Pain physician
-
Computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation of lumbar sympathetic nerve has been gradually applied to the treatment of many autonomic nerve disorders, such as plantar hyperhidrosis (PH) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The difference in the success rate of operation between the left and right sides is not yet studied. ⋯ This study proved that in CT-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the lumbar sympathetic nerve, the difficulty of operation on the right side was significantly high, and the success rate was also lower than that on the contralateral side. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that operation time and type of puncture needle were risk factors affecting the success rate of the operation. These findings laid a foundation for the accomplishment of technical improvement and innovation in the future. A preliminary exploration was carried out to reduce the risk and complications and to improve the success rate of the operation.
-
Thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) block as a novel plane block technique was proposed in 2015 and can be performed in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. However, no meta-analysis demonstrates the effects of TLIP block on postoperative pain undergoing lumbar spine surgery. ⋯ The TLIP block is an effective strategy to improve postoperative pain at rest/movement and to reduce PCA consumption in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery, which exerts significant analgesia. In the future, it is worth being applied in lumbar spine surgery extensively.
-
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to nonspecific low back pain (Ns-LBP); however, the role of inflammation as a possible mediator between vitamin D levels and Ns-LBP is not well understood. ⋯ Patients with Ns-LBP had lower vitamin D and higher inflammatory marker levels. This association between hypovitaminosis D and Ns-CLBP may be mediated by IL-6. Therefore, large-scale clinical trials are warranted to investigate the clinical efficacy of vitamin D supplementation for decreasing inflammation and relieving Ns-LBP.
-
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), a common spinal disorder that negatively affects quality of life, is a disabling condition accompanied by back pain, leg pain, and claudication. Lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS) is often accompanied by lumbar central stenosis (LCS) and conservative treatment is often ineffective. A surgical approach, including a minimally invasive technique, is usually recommended for the conservative treatment of refractory conditions. To achieve effective decompression of LSS, a specially designed new instrument for lumbar transforaminal foraminoplasty (TFFP) can be considered before opting for surgical treatment. ⋯ TFFP using the Foramoon® device (Mcarekorea, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea) appeared to be effective for managing patients with LFS and LCS, who were refractory to conservative care.
-
Several minimally invasive nonsurgical treatments have been widely applied for plantar fasciitis (PF). To date, controversy still exists regarding the effectiveness of these approaches for treating PF. ⋯ The MSN treatment should be recommended as the best therapy, followed by BTA in the gastrocnemius and BTA. CS and PRP are common medications that remain valuable in clinical practice. PEP can be performed after the injection of medication.