The Effectiveness of Cervical Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Facet Joint Syndrome in Patients Selected by a Practical Medial Branch Block Paradigm

Pain Medicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 2071-2076 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor Burnham ◽  
Aaron Conger ◽  
Fabio Salazar ◽  
Russell Petersen ◽  
Richard Kendall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Effective Treatment ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Pain Reduction ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Medial Branch ◽  
Spine Intervention ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Cervical medial branch radiofrequency ablation (CMBRFA) is an effective treatment for facetogenic pain in patients selected by Spine Intervention Society (SIS) guidelines of 100% symptom improvement with dual medial branch blocks (MBBs) ± placebo block. Patient selection for CMBRFA using ≥80% symptom improvement after dual concordant MBBs is common; however, this has not been studied. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of CMBRFA and compare outcomes in individuals selected by 80–99% vs 100% symptom improvement with dual concordant MBBs. Design Cross-sectional cohort study. Methods Medical records of 87 consecutive patients were reviewed; 50 met inclusion criteria. A standardized telephone survey was performed at six or more months post-CMBRFA to query numerical rating scale (NRS) pain and patient global impression of change (PGIC) scores. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients reporting ≥50% reduction of index pain. Results At a mean follow-up time of 16.9 ± 12.7 months, 54% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 35–73%) and 54% (95% CI = 32–74%) of the 80–99% and 100% MBBs groups, respectively, reported ≥50% pain reduction. Between-group comparison showed a relative risk of 0.99 (95% CI = 0.59–1.66) for meeting the primary outcome. Seventy percent (95% CI = 56–81%) of patients reported a PGIC score consistent with “improved or very much improved” at follow-up. Conclusions CMBRFA is an effective treatment in patients who report ≥80% symptom relief with dual concordant MBBs. The present study demonstrated an overall ≥50% pain reduction rate of 54% and no significant difference between those selected by 80–99% vs 100% symptom relief with dual concordant MBBs.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Ablation of Medial Branch Nerves for Chronic Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome in Patients Selected by Guideline-Concordant Dual Comparative Medial Branch Blocks

Pain Medicine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 902-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Conger ◽  
Taylor Burnham ◽  
Fabio Salazar ◽  
Quinn Tate ◽  
Mathew Golish ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Pain Relief ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Pain Reduction ◽  
Height Loss ◽  
Medial Branch ◽  
Long Term Treatment

Abstract Objectives Although the effectiveness of lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of zygapophyseal joint (z-joint)–mediated low back pain has been characterized, few studies have described outcomes in patients selected using a guideline-concordant paradigm of ≥80% pain relief with dual comparative medial branch blocks (MBBs). We investigated long-term treatment outcomes of patients selected according to this paradigm. Design Cross-sectional cohort study. Methods The medical records of 111 consecutive patients were reviewed; 85 met inclusion criteria. A standardized telephone survey was used to capture current numerical rating scale (NRS) and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scores. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients reporting ≥50% reduction of index pain. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore associations between the primary outcome and covariates, including age, duration of pain, presence of scoliosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and >75% disc height loss. Results At six to 12, 12–24, and >24 months, 63.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 41–85%), 65.6% (95% CI = 49–82%), and 44.1% (95% CI = 27–61%) of patients reported a ≥50% pain reduction (P = 0.170), respectively. At a minimum of six months, 70.6% of patients reported a pain reduction of two or more points (minimally clinically important change), and 54.1% reported a PGIC score consistent with “much improved” or better. Older age and a smaller Cobb angle were associated with a ≥50% pain reduction (P < 0.05). Conclusion Lumbar medial branch RFA is an effective, durable treatment for a significant proportion of patients with recalcitrant lumbar z-joint pain when candidacy is determined by the guideline-concordant paradigm of ≥80% pain relief with dual comparative MBBs.

Pressure pain thresholds in children before and after surgery: a prospective study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 339-344
Author(s):  
Line Kjeldgaard Pedersen ◽  
Polina Martinkevich ◽  
Ole Rahbek ◽  
Lone Nikolajsen ◽  
Bjarne Møller-Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Orthopaedic Surgery ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Pain Thresholds ◽  
Pressure Pain ◽  
Bonferroni Adjustment ◽  
Pressure Pain Thresholds ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Baseline Values

