Pain physician
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Since the initial introduction in 1967 of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the field of neuromodulation, SCS has been utilized to treat a multitude of chronic pain disorders refractory to both conservative and surgical management. Although efficacious when indicated, SCS has associated risks. ⋯ The rate of SCS-related complications decreased from one group to the next, with the most recent group demonstrating a statistically significant decrease in both device and biological complications. Our results are consistent with SCS literature trends that demonstrate decreasing complications, which may be due to technological advancements in SCS device technology and improved complication mitigation strategies. Further prospective research utilizing multicenter data is needed to better define the overall trend of SCS complications.
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Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type II (PSPS II) is a major health concern in patients undergoing spinal surgery. However, there are little data on the prevalence and risk factors of PSPS II post spinal surgery. ⋯ This population-based cohort analysis found a 25.6% prevalence of PSPS II within one year post spinal surgery and 31.5% within two years post spinal surgery. Identified risk factors include old age, being a woman, economic poverty, comorbid status, underlying disability, type of surgery, and lumbar-level surgery. A large dataset was used to document the prevalence and risk factors for PSPS II post spinal surgery.
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Observational Study
Percutaneous Endoscopic Resection of Lumbar Discal Cyst.
Discal cysts, an uncommon condition, can replicate the characteristic signs typically linked to a herniated lumbar disc, encompassing discomfort in the lumbar region and neuralgia that extends along the nerve paths, thereby complicating the process of distinguishing the discal cyst from other conditions. Consensus on the treatment of this disease remains elusive, and the best treatment for it is still a matter of controversy. In numerous past reports, this disease has been treated through either open or microscopic surgical approaches. ⋯ Percutaneous endoscopic resection emerged as a micro-invasive and secure surgical approach for the management of lumbar discal cysts.
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Low back pain is a highly prevalent condition with substantial costs. Superior cluneal neuralgia is present in up to 14% of low back pain cases. This etiology of back pain is often overlooked because the symptoms of superior cluneal neuralgia manifest similarly to those of other conditions, such as radiculopathy and sacroiliac joint pain. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is an emerging pain management modality used to treat various chronic pain conditions. This retrospective study will examine the outcomes of patients who have back pain caused by neuralgia and are treated with the permanent Freedom® PNS System (Curonix LLC) at the superior cluneal nerve. ⋯ When used to target the superior cluneal nerve, the Curonix Freedom® PNS System is an effective and safe treatment for neuralgia-caused chronic lower back pain resistant to conservative therapy.
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Increasing enrollment in Medicare has coincided with reductions in reimbursement for various procedures, including interventional pain procedures. No previous analysis of state-to-state differences in Medicare reimbursement rates for practicing pain management physicians has been performed. ⋯ Medicare reimbursement rates for interventional pain procedures have decreased from 2014 to 2023, both nationally and in each region of the U.S. Our analysis suggests that certain states and territories have experienced less favorable reimbursement trends than others. This issue is worthy of attention as larger proportions of the U.S. population become eligible for Medicare coverage; should these trends continue, interventional pain physicians may consider moving their practices to areas that are less affected. Major efforts are required to preserve the quality of care that Medicare beneficiaries receive and to remedy the problem of depreciating reimbursement.