Stuart E Willick

Publications (12)20.79 Total impact

• Article: Does running cause osteoarthritis in the hip or knee?

  Pamela Hansen, Michael English, Stuart E Willick
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Running is an excellent activity to promote general health and well-being. However, running injuries are common, and concern is sometimes raised that running might lead to osteoarthritis in weight-bearing joints. This article reviews the relevant in vitro and in vivo literature that looks at possible associations between running and the development of osteoarthritis. Also reviewed is the limited literature on running barefoot and with minimalist footwear. Low- and moderate-volume runners appear to have no more risk of developing osteoarthritis than nonrunners. The existing literature is inconclusive about a possible association between high-volume running and the development of osteoarthritis. The early literature on running barefoot and running with minimalist footwear has primarily focused on biomechanics but has not yet focused on any effect on cartilage health. Experienced and beginner runners should be encouraged to allow the body adequate time to adapt to changes in gait biomechanics caused by changing footwear, which can be done by slowly increasing running mileage in the new footwear. Clinicians can improve the health of runners by encouraging appropriate treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, encouraging maintenance of an optimal body mass index, and correcting gait abnormalities caused by deficits in flexibility, strength, or motor control along the kinetic chain.
  Der Notarzt 05/2012; 4(5 Suppl):S117-21. · 0.28 Impact Factor
• Article: A pilot study examining the effectiveness of physical therapy as an adjunct to selective nerve root block in the treatment of lumbar radicular pain from disk herniation: a randomized controlled trial.

  Anne Thackeray, Julie M Fritz, Gerard P Brennan, Faisel M Zaman, Stuart E Willick
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Therapeutic selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs) are a common intervention for patients with sciatica. Patients often are referred to physical therapy after SNRBs, although the effectiveness of this intervention sequence has not been investigated. This study was a preliminary investigation of the effectiveness of SNRBs, with or without subsequent physical therapy, in people with low back pain and sciatica. This investigation was a pilot randomized controlled clinical trial. The settings were spine specialty and physical therapy clinics. Forty-four participants (64% men; mean age=38.5 years, SD=11.6 years) with low back pain, with clinical and imaging findings consistent with lumbar disk herniation, and scheduled to receive SNRBs participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to receive either 4 weeks of physical therapy (SNRB+PT group) or no physical therapy (SNRB alone [SNRB group]) after the injections. All participants received at least 1 SNRB; 28 participants (64%) received multiple injections. Participants in the SNRB+PT group attended an average of 6.0 physical therapy sessions over an average of 23.9 days. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 6 months with the Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, a numeric pain rating scale, and the Global Rating of Change. Significant reductions in pain and disability occurred over time in both groups, with no differences between groups at either follow-up for any outcome. Nine participants (5 in the SNRB group and 4 in the SNRB+PT group) underwent surgery during the follow-up period. The limitations of this study were a relatively short-term follow-up period and a small sample size. A physical therapy intervention after SNRBs did not result in additional reductions in pain and disability or perceived improvements in participants with low back pain and sciatica.
  Physical Therapy 12/2010; 90(12):1717-29. · 3.11 Impact Factor
• Article: Clinical impression versus standardized questionnaire: the spinal surgeon's ability to assess psychological distress.

  Michael D Daubs, Alpesh A Patel, Stuart E Willick, Richard W Kendall, Pamela Hansen, David J Petron, Darrel S Brodke
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Psychological distress can affect spine surgery outcomes. A majority of spinal surgeons do not use standardized questionnaires to assess for psychological distress and instead rely on their clinical impressions. The ability of spinal surgeons to properly assess patients with psychological distress has not been adequately evaluated. Our hypothesis was that the clinical impressions of spinal surgeons were not as accurate as a standardized questionnaire in assessing for psychological distress. A prospective study was performed with eight physicians, four spinal surgeons and four nonoperative spine specialists, who evaluated 400 patients. All patients completed the Distress and Risk Assessment Method (DRAM) questionnaire for the evaluation of psychological distress. The eight physician subjects, blinded to the results of this questionnaire, performed their routine clinical evaluation and categorized the patients' psychological distress level. The results of the Distress and Risk Assessment Method questionnaire and the surgeons' assessments were compared. In the study population of 400 patients, 64% (254 of 400) were found to have some level of psychological distress. Twenty-two percent (eighty-seven of 400) of the patients were found to have high levels of distress. Overall, the physicians' rate of sensitivity when assessing patients with high levels of distress was 28.7% (95% confidence interval: 19.5%, 39.4%) with a positive predictive value of 47.2% (95% confidence interval: 33.3%, 61.4%). Nonoperative spine specialists had a significantly higher sensitivity rate when assessing highly distressed patients (41.7% [95% confidence interval: 25.5%, 59.2%]) than surgeons (19.6% [95% confidence interval: 9.8%, 33.1%]) (p = 0.03). The sensitivity rates between experienced (greater than ten years in practice) (14.7% [95% confidence interval: 5.0%, 31.1%]) and less experienced (less than two years in practice) (29.4% [95% confidence interval: 10.3%, 56.0%]) spinal surgeons was not significant (p = 0.27). A large percentage of patients (64%) presenting for spine evaluation have some level of psychological distress. When compared with a standardized questionnaire designed to screen for psychological distress, spinal surgeons had low sensitivity rates to detect this distress. The routine use of a standardized questionnaire to screen for psychological distress should be considered.
  The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 11/2010; 92(18):2878-83. · 3.27 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: davegoodwinpt.com