AbstractBackground and aimsThis prospective study aimed to assess pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) by pressure algometry and the correlation to postoperative pain in children undergoing orthopaedic surgery. We hypothesized, that the PPTs would decline immediately after elective orthopaedic surgery and return to baseline values at follow-up.MethodsThirty children aged 6–16 years were included. PPTs and intensity of pain (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS) were assessed 3–6 weeks before surgery (baseline), 1–2 h before surgery (Day 0), the first postoperative day (Day 1) and 6–12 weeks after surgery (Follow-up).ResultsA significant difference of PPTs between the four assessments was seen using the Friedman test for detecting differences across multiple tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a Bonferroni adjustment. The changes in PPTs between baseline (PPTcrus = 248 kPa, PPTthenar = 195 kPa) and day 1 (PPTcrus = 146 kPa, PPTthenar = 161 kPa) showed a decline of PPTs as hypothesized (Zcrus = 2.373, p = 0.018; Zthenar = 0.55, p = 0.581). More surprisingly, a significant decrease in PPTs between baseline and day 0, just before surgery (PPTcrus = 171 kPa, PPTthenar = 179 kPa), was also measured (Zcrus = 2.475, p = 0.013; Zthenar = 2.414, p = 0.016). PPTs were positively correlated to higher age, weight and height; but not to NRS or opioid equivalent use.ConclusionsChildren undergoing orthopaedic surgery demonstrate significant changes in PPTs over time. The PPTs decrease significantly between baseline and day 0, further decreases the first day postoperatively and returns to baseline values at follow-up. This suggests that other factors than surgery modulate the threshold for pain.ImplicationsAwareness of pressure pain thresholds may help identify children with affected pain perception and hence improve future pain management in children undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Factors as for example anticipatory anxiety, psychological habitus, expected pain, catastrophizing, distraction, physical activity, patient education and preoperative pain medication might play a role in the perception of pain and need further investigation.

scholarly journals Outcome and Complications of MR Guided Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohit Agrawal ◽  
Kanwaljeet Garg ◽  
Raghu Samala ◽  
Roopa Rajan ◽  
Vikas Naik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Tremor ◽  
Focused Ultrasound ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Post Procedure ◽  
Standard Mean Difference ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Background: Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a relatively novel technique to treat essential tremor (ET). The objective of this review was to analyze the efficacy and the safety profile of MRgFUS for ET.Methods: A systematic literature review was done. The post procedure changes in the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST) score, hand score, disability and quality of life scores were analyzed.Results: We found 29 studies evaluating 617 patients. DTI based targeting was utilized in six cohorts. A significant difference was observed in the pooled standard mean difference between the pre and postoperative total CRST score (p-value < 0.001 and 0.0002), hand score (p-value 0.03 and 0.02); and the disability at 12 months (p-value 0.01). Head pain and dizziness were the most in procedure complications. The immediate pooled proportion of ataxia was 50%, while it was 20% for sensory complications, which, respectively, declined to 31 and 13% on long term follow up. A significant reduction (p = 0.03) in immediate ataxia related complications was seen with DTI targeting.Conclusion: MRgFUS for ET seems to be an effective procedure for relieving unilateral tremor. Use of DTI based targeting revealed a significant reduction in post procedure ataxia related complications as compared to traditional targeting techniques. Analysis of other complications further revealed a decreasing trend on follow up.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Cryotherapy on Pain Reduction During Arteriovenous Fistula Puncture Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 4314-4317
Author(s):  
Thamu Priyadharshini N T
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Pain Reduction ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pain Rating ◽  
Av Fistula ◽  
Numerical Pain Rating Scale ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pain Rating Scale ◽  
Experimental Group

Dialysis is performed as critical life support when the patient is suffering acute and chronic kidney failure. The study focus on to determine effectiveness of on pain reduction during AV fistula puncture among patients undergoing . The population comprised of patients in . Experimental Research design was utilized for this study. The investigators assess the pain on AV fistula puncture among the patients with the assistance of numerical pain rating scale, Sixty samples (30 experimental group and 30 control group)were selected by probability simple random (Numerical table method)sampling technique, the data was gathered through the Numerical Pain Rating scale and demographic variables. The pain on AV fistula puncture of the experimental group and control group were calculated by paired’ test for experimental group (‘t’ = 18) and in control group, (‘t’ =1.5). This proves that there is a significant difference in test and post test levels of pain on AV fistula puncture in the experimental group at 0.05 levels. It indicated that the given was effective. The implication of the findings indicated that given was effective for pain reduction during AV fistula puncture among patients. : , pain on AV fistula puncture, patients. implication of the findings indicated that given was effective for pain reduction during AV fistula puncture among patients.

scholarly journals Radiofrequency Ablation versus Cryoablation in the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali H. Hachem ◽  
Joseph E. Marine ◽  
Housam A. Tahboub ◽  
Sana Kamdar ◽  
Shaffi Kanjwal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Fluoroscopy Time ◽  
Radiofrequency Energy ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Ablation Time ◽  
Significant Difference

