News

Triston Casas, Boston Red Sox’s prominent player, has recently suffered a more significant injury than initially thought after further testing. The player’s rib injury has been upgraded from a rib strain to a tear of the cartilage in the area known as costal cartilage. Costal cartilage tears are noteworthy because they differ from bone in that they allow the rib cage to expand during respiration, making the recovery process typically slower due to the area’s importance in baseball-related activities. The anatomy of the rib cage consists of 24 ribs, 12 paired bones on each side, connected to the sternum (breastbone), spine, and costal cartilage. Most injuries to this area occur in the upper ribs and more frequently in contact sports, although less common in baseball. Comparisons within the sport hint at the severity of these injuries. In past seasons, similar injuries have sidelined players for various lengths of time, highlighting the importance of proper healing and restoration of this critical part of an athlete’s anatomy. Source: RotoWire

In a breakthrough for chiropractic diagnostic technology, the Vertebral Motion Analysis (VMA) system is revolutionizing the way spinal motion is assessed. Integrated with an Alteration of Motion Segment Integrity (AOMSI) diagnostic device and a fluoroscope, the VMA application offers superior detection of vertebral alignment and motion dynamics over traditional static X-rays. The system’s advanced capabilities provide clear, motion-based imaging—akin to watching a movie—which captures the precise movements of the spine, often overlooked in standard X-rays. This new method allows for a more accurate and patient-friendly examination process. The VMA’s specific motion support platform ensures that patients are perfectly aligned and able to achieve the full range of motion necessary during cervical exams. The conventional method of flexion-extension X-rays falls short, as it depends on the patient’s own ability to bend without any guidance, often leading to inconsistencies. Meanwhile, VMA uses a tactile guide that helps patients follow a controlled flexion and extension pattern during imaging. Padded bolsters are in place to isolate the cervical spine and prevent hip movement, which can distort the results. The system effectively stabilizes individual vertebral levels, allowing healthcare providers to gather quantitative, objective, and visual data, pinpointing the exact source of pain. Source: Chiropractic Economics

A recent study in the field of respiratory health after spinal cord injury (SCI) has shed light on the potential benefits of treadmill training in improving lung function and mitigating lung cell apoptosis. The study, conducted on rats with complete SCI, emphasized the key role of apoptosis in secondary lung injury, which significantly contributes to patient mortality rates. Research centered on the T10 segment of the spinal cord, where rats underwent treadmill training at specific post-injury intervals. Advanced laboratory techniques assessed lung function and the expression of critical apoptosis-related factors. The study underscored that SCI results in heightened apoptosis and lung function impairment. Conversely, treadmill training was found to reduce alveolar cell apoptosis, suppress the MAPK/Erk pathway, and thus enhance lung function. The research pinpointed MAP3K3 as a target of miR145-5p, a molecule instrumental in regulating this signaling pathway and impacting apoptosis in alveolar cells. Alarmingly, complications from SCI, including respiratory dysfunction, significantly affect patient quality of life and their contribution to society. Notably, respiratory complications are a leading cause of post-SCI mortality. While pulmonary function tests remain suboptimal in patients with lower injury SCI, higher injury segments result in impaired respiratory muscle function and difficulty clearing airway secretions. Source: Nature.com

A 54-year-old male, who previously battled head and neck cancer, suffered a rare instance of locked-in syndrome subsequent to cervical spinal surgery prompted by a vehicle accident in the vicinity of his prior surgical sites. Following a car accident that exacerbated neck pain, the patient, with a history of prior successful anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, underwent a cervical posterior foraminotomy from C4-C7. The surgery, which took place without incident, aimed to address the patient’s chronic pain. However, on the first day after the procedure, he experienced a sudden and severe decline in his physical abilities, leading to an inability to speak or move his extremities. Medical imaging, including CT angiography and near-infrared spectroscopy, revealed that the patient had suffered a basilar artery occlusion and dissection of the left vertebral artery. Further examination with MRI determined that there were infarcts in critical areas of the brain, including the bilateral pons, left cerebral hemisphere, and left cerebellum—a direct cause of the patient’s locked-in condition, which is characterized by full paralysis except for eye movements. Source: Nature.com

In a groundbreaking development from Ohio State University, researchers have uncovered how spinal cord injuries can drastically disrupt the body’s metabolism, potentially leading to severe conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The study, recently published in Cell Reports Medicine, reveals that abnormal activity in neurons following a spinal injury can cause an excessive breakdown of triglycerides in fat tissue, resulting in the release of free fatty acids and glycerol into vital organs, including the liver. This metabolic disarray was linked to complications in the function of visceral fat, which plays a critical role not only in energy storage but also in regulating blood sugar levels. Researchers focused on the communication between sensory neurons and abdominal fat to unveil the underlying causes of metabolic dysfunction post spinal cord injury. Lead researcher Andrea Tedeschi, assistant professor of neuroscience at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, alongside postdoctoral researcher Debasish Roy, pinpointed that the malfunction in fat tissue metabolism is due to a maladaptive reorganization of the sensory system. Using a mouse model with neuron-specific spinal cord injuries, the team observed that sensory neurons displayed abnormal synapse function, triggering disturbing changes in the fat tissue metabolism. The study identified that the alpha2delta1 receptor protein, which is known to increase its expression following a spinal cord injury, plays a significant role in the erratic metabolic shifts observed. Source: Neuroscience News

