PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation
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Epidural steroid injections have been used in combination with other modalities for the treatment of lumbar radicular pain. The literature has shown that 1-level lumbar fluoroscopically guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) are effective in decreasing pain and morbidity; however, the efficacy of 2-level TFESIs has not been investigated, although they are performed by many practitioners in the treatment of lumbar radicular pain. ⋯ IV.
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This case presentation demonstrates radiographic evidence of lesions created following cooled radiofrequency (cRF) neurotomy of the knee. A 67-year-old man presented with chronic left knee osteoarthritis, pain, and disability. ⋯ On MRI, lesions created by cRF ablation were identified. The images presented in this case offer a visual explanation for the success of cRF in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
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When a needle is inserted into the stopper of a medication vial, small pieces of the stopper could be "cored" inside the bore of the needle, consequently aspirated, and then injected into the body. Reported coring rates vary from 3.1% to 97%. This article reviews the literature surrounding this topic and covers the rate of coring, its risk factors, and particle size, as well as prevention techniques to maximize safety during interventional procedures.
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The musculoskeletal physical examination (MSK PE) is an essential part of medical student training, and it is best taught in a hands-on, longitudinal fashion. A barrier to this approach is faculty instructor availability. "Near-peer" teaching refers to physicians-in-training teaching their junior colleagues. It is unknown whether near-peer teaching is effective in teaching this important physical examination skill. ⋯ Not applicable.
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Dry needling is an effective treatment for reducing pain associated with active myofascial trigger points (a-MTrPs) in the short term. The duration of the benefits of this treatment have not been fully assessed. ⋯ IV.