CLINICAL AND TECHNICAL METHODS OF EXAMINA TION IN GENERALIZED TENDOMYOPATHY (FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME)

Generalized tendomyopathy (Fibromyalgia) is a syndrome characterized b y extensive, chronic musculoskeletal pain. Beside pain the second impo rtant feature is the low pressure pain threshold (PPT). The low PPT oc curs most clearly at the typical tender points. Compared to healthy co ntrols also in other locations of the musculoskeletal system the PPT i s lowered. In these locations the PPT may extend to a level, that woul d normally only be reached in typical tender points. The importance of tender points for ACR- and Muller-Criteria will be discussed and the differences of assessment by manual palpation and dolorimetric measure ment will be described. Radiographic examinations of the spinal column frequently reveal bad posture. Histologic findings give no evidence o f degenerative or inflammatory disease. New results of magnetic resona nce spectroscopy, positron emission tomography, pO2-measurement and el ectromyography are presented and the studies of muscle strength measur ement are reviewed.