NASCAR Cup series driver Erik Jones has been sidelined with a spinal fracture following a serious collision at the Talladega Superspeedway. The incident unfolded during a Stage 3 crash that involved heavy contact with Bubba Wallace’s car, which sent Jones’ vehicle careening head-on into the wall. After initial evaluation at the Talladega infield care center, Jones was promptly transported to a Birmingham hospital on Sunday. The medical update provided by his team, Legacy Motor Club, revealed that Jones sustained a significant injury—a compression fracture in a lower vertebra. As a consequence, Corey Heim will now take the wheel at the upcoming Dover race in place of the injured Jones. According to officials, no specific timetable has been established for Jones’ return to racing. Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, emphasized that the athlete’s health and recovery are the establishment’s utmost concern, assuring that Jones will be granted the time necessary for thorough healing. Johnson expressed firm support for both Jones and his wife during this challenging period, and anticipates Jones’ presence at the track, asserting a cordial outlook for his recovery. Currently, after facing a 35th-place finish at Talladega owing to the crash, Jones stands 20th in the point rankings this season. His performance this year peaked with an eighth-place finish at Daytona, shaping his current average standing at 21st. Source: Yahoo Sports

In an unfortunate turn of events, a severe car accident has occurred, resulting in spinal cord injuries for those involved. The specific details regarding the location or the individuals affected by the accident have not been fully disclosed. This tragic incident has highlighted the critical needs and challenges faced by individuals living with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Studies have shown that individuals with SCI face numerous obstacles in navigating their new circumstances. Comprehensive information and proper support at the right stages of care is crucial for coping effectively with the injury. Families, healthcare professionals, and personal care assistants play pivotal roles in the rehabilitation and ongoing care for SCI patients. There is a persistent demand for evidence-based practices and the dissemination of specialist expertise in SCI care services to meet the needs of those living with SCI. A nationwide project was launched in Sweden between 2021 and 2022, aiming to prioritize needs and questions requiring answers to enhance the lives of people with SCI. This project sought to highlight the knowledge gaps in the field and how those gaps could be filled. A survey gathered inputs from various stakeholders, including people with SCI, their relatives, and professionals working in the field, totaling 459 statements. Source: Nature.com

Minnesota Twins’ top prospect, Brooks Lee, has been sidelined with a back injury, forcing him to extend his time away from the game for at least an additional month. Lee’s condition was recently diagnosed as a herniated disc, after initially being treated for back spasms at the onset of the minor league season. A herniated disc results from the protrusion of the disc’s soft core through its tougher outer layer, often due to intense rotational motion coupled with vertical force—a movement similar to a baseball swing. Acute herniations can put pressure on adjacent nerves or the spinal cord, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Despite the severity of his condition, herniated discs are common and typically resolve without needing surgery. Professional athletes, especially baseball players, have a high incidence of asymptomatic disc herniations, and those with symptoms generally have successful returns to play. Non-surgical recovery averages around six months, while post-surgery returns can take about eight months. Lee is reportedly halfway through a recommended eight-week rehabilitation program, supervised by a renowned back specialist in the United States, Dr. Robert Watkins. The focus of the rehabilitation is to build core and lower back strength and decrease nerve irritation. In some cases, cortisone injections may be administered to reduce nerve inflammation. Most individuals with disc herniations recover within the eight-week rehabilitation window and are able to resume their activities. Source: Twins Daily

In Taoyuan, Taiwan, a comprehensive study was conducted by the Taoyuan General Hospital’s Department of Physiotherapy to investigate the feasibility of combining cervicocranial flexion exercises (CCFE) and neck flexor endurance training with conventional pulmonary rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injuries. The groundbreaking research aimed at determining whether such an exercise regime could notably enhance lung function in this patient population. The trial was rigorously designed with a randomised controlled methodology, ensuring the blinding of assessors and adherence to intention-to-treat analysis. Over the course of the study, thirteen participants who had suffered spinal cord injuries within the past year were carefully selected and placed into two distinct groups for the purpose of the intervention. The experimental group underwent a specific regimen that incorporated CCFEs and neck flexor endurance exercises, alongside their standard cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. The control group, meanwhile, received general neck stretching exercises in addition to the routine cardiopulmonary rehabilitation treatments that are normally administered. Key lung function parameters—including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and inspiratory capacity (IC)—were diligently measured on a weekly basis to effectively gauge short-term outcomes. Patient experiences with respect to dyspnea, pain, and neck stiffness were also documented throughout the study’s duration. Source: Nature.com

In Lucan, a community has rallied in support of Elizabeth McNicholas, a 34-year-old local resident grappling with severe brain and spinal injuries. A fundraiser is set to take place on April 26 at the Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club, with the aim of helping Elizabeth access crucial neurorehabilitation that is not available in Ireland. Confined to a full-time wheelchair and suffering from complex medical needs alongside severe neuropathic pain, Elizabeth McNicholas’s life changed drastically during her academic years. Her conditions forced her to abandon her Domestic Science teacher-training after a diagnosis derailed her studies. In a bid to regain some semblance of normalcy, Elizabeth underwent several critical surgeries in Istanbul in 2018. The operations provided a glimmer of hope for Elizabeth, leading to an improvement in her condition. Subsequent summers saw Elizabeth engaging in intensive neurorehabilitation at the Neurokinex Gatwick clinic in the UK. Through dedication and exhaustive work, she achieved milestones such as sitting up unaided and improved the functioning of her right arm. These notable improvements underscore the importance of continuing her specialized treatment. The high costs associated with the specialized neurorehabilitation at Neurokinex Gatwick present financial barriers, necessitating the community’s support to fund Elizabeth’s ongoing therapy. Source: The Echo Newspaper