Radiofrequency Thermoablation and Hypofractionated Radiotherapy Combined Treatment for Bone Metastases: A Retrospective Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Antonio Piras ◽  
Luca Boldrini ◽  
Sebastiano Menna ◽  
Antonella Sanfratello ◽  
Andrea D’Aviero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Bone Metastases ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Combined Approach ◽  
Radiofrequency Thermoablation

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Bone metastases (BMs) are the common cause of cancer-related pain, as approximately 45% of cancer patients suffer from bone pain (BP). Radiotherapy (RT) is well established as BP treatment strategy; also, other approaches have been shown to be effective in this setting. Radiofrequency thermoablation (RFA) in a combined strategy with RT appears to be feasible and effective in the treatment of metastatic BP ensuring a better quality of life. Aim of this retrospective study was to describe a case series of patients with painful osteolytic lesions at risk of fracture treated with the RFA-RT combined approach, analyzing local control and pain control as outcomes. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Data of all patients with BM treated with combined approach in our center from April 2016 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients underwent RFA followed by cementoplasty on the same day and RT in a second phase. RT dose ranged between 30 and 37.5 Gy in 5/10 fractions. BP was evaluated according to the numeric rating scale (NRS), at the beginning of treatment and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months from the end of combined treatment. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 27 patients were treated from April 2016 to June 2020 with RFA-RT combined approach. The large majority of patients underwent stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) (23/27). All patients experienced an NRS value decrease &#x3e;2 at 1 month and between the first and second months. NRS mean value reached 0 at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months’ evaluations. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> The results of this retrospective analysis of patients treated with RFA-RT combined approach for BP support its safety and efficacy in terms of pain reduction. SBRT role in this combined approach has to be investigated in randomized trials.

The efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization for knee pain on patients with knee osteoarthritis: A case series

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Kun Yung Kim ◽  
Gi-Wook Kim
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Knee Pain ◽  
Transcatheter Arterial Embolization ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Arterial Embolization ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Before And After

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is accompanied by inflammation and angiogenesis. Modifying angiogenesis through transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) can be a potential treatment for knee OA. OBJECTIVE: We subjected five OA knees in three patients to TAE and report the results of our post-treatment observations. CASE DESCRIPTION: Three patients that had experienced knee pain for a minimum of one year prior to the study, and whose pain had persisted despite conservative treatment, were included in this study. Patients more often chose conservative treatment over surgical treatment. Pain and functional scales were evaluated before, immediately, and 1 month after TAE using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). TAE was performed by an experienced interventional radiologist. The average values of NRS evaluated before and after 5 TAEs were 5.2 before TAE, 3 immediately after TAE, and 3.6 after 1 month of TAE, and the average values of WOMAC were 52, 38.4, and 36.4, respectively. There were no major adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The examined cases support the conclusion that TAE is an effective treatment for patients with knee OA. Substantial pain relief and WOMAC improvement were observed both immediately and one month after TAE.

A Treatment-Based Classification Algorithm to Treat Achilles Tendinopathy: An Exploratory Case Series

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-268
Author(s):  
Patti Syvertson ◽  
Emily Dietz ◽  
Monica Matocha ◽  
Janet McMurray ◽  
Russell Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Achilles Tendinopathy ◽  
Global Rating ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Indirect Treatment

Context:Achilles tendinopathy is relatively common in both the general and athletic populations. The current gold standard for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy is eccentric exercise, which can be painful and time consuming. While there is limited research on indirect treatment approaches, it has been proposed that tendinopathy patients do respond to indirect approaches in fewer treatments without provoking pain.Objective:To determine the effectiveness of using a treatment-based-classification (TBC) algorithm as a strategy for classifying and treating patients diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy.Participants:11 subjects (mean age 28.0 ±15.37 y) diagnosed with Achilles tendinopathy.Design:Case series.Setting:Participants were evaluated, diagnosed, and treated at multiple clinics.Main Outcome Measures:Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Disablement in the Physically Active Scale (DPA Scale), Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A), Global Rating of Change (GRC), and Nirschl Phase Rating Scale were recorded to establish baseline scores and evaluate participant progress.Results:A repeated-measures ANOVA was conducted to analyze NRS scores from initial exam to discharge and at 1-mo follow-up. Paired t tests were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of using a TBC algorithm from initial exam to discharge on the DPA Scale and VISA-A. Descriptive statistics were evaluated to determine outcomes as reported on the GRC.Conclusion:The results of this case series provide evidence that using a TBC algorithm can improve function while decreasing pain and disability in Achilles tendinopathy participants.

Erector spine plane block as postoperative rescue analgesia in thoracic surgery

2020 ◽  
Vol 106 (5) ◽  
pp. 388-391
Author(s):  
Marco Rispoli ◽  
Roberta Tamburri ◽  
Moana Rossella Nespoli ◽  
Marianna Esposito ◽  
Dario Maria Mattiacci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thoracic Surgery ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Blood Gas Analysis ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Gas Analysis ◽  
Rescue Analgesia ◽  
Surgical Ward

Objective: Erector spine plane block (ESPB) is a newly defined regional anesthesia technique performed by injection of local anesthetic beneath the erector spine muscle. We tested ESPB as a regional rescue analgesia bedside technique to be performed in the thoracic surgical ward, reporting a 7-patient case series. Methods: We report our experience in rescue analgesia after thoracic surgery. During the postoperative stay, numeric rating scale (NRS) score >3 and inability to perform physiotherapy or effective cough due to postoperative pain represented the criteria for proposing rescue analgesia with ESPB. NRS at rest and during movements was recorded; blood gas analysis and spirometry were performed to evaluate PaO2/FiO2 (P/F), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) before ESPB execution. After performing the ESPB, static and dynamic NRS, P/F, and FVC and FEV1 were recorded at 40 minutes and 80 minutes. Results: NRS had a reduction at rest and in dynamic assessment. The P/F did not improve but spirometric measures improved. FVC had a relevant improvement only after 80 minutes; FEV1 was increased after 40 minutes. Conclusion: The use of ESPB as postoperative rescue analgesia can offer several advantages due to effective rescue analgesia and safety that makes it easy to perform in the thoracic surgical ward or in an outpatient clinic setting.

