Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Levent Özçakar

8 Articles

Musculoskeletal Disorders
Focal hand dystonia due to hemorrhage of the cervical spinal mass: a case report: Pelin Analay, Hazal Sevinç, Hilmi Berkan Abacıoğlu, Rahşan Göçmen, Bayram Kaymak, Levent Özçakar; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:10. Published online November 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.01123

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by intermittent or sustained muscle contractions that lead to abnormal postures and/or repetitive movements. Although dystonia is traditionally considered a disorder of the basal ganglia, it has been observed in association with lesions at various sites of the motor and sensory pathways, including spinal cord pathologies such as syringomyelia, tumors, and demyelinating lesions. However, there has been an increasing number of focal dystonia cases due to peripheral injuries, such as soft tissue trauma, mononeuropathy, plexopathy, and radiculopathy. In this report, to the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of a patient who developed focal hand dystonia due to cervical mass hemorrhage. We review the literature and discuss possible mechanisms.

Physical therapy, Sports Therapy, and Rehabilitation
Ultrasound imaging and guidance in the management of myofascial pain syndrome: a narrative review: Wei-Ting Wu, Ke-Vin Chang, Vincenzo Ricci, Levent Özçakar; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2024;41(3):179-187. Published online June 17, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.00416

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Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by muscle pain, tenderness, and trigger points. Ultrasonography has emerged as a key tool for diagnosing and treating MPS owing to its ability to provide precise, minimally invasive guidance. This review discusses the use of ultrasonography in various approaches to evaluate and manage MPS. Studies have shown that shear-wave sonoelastography can effectively assess muscle elasticity and offer insights into trapezius stiffness in patients with MPS. Ultrasound-guided interfascial hydrodissection, especially with visual feedback, has demonstrated effectiveness in treating trapezius MPS. Similarly, ultrasound-guided rhomboid interfascial plane blocks and perimysium dissection for posterior shoulder MPS have significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life. The combination of extracorporeal shockwave therapy with ultrasound-guided lidocaine injections has been particularly successful in reducing pain and stiffness in trapezius MPS. Research regarding various guided injections, including dry needling, interfascial plane blocks, and fascial hydrodissection, emphasizes the importance of ultrasonography for accuracy and safety. Additionally, ultrasound-guided delivery of local anesthetics and steroids to the quadratus lumborum muscle has shown lasting pain relief over a 6-month period. Overall, these findings highlight the pivotal role of ultrasonography in the assessment and treatment of MPS.

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Blood Flow of the Infraspinatus Muscle in Individuals With and Without Shoulder Pain and Myofascial Trigger Points
Jace Brown, Gary Kearns, Emily Hedges, Samantha Samaniego, Sharon Wang‐Price
Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine.2025; 44(1): 127. CrossRef
Ultrasound-Guided vs Non-Guided Pharmacopuncture for Cervical Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Multi-Center Prospective Comparative Study Protocol
Kwangho Kim, Juhwan Song, Hongmin Chu, Robin Kwon, Seongjun Park, Junhui Kwon, Hyeon Joon Hong, Youngyun Lee, Sanghyuk Kwon, Kyungho Kang, Jungtae Leem, Cheol-Hyun Kim
Journal of Pain Research.2025; Volume 18: 1417. CrossRef
Integrating Ultrasound-Guided Injections and Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation in Chronic Myofascial/Lumbar Pain
Wei-Ting Wu, Ke-Vin Chang, Kamal Mezian, Vincenzo Ricci, Levent Özçakar
Life.2025; 15(4): 563. CrossRef
Integrating Ultrasound-Guided Multifidus Injections with Repeated Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation for Low Back Pain: A Feasibility Study
Wei-Ting Wu, Ke-Vin Chang, Levent Özçakar
Journal of Pain Research.2024; Volume 17: 2873. CrossRef
Ultrasound-guided fascial plane blocks in chronic pain: a narrative review
Francesco Marrone, Carmine Pullano, Alessandro De Cassai, Pierfrancesco Fusco
Journal of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Critical Care.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Physical therapy, Sports Therapy, and Rehabilitation
Optimal examination for traumatic nerve/muscle injuries in earthquake survivors: a retrospective observational study: Berkay Yalçınkaya, Büşranur Tüten Sağ, Mahmud Fazıl Aksakal, Pelin Analay, Hasan Ocak, Murat Kara, Bayram Kaymak, Levent Özçakar; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2024;41(2):120-127. Published online April 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.00087

