Pain physician
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During percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), repeated fluoroscopic images to adjust the puncture needle and inject the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) are critical steps. A method to further reduce the radiation dose would be of great value. ⋯ This new innovative 3D technique makes PKP safe and effective. The bilateral PKP with 3D-GD technique, even unilateral PKP with 3D-GD, has the advantages of accurate positioning, a short operation time, and reduced intraoperative fluoroscopy times to the patient and surgeon.
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Observational Study
Efficacy of Patient-Controlled Intravenous Analgesia with Esketamine for Herpes Zoster Associated with Breakthrough Pain.
Some patients with herpes zoster (HZ) experience an intermittent spontaneous, short-lived and severe pain, which is called breakthrough pain (BTP). The effect of analgesic drugs and invasive procedures is not significant. Therefore, treatment of HZ associated with BTP is challenging. Esketamine is a new N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, with enhanced analgesic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and adverse reactions of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with low-dose esketamine for HZ associated with BTP. ⋯ PCIA with low-dose esketamine has a significant and long-term effect in the treatment of HZ associated with BTP. The RP was controlled, and the degree and frequency of BTP were significantly reduced after treatment, leading to improved quality of life. There were no serious adverse reactions worthy of clinical promotion.
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Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) has recently been used as an important option for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) patients who do not respond well to drugs. This procedure is commonly guided by computed tomography (CT) or fluoroscopy, but they cannot be performed in real time and are associated with radiation exposure. Ultrasound (US) is a potential alternative option, but no reliable method of US-guided DRG PRF treatment has been reported. ⋯ US-guided transforaminal DRG PRF is a safe and effective method for the treatment of cervical PHN. It is a reliable alternative option to the CT-guided procedure, demonstrating great advantages in reducing radiation exposure and the operation time.
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Although several studies have examined the epidemiological features of vertebral compression fractures (VCF) among elderly patients, few studies have reported the epidemiology of VCF among younger individuals. ⋯ The mortality rate ratio and hazard ratio were significantly higher among younger patients with VCF, indicating the need for further research on VCF in younger age groups.