Systematic review of quantitative imaging biomarkers for neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders

Abstract

Background: This study systematically summarizes quantitative imaging biomarker research in non-traumatic neck and shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). There were two research questions: 1) Are there quantitative imaging biomarkers associated with the presence of neck and shoulder MSDs?, 2) Are there quantitative imaging biomarkers associated with the severity of neck and shoulder MSDs? Methods: PubMed and SCOPUS were used for the literature search. One hundred and twenty-five studies met primary inclusion criteria. Data were extracted from 49 sufficient quality studies. Results: Most of the 125 studies were cross-sectional and utilized convenience samples of patients as both cases and controls. Only half controlled for potential confounders via exclusion or in the analysis. Approximately one-third reported response rates. In sufficient quality articles, 82% demonstrated at least one statistically significant association between the MSD(s) and biomarker(s) studied. The literature synthesis suggested that neck muscle size may be decreased in neck pain, and trapezius myalgia and neck/shoulder pain may be associated with reduced vascularity in the trapezius and reduced trapezius oxygen saturation at rest and in response to upper extremity tasks. Reduced vascularity in the supraspinatus tendon may also be a feature in rotator cuff tears. Five of eight studies showed an association between a quantitative imaging marker and MSD severity. Conclusions: Although research on quantitative imaging biomarkers is still in a nascent stage, some MSD biomarkers were identified. There are limitations in the articles examined, including possible selection bias and inattention to potentially confounding factors. Recommendations for future studies are provided.

Musculoskeletal problems and backpack carriage among students in Nigeria

“…A number of students reported a limitation of their activities within the last 12months due to shoulder, neck, upper back, and lower back pain. Potential increase in muscle strain, impingement of the blood vessels and nerves of the shoulder and neck regions, might result in pain and activity limitation [24]. On the other hand, well-padded and adjusted backpack straps could mitigate MSDs due to backpack carriage [2], thus improving activity.…”

Discomfort glare and psychological stress during computer work: subjective responses and associations between neck pain and trapezius muscle blood flow

“…Larsson et al (2007) pointed to the importance of local muscular processes, with the involvement of nociceptors sensitive to chemical substances like those released from damaged or overloaded cells. Altered muscle metabolism and increased intramuscular levels of algesic substances have been observed in subjects with chronic neck and shoulder myalgia (Gold et al 2017;Sjogaard et al 2010). When investigating the causes of work-related neck and shoulder pain, several studies have focused on static muscle activations, as measured by EMG.…”

Forced treadmill running reduces systemic inflammation yet worsens upper limb discomfort in a rat model of work-related musculoskeletal disorders

“…Treatment of work and repetitive strain injury related MSDs remains challenging because the pathological processes are not fully understood, are complex and involve many biopsychosocial factors [6][7][8]. It is generally understood that micro-trauma of the tissues heal quickly (i.e., during the subacute phase) unless inflammation is enhanced and/or imbalanced (pro-vs. anti-inflammatory agents), exacerbating tissue damage and fibrosis [9,10].…”