Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudySingle-injection brachial plexus anesthesia for arteriovenous fistula surgery of the forearm: a comparison of infraclavicular coracoid and axillary approach.
The surgical site for the creation of an arteriovenous fistula at the lateral aspect of the distal forearm may be faster and more effectively blocked with the infraclavicular coracoid approach than with the axillary approach for brachial plexus block. ⋯ Blockade of the musculocutaneous nerve developed faster with the infraclavicular coracoid approach than with the axillary approach. The infraclavicular coracoid approach may be preferable in patients scheduled for the creation of an arteriovenous fistula at the forearm.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2007
Hospitalization costs of total knee arthroplasty with a continuous femoral nerve block provided only in the hospital versus on an ambulatory basis: a retrospective, case-control, cost-minimization analysis.
After total knee arthroplasty (TKA), hospitalization may be shortened by allowing patients to return home with a continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB). This study quantified the hospitalization costs for 10 TKA patients receiving ambulatory CFNB versus a matched cohort of 10 patients who received CFNB only during hospitalization. ⋯ This study provides evidence that ambulatory CFNB for selected patients undergoing TKA has the potential to reduce hospital length of stay and associated costs and charges. However, the current study has significant inherent limitations based on the study design. Additional research is required to replicate these results in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial and to determine whether any savings exceed additional CFNB costs such as from complications, having caregivers provide care at home, and additional hospital/health care provider visits.
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Jan 2007
An alternate method of radiofrequency neurotomy of the sacroiliac joint: a pilot study of the effect on pain, function, and satisfaction.
The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) can be a source of chronic refractory mechanical spine pain. Few previous studies have described radiofrequency (RF) sensory denervation of the SIJ; results have been inconsistent and technically demanding. This uncontrolled, prospective, cohort study evaluates the effects of an innovative method of RF ablation of the posterior sensory nerves of the SIJ on pain, analgesic use, disability, and satisfaction of patients suffering with chronic mechanical SIJ pain. ⋯ RF sensory ablation of the SIJ using bipolar strip lesions is a technically uncomplicated and low-risk procedure. The resulting effects on pain, disability, and satisfaction are promising. Further evaluation of this technique, including randomized controlled trials, is recommended.