Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain
-
Adhesive capsulitis and disorders of the intra-articular portion of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon are common causes of shoulder pain. Sonographic findings, coupled with clinical evaluation and medical history, are paramount for prompt diagnosis. Herewith, either to precisely confirm the pain generator(s) or to appropriately treat relevant cases, ultrasound-guided interventions are often required in daily clinical practice. Targeting the anatomical structures involved in the aforementioned pathological conditions, we briefly describe some technical tips and tricks as regards ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation of the shoulder capsule at the rotator interval.
-
Review Comparative Study
Longevity and Utilization Cost of Rechargeable and Non-Rechargeable Spinal Cord Stimulation Implants: A Comparative Study.
Despite major advancements in features and capabilities of the implantable pulse generator (IPG), real-life longevity and cost-effectiveness studies to guide pain specialists to make the appropriate choice between rechargeable and non-rechargeable IPG are limited. Our study aimed to compare the longevity and cost effectiveness of rechargeable vs. non-rechargeable IPG and SCS systems. ⋯ Rechargeable IPG had increased longevity compared to their non-rechargeable counterparts, yet there was no significant difference in the actual longevity due to premature revisions or explantations between both SCS systems. Furthermore, non-rechargeable SCS systems were found to be the more cost-effective option when compared with rechargeable SCS systems.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Local Administration of Methylcobalamin for Subacute Ophthalmic Herpetic Neuralgia: A Randomized, Phase III Clinical Trial.
The ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve is one of the most frequently involved sites of postherpetic neuralgia. A single-center randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of local methylcobalamin injection for subacute ophthalmic herpetic neuralgia (SOHN). ⋯ This study indicates that local injection of methylcobalamin produces significant pain relief from SOHN and is superior to systemic administration.
-
Observational Study
Predictors of the analgesic efficacy of CT-guided percutaneous pulsed radiofrequency treatment of Gasserian ganglion in patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.
Although pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) has few postoperative adverse reactions, its analgesic efficacy for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is not always guaranteed. The response rate of PRF targeting the Gasserian ganglion for patients with TN varies. This study aims to identify the predictors of the analgesic efficacy of CT-guided percutaneous PRF in patients with idiopathic TN. ⋯ For patients who previously had positive responses to peripheral branch nerve block of the trigeminal nerve, PRF is likely to have better efficacy.
-
The situation generated in the health system by the COVID-19 pandemic has provoked a crisis involving the necessity to cancel non-urgent and oncologic activity in the operating room and in day-to-day practice. As the situation continues, the need to reinstate attention for patients with chronic pain grows. The restoration of this activity has to begin with on-site appointments and possible surgical procedures. On-site clinical activity has to guarantee the safety of patients and health workers. ⋯ We describe procedures to implement these recommendations for individual clinical situations, the therapeutic possibilities and safety guidelines for each center, and government recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.