Background. Pulmonary vein isolation is commonly performed using radiofrequency energy with cryoablation gaining acceptance. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials which compared radiofrequency versus cryoablation for patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods. A systematic search strategy identified both published and unpublished articles from inception to November 10, 2016, in multiple databases. The primary outcomes for this meta-analysis were long-term freedom from atrial fibrillation at 12-month follow-up and overall postoperative complication rates. For all included studies, the methodological quality was assessed through the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for risk of bias. Results. A total of 247 articles were identified with eight being included in this review as they satisfied the prespecified inclusion criteria. Overall, there was no significant difference in freedom from atrial fibrillation at ≥12-month follow-up between those receiving cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablation, respectively (OR = 0.98, CI = 0.67–1.43, I2 = 56%, p=0.90). Additionally, the secondary outcomes of duration of ablation, fluoroscopy time, and ablation time failed to reach significance. Cryoballoon ablation had significantly greater odds of postoperative phrenic nerve injury at 12-month follow-up. Conclusions. Our meta-analysis suggests that cryoballoon ablation provides comparable benefits with regard to freedom from atrial fibrillation at medium-term follow-up, fluoroscopy time, ablation time, operative duration, and overall complication rate in comparison to radiofrequency ablation.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes after Neonatal Mechanical Ventilation

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman Ahmed Zaky ◽  
Hebatallah AM Shaaban ◽  
Mohamed OA Dawoud ◽  
Kareem SEF Madbouly ◽  
Shaymaa M Deifalla
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Delay ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Extremely Preterm ◽  
Extremely Preterm Infants ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background A majority of extremely preterm infants are treated with mechanical ventilation, which is associated with an increased risk for future development of chronic lung disease, neonatal brain damage, and neurodevelopmental impairments. Objectives The aim of the current study was to evaluate the current and follow up neurodevelopmental status of an Egyptian sample of newly and previously discharged mechanically ventilated infants following them up for a period of 6 months for the earlier group and a year for the latter. Patients and Methods The current study was designed to be a descriptive study with retrospective (50 infants) and prospective (50 infants) domains. It was carried out on 100 neonates who were recruited from the Pediatric Neonatology Clinic, Children's Hospital and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ain Shams University using clinical evaluation, Bayley Scales of Infant Development, and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).. Results There was statistically significant negative correlation between CARS score and Bayley Scale by using Composite Score (Cognitive, Language and Motor) on first assessment and follow up in the Prospective group while no correlation was found in the retrospective group. The study results showed that there was no statistical significant difference between two groups as regards gestational age, gender, residency, consanguinity, maternal disease, maturity, mode of delivery, respiratory distress, duration of stay in NICU, duration on mechanical ventilation, weight on admission, audiometry and fundus examination (P > 0.05). Conclusion Using a mechanical ventilator in the neonatal period for a prolonged duration increased the risk for ASD and neurodevelopmental delay. Future studies on large samples are recommended from multicenters to confirm the validity of such findings, Bayley scale is a predicative for neurodevelopmental delay in neonates with long duration stay at NICU especially preterms with low birth weight.

What is the Effect of Lumbar Medial Branch Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation on Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Single-Center, Observational Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trusharth Patel ◽  
Christopher Watterson ◽  
Anne Marie McKenzie-Brown ◽  
Boris Spektor ◽  
Katherine Egan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽  
Lumbar Pain ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Medial Branch ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Spine Imaging ◽  
Grade Ii ◽  
Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Abstract Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a denervation therapy commonly performed for pain of facet etiology. Degenerative spondylolisthesis, a malalignment of the spinal vertebrae, may be a co-existing condition contributing to pain; yet the effect of RFA on advancing listhesis is unknown. To the extent that denervating RFA can weaken paraspinal muscles that provide stability to the spine, the therapy can potentially contribute to progressive spinal instability. Objectives To test the hypothesis that RFA of painful facets in the setting of spondylolisthesis may contribute to advancement of further degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods Single-center, prospective, observational pilot study in an interventional pain practice. Fifteen participants with pre-existing degenerative Grade I or Grade II spondylolisthesis and coexisting axial lumbar pain underwent lumbar RFA encompassing spondylolisthesis level and followed with post-RFA imaging at 12 months and beyond to measure percent change in spondylolisthesis. Results The primary outcome was the percent advancement of spondylolisthesis per year measured on post-RFA lateral lumbar spine imaging compared to non-intervention baseline advancement of 2.6% per limited observational studies. Among the 15 participants enrolled, 14 completed the study (median age 66; 64.3% women; median BMI 33.5; mean follow-up time 23.9 months). The mean advancement of spondylolisthesis per year after RFA was 1.30% (95% CI -0.14 to 2.78%), with 9/14 below 1.25%. Conclusion Among patients with lumbar pain originating from facets in the setting of degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent lumbar RFA, the observed advancement of spondylolisthesis is clinically similar to the baseline of 2.6% per year change. The study findings did not find a destabilizing effect of lumbar RFA in advancing spondylolisthesis in this patient population.

