Articles: back-pain.
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Cauda equina syndrome (CES) may be a devastating disease with the potential for significant patient morbidity. It is essential for emergency clinicians to be aware of how to effectively diagnose and manage this condition. ⋯ Cauda equina syndrome can be a difficult diagnosis. However, knowledge of the history and examination findings, imaging, and treatment can assist the emergency clinician in optimizing management of this condition.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of supraneural transforaminal epidural steroid injection combined with caudal epidural steroid injection with catheter in chronic radicular pain management: Double blinded randomized controlled trial.
Background: Epidural steroid injection (ESI) has been used in managing chronic radicular pain. Regarding various techniques of ESI, the synergistic effect of caudal ESI (CESI) on transforaminal ESI (TFESI) in chronic lumbosacral radicular pain in prospective randomized controlled trial has not been determined. Methods: A total of 54 eligible patients with lumbosacral radicular pain were randomly allocated to undergo TFESI plus CESI (TC group) or TFESI alone (T group). The effective response to treatment was predefined by at least a 30% reduced verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) from baseline between group comparison and the functional outcomes as measured by improved Oswestry Disability Index by least 15 points from baseline. All participants were evaluated using a single blinded outcome assessor before the procedure and at 1, 3 and 6 months after the procedure. ⋯ Conclusions: A treatment combining TFESI and CESI showed significant pain relief over TFESI alone at 3 months. No effect was found concerning functional evaluation. Registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry ID TCTR20171101002 01/11/2017F.
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The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a sensitive period in life for health outcomes, including back pain. The objective was to synthesize evidence on risk factors for new episodes of back pain in emerging adults (18-29 years). ⋯ Emerging adulthood is a transitional period of life with changes in life style, potentially influencing future musculoskeletal health. This systematic review included 49 articles evaluating more than 150 potential risk factors for back pain, one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders. No consistent results were found for life style factors such as physical activity level or BMI, both highlighted as important risk factors in previous literature. Importantly, a previous episode of back pain was a consistent risk factor for a new episode of back pain across several studies, and further investigation of risk factors for the first back pain episode is needed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Redefining Spinal Cord Stimulation "Trials": A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Single-Stage Wireless Permanent Implantable Devices.
"Traditional" spinal cord stimulation (SCS) trials with percutaneous electrodes externalized to a pulse generator (PG) are typically limited in duration due to risk of infection. Newer miniaturized wireless SCS technology eliminates the percutaneous extension (as well as PGs implanted for chronic use), thus facilitating a single-stage implantation after which the device can remain indefinitely. ⋯ Using wireless SCS devices that allow for an extended trial period and evaluation of various waveforms, we observed a high rate trial success rate with both HFS and LFS waveforms, with minimal incidence of infection. Long-term follow-up will address the cost-effectiveness and morbidity associated with this technology, which facilitates single-stage treatment.