Pain physician
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Several meta-analyses have been performed to compare unilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) and bilateral PKP in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), but inconsistencies in the results have led to questions as to which technique is preferable. ⋯ Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, percutaneous kyphoplasty, meta-analysis.
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Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8), which is induced by peripheral nerve injury (PNI), plays a key role in activating spinal microglia to release inflammatory cytokines in a p38-dependent way, thereafter results in formation of central sensitization. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) alleviates neuropathic pain and inhibits the microglial activation in chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats. However, the consequences of PRF on spinal IRF8 of CCI rats remains unknown. ⋯ Neuropathic pain, pulsed radiofrequency, dorsal root ganglion, microglia, p38MAPK, Interferon regulatory factor 8, chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve.
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Combination therapy with a gabapentinoid and an opioid improves the quality of life (QOL) of patients with chronic pain. However, the role of combination therapy in patients with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has not been evaluated. ⋯ Combination, drug therapy, gabapentin, multimodal analgesia, opioid, pain, pregabalin, spinal cord stimulation.
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Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is a common cause of pain and disability. Patients not responding to conservative management often cannot undergo joint replacement due to the presence of multiple comorbidities, while some other patients prefer to postpone surgery as long as possible. Radiofrequency denervation of articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves, which supply innervation of the joint, is a novel technique to reduce hip joint pain. Previous studies reported positive results after application of continuous radiofrequency to the target nerves; however, this approach carries the potential risk of neuritis and neuroma formation. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is a safer alternative to continuous radiofrequency not creating necrosis but a complex neuromodulatory effect on target nerves. There is no published evidence of PRF efficacy after 3 month follow-up. ⋯ Hip joint pain, pulsed radiofrequency, obturator nerve, femoral nerve, interventional pain management, radiofrequency.
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Meta Analysis
Prevalence of Recurrent Herniation Following Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Meta-Analysis.
Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with a smaller incision, decreased damage to soft tissues, faster recovery, and fewer postoperative complications. However, the exactly epidemiological prevalence of recurrent herniation after PELD remains unclear. ⋯ Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, prevalence, recurrent herniation, meta-analysis.