Retinal Morphological Changes during the Two Years of Follow-Up in Parkinson's Disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmut Atum ◽  
Bekir Enes Demiryurek
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Fiber Layer ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Yahr Scale ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background: The study aims to investigate the relationship between the progression of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) and retinal morphology. Methods: The study was carried out with 23 patients diagnosed with early-stage IPD (phases 1 and 2 of the Hoehn and Yahr scale) and 30 age-matched healthy controls. All patients were followed up at least two years, with 6-month intervals (initial, 6th month, 12th month, 18th month, and 24th month), and detailed neurological and ophthalmic examinations were performed at each follow-up. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS Part III) scores, Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scores, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, central macular thickness (CMT) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were analyzed at each visit. Results: The average age of the IPD and control groups was 43.96 ± 4.88 years, 44.53 ± 0.83 years, respectively. The mean duration of the disease in the IPD group was 7.48 ± 5.10 months at the start of the study (range 0-16). There was no statistically significant difference in BCVA and IOP values between the two groups during the two-year follow-up period (p> 0.05, p> 0.05, respectively). Average and superior quadrant RNFL thicknesses were statistically different between the two groups at 24 months and there was no significant difference between other visits (p = 0.025, p=0.034, p> 0.05, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in CMT between the two groups during the follow-up period (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Average and superior quadrant RNFL thicknesses were significantly thinning with the progression of IPD.

scholarly journals Randomized prospective trial of cooled versus traditional radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch nerves for the treatment of lumbar facet joint pain

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 389-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary L McCormick ◽  
Heejung Choi ◽  
Rajiv Reddy ◽  
Raafay H Syed ◽  
Meghan Bhave ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Joint Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Facet Joint ◽  
Prospective Trial ◽  
Medial Branch ◽  
Lumbar Facet Joint ◽  
Facet Joint Pain ◽  
Lumbar Facet

Background and objectivesNo previous study has assessed the outcomes of cooled radiofrequency ablation (C-RFA) of the medial branch nerves (MBN) for the treatment of lumbar facet joint pain nor compared its effectiveness with traditional RFA (T-RFA). This study evaluated 6-month outcomes for pain, function, psychometrics, and medication usage in patients who underwent MBN C-RFA versus T-RFA for lumbar Z-joint pain.MethodsIn this blinded, prospective trial, patients with positive diagnostic MBN blocks (>75% relief) were randomized to MBN C-RFA or T-RFA. The primary outcome was the proportion of ‘responders’ (≥50% Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) reduction) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included NRS, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Patient Global Impression of Change.ResultsForty-three participants were randomized to MBN C-RFA (n=21) or T-RFA (n=22). There were no significant differences in demographic variables (p>0.05). A ≥50% NRS reduction was observed in 52% (95% CI 31% to 74%) and 44% (95% CI 22% to 69%) of participants in the C-RFA and T-RFA groups, respectively (p=0.75). A ≥15-point or ≥30% reduction in ODI score was observed in 62% (95% CI 38% to 82%) and 44% (95% CI 22% to 69%) of participants in the C-RFA and T-RFA groups, respectively (p=0.21).ConclusionsWhen using a single diagnostic block paradigm with a threshold of >75% pain reduction, both treatment with both C-RFA and T-RFA resulted in a success rate of approximately 50% when defined by both improvement in pain and physical function at 6-month follow-up. While the success rate was higher in the C-RFA group, this difference was not statistically significant.Trial registration numberNCT02478437.

Changes in Voice- and Swallowing-Related Symptoms After Thyroidectomy: One-Year Follow-Up Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 127 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young Min Park ◽  
Kyung Ho Oh ◽  
Jae-Gu Cho ◽  
Seung-Kuk Baek ◽  
Soon-Young Kwon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Temporal Changes ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
One Year ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Over Time

Objective: We analyzed the changes in voice- and swallowing-related symptoms that occurred over time in patients who underwent thyroidectomy and identified any associated risk factors. Methods: One hundred and three patients who underwent thyroidectomy were enrolled. Results: The mean thyroidectomy voice-related questionnaire (TVQ) score before surgery was 12.41 ± 12.19; it significantly increased to 28.24 ± 18.01 ( P < .001) 1 month postoperatively, decreased to 24.02 ± 17.30 ( P = .014) and 20.66 ± 15.29 ( P = .023) 3 and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. It was continuously decreased to 18.83 ± 14.63 twelve months postoperatively. The temporal changes in TVQ scores between patients who underwent total thyroidectomy or lobectomy were significantly different. There was a statistically significant difference in the temporal changes in TVQ according to whether neck dissection was performed. The temporal changes in TVQ in patients with and without extrathyroidal extension were significantly different. Conclusions: Voice- and swallowing-related discomfort in patients who received thyroidectomy showed dynamic changes over time. There was a significant difference in the degree of change according to clinicopathological factors. Patients with these risk factors may benefit from appropriate patient education and various rehabilitation programs for symptom relief.

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