  Article: Running and osteoarthritis.

  Stuart E Willick, Pamela A Hansen
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: The overall health benefits of cardiovascular exercise, such as running, are well established. However, it is also well established that in certain circumstances running can lead to overload injuries of muscle, tendon, and bone. In contrast, it has not been established that running leads to degeneration of articular cartilage, which is the hallmark of osteoarthritis. This article reviews the available literature on the association between running and osteoarthritis, with a focus on clinical epidemiologic studies. The preponderance of clinical reports refutes an association between running and osteoarthritis.
  Clinics in sports medicine 07/2010; 29(3):417-28. · 1.33 Impact Factor
• Article: Risk factors for volleyball-related shoulder pain and dysfunction.

  Jonathan C Reeser, Elizabeth A Joy, Christina A Porucznik, Richard L Berg, Ethan B Colliver, Stuart E Willick
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: To identify risk factors for volleyball-related shoulder pain and dysfunction. Cross-sectional, observational. National championship sporting event. Competitors at the 2006 National Intramural & Recreational Sports Association Collegiate Club Volleyball Championship competition were invited to volunteer for the study. A total of 422 athletes returned questionnaires, of whom 276 also underwent a structured physical examination. Study participants provided information on any history of volleyball-related shoulder pain or dysfunction. The simple shoulder test (SST) and a visual analog scale permitted subjects to quantify the extent of their perceived functional limitation. Subjects also were invited to undergo a physical examination in which dynamic scapular positioning, glenohumeral range of motion, shoulder girdle strength, and core stability were assessed. Standard statistical methods of comparison and tests of association were used to identify risk factors for shoulder pain among participating volleyball athletes. Approximately 60% of participants reported a history of shoulder problems. Attackers and "jump" servers were more likely to have shoulder problems than setters, defensive specialists, and "float" servers. Nearly half of the athletes who reported shoulder problems perceived some associated functional limitation, with female athletes providing lower SST scores than male athletes (9.0 versus 10.1, P = .001). Athletes reporting shoulder pain and dysfunction were more likely to have SICK scapula scores of 3 or greater (P = .010). Participants who demonstrated core instability also had greater SICK scapula scores (3.9 versus 2.9, P = .038), and were more likely to report a history of shoulder problems (chi2 = 8.83, P = .032). Although the authors observed a significant mean left-right difference of 8.9 degrees in available glenohumeral internal rotation among participating athletes, this deficit was not associated with shoulder problems. However, there was an association between asymmetric coracoid tightness /pectoral shortening and shoulder pain (P = .030), as well as for restricted shoulder flexion in the sagittal plane and shoulder problems (P = .015). Although most risk factors for volleyball-related shoulder problems are similar to those identified for other overhead sports, there appear to be additional volleyball-specific risk factors that may reflect the biomechanical demands of the sport. An understanding of modifiable risk factors is critical to providing optimal care for overuse injuries and may facilitate future efforts to prevent shoulder problems among volleyball athletes.
  Der Notarzt 01/2010; 2(1):27-36. · 0.28 Impact Factor
• Article: Efficacy of lumbosacral transforaminal epidural steroid injections: a systematic review.

