-800) IU. Culture of throat swab was positive for GAßS in 72%, staphylococci in 24% and pneumococci in 16% of the patients. All patients had non migratory arthritis of lower limbs. Knees and ankles synovitis with minimal effusion was detected in 36% of the patients by US, and 32% and 40% by MRI respectively. Synovitis with marked effusion of knees and ankles was detected in 36% and 44% of patients respectively by US and 40% by MRI. In conclusion, PSRA is a separate disease entity. The extent of joint affection might be evaluated by the use of US and MRI as the findings were concordant in knee joint affection. MRI was preferable in evaluating ankle joint synovitis.

Because of the similarity between the diagnostic criteria for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA), therefore diagnosis and treatment of PSRA are not well defined. To clarify whether PSRA is a separate disease entity? And to evaluate the extent of joint affection by using various clinical, laboratory and radiological tools. Fifty patients with arthritis secondary to infection with Group A ß-haemolytic streptococcus (GAβS) attended Outpatient Rheumatology Clinics of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation and Internal Medicine Departments; Assuit University Hospitals, in addition to 20 healthy volunteers as controls were included in this study. All patients were submitted to complete medical history and clinical examination. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Rheumatoid factor (RF), Antinuclear antibody (ANA), throat swab, Anti-streptolycin-O titre (ASOT), Electrocardiography (ECG) and Echocardiography have been done to all patients. Plain radiography, ultrasonography (US) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to both knees and ankles were done to all patients. ASOT was positive with a range (200-800) IU. Culture of throat swab was positive for GAßS in 72%, staphylococci in 24% and pneumococci in 16% of the patients. All patients had non migratory arthritis of lower limbs. Knees and ankles synovitis with minimal effusion was detected in 36% of the patients by US, and 32% and 40% by MRI respectively. Synovitis with marked effusion of knees and ankles was detected in 36% and 44% of patients respectively by US and 40% by MRI. In conclusion, PSRA is a separate disease entity. The extent of joint affection might be evaluated by the use of US and MRI as the findings were concordant in knee joint affection. MRI was preferable in evaluating ankle joint synovitis.

Because of the similarity between the diagnostic criteria for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA), therefore diagnosis and treatment of PSRA are not well defined. To clarify whether PSRA is a separate disease entity? And to evaluate the extent of joint affection by using various clinical, laboratory and radiological tools. Fifty patients with arthritis secondary to infection with Group A ß-haemolytic streptococcus (GAβS) attended Outpatient Rheumatology Clinics of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation and Internal Medicine Departments; Assuit University Hospitals, in addition to 20 healthy volunteers as controls were included in this study. All patients were submitted to complete medical history and clinical examination. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Rheumatoid factor (RF), Antinuclear antibody (ANA), throat swab, Anti-streptolycin-O titre (ASOT), Electrocardiography (ECG) and Echocardiography have been done to all patients. Plain radiography, ultrasonography (US) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to both knees and ankles were done to all patients. ASOT was positive with a range (200-800) IU. Culture of throat swab was positive for GAßS in 72%, staphylococci in 24% and pneumococci in 16% of the patients. All patients had non migratory arthritis of lower limbs. Knees and ankles synovitis with minimal effusion was detected in 36% of the patients by US, and 32% and 40% by MRI respectively. Synovitis with marked effusion of knees and ankles was detected in 36% and 44% of patients respectively by US and 40% by MRI. In conclusion, PSRA is a separate disease entity. The extent of joint affection might be evaluated by the use of US and MRI as the findings were concordant in knee joint affection. MRI was preferable in evaluating ankle joint synovitis.

Because of the similarity between the diagnostic criteria for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA), therefore diagnosis and treatment of PSRA are not well defined. To clarify whether PSRA is a separate disease entity? And to evaluate the extent of joint affection by using various clinical, laboratory and radiological tools. Fifty patients with arthritis secondary to infection with Group A ß-haemolytic streptococcus (GAβS) attended Outpatient Rheumatology Clinics of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation and Internal Medicine Departments; Assuit University Hospitals, in addition to 20 healthy volunteers as controls were included in this study. All patients were submitted to complete medical history and clinical examination. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Rheumatoid factor (RF), Antinuclear antibody (ANA), throat swab, Anti-streptolycin-O titre (ASOT), Electrocardiography (ECG) and Echocardiography have been done to all patients. Plain radiography, ultrasonography (US) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to both knees and ankles were done to all patients. ASOT was positive with a range (200-800) IU. Culture of throat swab was positive for GAßS in 72%, staphylococci in 24% and pneumococci in 16% of the patients. All patients had non migratory arthritis of lower limbs. Knees and ankles synovitis with minimal effusion was detected in 36% of the patients by US, and 32% and 40% by MRI respectively. Synovitis with marked effusion of knees and ankles was detected in 36% and 44% of patients respectively by US and 40% by MRI. In conclusion, PSRA is a separate disease entity. The extent of joint affection might be evaluated by the use of US and MRI as the findings were concordant in knee joint affection. MRI was preferable in evaluating ankle joint synovitis.