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Physiatrists are facing with survivors from disasters in both the acute and chronic phases of muscle and nerve injuries. Similar to many other clinical conditions, neuromusculoskeletal ultrasound can play a key role in the management of such cases (with various muscle/nerve injuries) as well. Accordingly, in this article, a recent single-center experience after the Turkey-Syria earthquake will be rendered.
Methods
Ultrasound examinations were performed for various nerve/muscle lesions in 52 earthquake victims referred from different cities. Demographic features, type of injuries, and applied treatment procedures as well as detailed ultrasonographic findings are illustrated.
Results
Of the 52 patients, 19 had incomplete peripheral nerve lesions of the brachial plexus (n=4), lumbosacral plexus (n=1), and upper and lower limbs (n=14).
Conclusion
The ultrasonographic approach during disaster relief is paramount as regards subacute and chronic phases of rehabilitation. Considering technological advances (e.g., portable machines), the use of on-site ultrasound examination in the (very) early phases of disaster response also needs to be on the agenda of medical personnel.

Physical therapy, Sports Therapy, and Rehabilitation
Sciatic neurotmesis and periostitis ossificans progressiva due to a traumatic/unexpected glass injury: a case report: Berkay Yalçınkaya, Hasan Ocak, Ahmet Furkan Çolak, Levent Özçakar; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2024;41(1):45-47. Published online November 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2023.01018

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Peripheral nerves may be affected or injured for several reasons. Peripheral nerve damage can result from trauma, surgery, anatomical abnormalities, entrapment, systemic diseases, or iatrogenic injuries. Trauma and iatrogenic injuries are the most common causes. The ulnar, median, and radial nerves are the most injured nerves in the upper extremities, while the sciatic and peroneal nerves are the most injured nerves in the lower extremities. The clinical symptoms of peripheral nerve damage include pain, weakness, numbness/tingling, and paresthesia. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of peripheral nerve injuries are crucial. If a peripheral nerve injury is left untreated, it can lead to severe complications and significant morbidity. The sciatic nerve is one of the most affected nerves. This nerve is generally injured by trauma and iatrogenic causes. Children are more susceptible to trauma than adults. Therefore, sciatic nerve injuries are observed in pediatric patients. When the sciatic nerve is damaged, pain, weakness, sensory loss, and gait disturbances can occur. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of sciatic nerve injuries are important to avoid unexpected consequences. Ultrasound can play an important role in the diagnosis of peripheral nerve injury and the follow-up of patients. The aim of this case report is twofold. First, we aimed to emphasize the critical role of ultrasonographic evaluation in the diagnosis of peripheral nerve injuries and pathologies. Second, we aimed to present this case, which has distinguishing features, such as the existence of periostitis ossificans progressiva with sciatic neurotmesis due to a traumatic glass injury.

Musculoskeletal Disorders
Ultrasound assessment of a supraclavicular lipoma entrapping the brachial plexus: a diagnostic insight: Wei-Ting Wu, Ke-Vin Chang, Kamal Mezian, Vincenzo Ricci, Levent Özçakar; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2024;41(1):58-60. Published online December 29, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2023.01284

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Musculoskeletal Disorders
Dynamic ultrasound examination of the median nerve during follow-up after wrist fracture/surgery: Ahmet Furkan Çolak, Ayşe İrem Yeşiloğlu, Alpaslan Fatih Kaynar, Bayram Kaymak, Levent Özçakar; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2024;41(1):56-57. Published online January 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2023.01291

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Musculoskeletal Disorders
Ultrasound-guided diagnosis/intervention for ischiofemoral impingement syndrome: Wei-Ting Wu, Ke-Vin Chang, Levent Özçakar; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2023;40(Suppl):S134-S136. Published online July 12, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2023.00500

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Physical therapy, Sports Therapy, and Rehabilitation
Right arm pain after strength training: ultrasound imaging for pectoralis major tendon strain: Ting-Yu Lin, Ke-Vin Chang, Wei-Ting Wu, Levent Özçakar; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2023;40(1):109-111. Published online October 25, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2022.00626

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Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

MSK Ultrasound: A Powerful Tool for Evaluating and Diagnosing Pectoralis Major Injuries in Healthcare Practice
Robert C. Manske, Chris Wolfe, Phil Page, Michael Voight
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

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