The subacromial syndrome is the most common source of shoulder pain. The mainstays of conservative treatment are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and exercise therapy. Recently, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been popularized in the treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study is to evaluate the additive effects of LLLT with exercise in comparison with exercise therapy alone in treatment of the subacromial syndrome. We conducted a randomised clinical study of 80 patients who presented to clinic with subacromial syndrome (rotator cuff and biceps tendinitis). Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. In group I (n = 40), patients were given laser treatment (pulsed infrared laser) and exercise therapy for ten sessions during a period of 2 weeks. In group II (n = 40), placebo laser and the same exercise therapy were given for the same period. Patients were evaluated for the pain with visual analogue scale (VAS) and shoulder range of motion (ROM) in an active and passive movement of flexion, abduction and external rotation before and after treatment. In both groups, significant post-treatment improvements were achieved in all parameters (P = 0.00). In comparison between the two groups, a significant improvement was noted in all movements in group I (P = 0.00). Also, there was a substantial difference between the groups in VAS scores (P = 0.00) which showed significant pain reduction in group I. This study indicates that LLLT combined exercise is more effective than exercise therapy alone in relieving pain and in improving the shoulder ROM in patients with subacromial syndrome.

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With the outbreak of the second peak of COVID-19 in many countries of the world, re-attention to the symptoms and complications of this disease has received much attention. One of the most important known complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the occurrence of venous thromboembolic (VTE) events, especially in critically ill patients and hospitalized in the intensive care unit. The pathology of this event is complex and multifactorial, but the main problem now is the timely diagnosis of these phenomena, which can reduce the mortality and morbidity of patients. Deterioration of clinical condition in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection along with increased coagulation markers can increase clinical suspicion of VTE events. Imaging techniques, especially computed tomography pulmonary angiography, can well solve this puzzle and lead to timely treatment of these patients.

Transdermal fentanyl patches provide effective pain relief and decrease total rescue morphine consumption during the first 72 h after operation without additive side effects in patients undergoing TKA surgery.