  Scott T Roberts, Stuart E Willick, Monica E Rho, Joshua D Rittenberg
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: To critically review the best available studies evaluating the efficacy of lumbosacral transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) in the treatment of radicular pain. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database were searched for the period between 1950 and May 2008. Search terms included epidural steroid injection (ESI), transforaminal ESI, foraminal ESI, selective nerve root block, nerve root injection (NRI), selective NRI, periradicular infiltration, and periradicular injection. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in English, which evaluated the efficacy of fluoroscopically guided TFESIs were reviewed. Studies were analyzed with a quality checklist modeled after the 2001 CONSORT Statement: Revised Recommendations for Improving the Quality of Reports of Parallel-Group Randomized Trials. Nine studies were found to include a majority of these items. Data included study design, inclusion criteria, symptom duration, randomization protocol, blinding protocol, intervention, control, outcomes, follow-up, dropout, statistical analysis, and conclusions. Each article was assigned a level of evidence: I (high-quality RCT) or II (RCT with <80% follow-up, no blinding or improper randomization). Studies were divided according to control, and overall evidence was graded as A (good), B (fair), C (conflicting/poor quality), or I (insufficient). There is fair evidence supporting TFESIs as superior to placebo for treating radicular symptoms. There is good evidence that TFESIs should be used as a surgery-sparing intervention, and that TFESIs are superior to interlaminar ESIs (ILESIs) and caudal ESIs for radicular pain. In patients with subacute or chronic radicular symptoms, there is good evidence that a single TFESI has similar efficacy as a single transforaminal injection of bupivacaine or saline. Future studies should address the ideal number of injections. While more placebo-controlled trials are needed to conclusively define the role of TFESIs, current studies support their use in the treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain.
  Der Notarzt 08/2009; 1(7):657-68. · 0.28 Impact Factor
• Article: An emerging imaging technology to assist in the localization of axial spine pain.

  Stuart E Willick, Richard W Kendall, Scott T Roberts, Kathryn Morton
  Der Notarzt 02/2009; 1(1):89-92. · 0.28 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: James J Dunn

  Article: Influenza, Winter Olympiad, 2002.

  Adi V Gundlapalli, Michael A Rubin, Matthew H Samore, Bert Lopansri, Timothy Lahey, Heather L McGuire, Kevin L Winthrop, James J Dunn, Stuart E Willick, Randal L Vosters, Joseph E Waeckerle, Karen C Carroll, Jack M Gwaltney, Frederick G Hayden, Mark R Elstad, Merle A Sande
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Prospective surveillance for influenza was performed during the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Oseltamivir was administered to patients with influenza like illness and confirmed influenza, while their close contacts were given oseltamivir prophylactically. Influenza A/B was diagnosed in 36 of 188 patients, including 13 athletes. Prompt management limited the spread of this outbreak.
  Emerging infectious diseases 02/2006; 12(1):144-6. · 6.17 Impact Factor
• Article: Radiologic evaluation of the shoulder girdle.

  Stuart E Willick, R Kent Sanders
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: The radiologic evaluation of the shoulder girdle is an important adjunct to the clinical history and physical examination. Close collaboration between musculoskeletal clinicians and musculoskeletal radiologists improves the diagnostic performance of imaging studies. Technologic advantages, especially in MRI, have improved appreciation of shoulder anatomy, biomechanics, and injury patterns, allowing for the development of more targeted surgical and nonsurgical treatment strategies. This article reviews imaging considerations of the major clinical entities related to the shoulder.
  Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America 06/2004; 15(2):373-406. · 1.40 Impact Factor
• Article: Quadratus femoris strain.

  Stuart E Willick, Martin Lazarus, Joel M Press
  Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 04/2002; 12(2):130-1. · 2.12 Impact Factor
• Article: Lumbar facet syndromes.

  Zach M Beresford, Richard W Kendall, Stuart E Willick
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Low back pain is a common presenting complaint to sports medicine providers. The lumbar spine is a complex anatomic structure with multiple potential pain generators. Epidemiologic studies have shown that the intervertebral disc is the most common pain generator in all patients with low back pain. The facet joints may account for 15%-40% of low back pain. It can be challenging at times to establish a firm diagnosis of facet pain. Facet pain can have different presentations, and pain emanating from other lumbopelvic structures can present similarly as facet joint pain. This article reviews the anatomy and biomechanics of the lumbar facet joints, presenting symptoms and physical examination findings seen with facet pain. We also will discuss diagnostic and treatment paradigms that are helpful to the clinician treating low back pain in athletes.
  Current Sports Medicine Reports 9(1):50-6. · 1.14 Impact Factor
• Article: Bilateral chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm: a case report and review of the literature.

  Stuart E Willick, Arthur Jason Deluigi, Mehmet Taskaynatan, David J Petron, Don Coleman
  Current Sports Medicine Reports 12(3):170-4. · 1.14 Impact Factor