scholarly journals Transposition of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

2019 ◽  
Vol 130 (2) ◽  
pp. 496-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amgad Hanna
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Cutaneous Nerve ◽  
Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve ◽  
Meralgia Paresthetica ◽  
Femoral Cutaneous Nerve ◽  
Simple Decompression ◽  
Reoperation Rates ◽  
Numeric Rating

OBJECTIVEMeralgia paresthetica causes pain, burning, and loss of sensation in the anterolateral thigh. Surgical treatment traditionally involves neurolysis or neurectomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). After studying and publishing data on the anatomical feasibility of LFCN transposition, the author presents here the first case series of patients who underwent LFCN transposition.METHODSNineteen patients with meralgia paresthetica were treated in the Department of Neurological Surgery at University of Wisconsin between 2011 and 2016; 4 patients underwent simple decompression, 5 deep decompression, and 10 medial transposition. Data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. No randomization was performed. The groups were compared in terms of pain scores (based on a numeric rating scale) and reoperation rates.RESULTSThe numeric rating scale scores dropped significantly in the deep-decompression (p = 0.148) and transposition (p < 0.0001) groups at both the 3- and 12-month follow-up. The reoperation rates were significantly lower in the deep-decompression and transposition groups (p = 0.0454) than in the medial transposition group.CONCLUSIONSBoth deep decompression and transposition of the LFCN provide better results than simple decompression. Medial transposition confers the advantage of mobilizing the nerve away from the anterior superior iliac spine, giving it a straighter and more relaxed course in a softer muscle bed.

scholarly journals Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Knee Pain Using a Three-Tined Electrode: A Technical Description and Case Series

Pain Medicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 3344-3349
Author(s):  
Edvin Koshi ◽  
Cole W Cheney ◽  
Beau P Sperry ◽  
Aaron Conger ◽  
Zachary L McCormick
Keyword(s):  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Knee Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Vastus Medialis ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Chronic Knee Pain ◽  
Numeric Rating

Abstract Background Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of chronic knee pain has traditionally targeted the superomedial, superolateral, and inferomedial genicular nerves. However, recent cadaveric studies of knee neuroanatomy demonstrate varied locations of these specific nerves as well as additional articular nerves. This work suggests that traditional genicular nerve RFA lesion locations may be inadequate. Objective 1) To describe a novel protocol utilizing a three-tined RFA electrode to target the superomedial (SMGN), superolateral (SLGN), and inferomedial genicular nerves (IMGN), as well as the terminal articular branches of the nerves to the vastus medialis (NVM), intermedius (NVI), and lateralis (NVL). 2) To assess the ability of this technique to reduce chronic knee pain. Methods Case series of consecutive patients with six or more months of refractory knee pain who underwent genicular nerve RFA according to the novel protocol described. Seven discrete RFA lesions were placed to target the SMGN, NVM, NVI, NVL, SLGN, and IGMN. Results Eleven patients underwent RFA, nine with knee osteoarthritis and two postarthroplasty. At one month, 91% (95% CI = 59–100%), 82% (95% CI = 48–98%), and 9% (95% CI = 2–41%), of patients reported ≥50%, ≥80%, and 100% improvement in knee pain on the numeric rating scale, respectively. These results were sustained at six months. There were no complications. Discussion/Conclusions These preliminary data suggest the feasibility and possible effectiveness of genicular nerve RFA using the described novel protocol including a three-tined electrode. Larger-scale studies with comparative groups are warranted.

scholarly journals Effects of Korean Medicine Treatment focusing on Acupotomy of headache: A Case Report of Four Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-184
Author(s):  
Joohyun Lee ◽  
Hongmin Chu ◽  
Kyungho Kang ◽  
Ju-hyeon Moon ◽  
Jongchul Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Effect ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Attack Frequency ◽  
Headache Attack ◽  
Positive Clinical Effect ◽  
Headache Impact ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale Score ◽  
Numeric Rating

Background: The aim of this study was to report the effect of acupotomy for patients with headache. Methods: Four patients with headache were treated with acupotomy. The improvement of symptoms was evaluated by numeric rating scale(NRS), Headache impact test-6(HIT-6) and headache attack frequency. Results: The numeric rating scale score and headache attack frequency decreased throughout the treatment period. No side effects were observed during treatment. Conclusion: Acupotomy had shown a positive clinical effect in the treatment of a headache in this case series. Further studies are required for its application on various headache.

Electroconvulsive Therapy Management in Benzodiazepine-Resistant Catatonic Syndrome: A Case Report

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S769-S770
Author(s):  
I.I. Louzao Rojas ◽  
Á. Orosa Duarte ◽  
G. Martínez-Alés García ◽  
I. Rubio Zavala ◽  
A. Fraga Domingo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electroconvulsive Therapy ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Paranoid Schizophrenia ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Hemodynamic Instability ◽  
Blood Analysis ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Catatonic Syndrome

Catatonia is a rare but potentially lethal neuropsychiatric syndrome. Despite its historical association with schizophrenic disorders, it is more frequent in affective ones, and is currently considered an independent pathological entity. The basis of the treatment, regardless of the cause, is the use of benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), without a clear consensus on the combined treatment. Regarding ECT, the frequency and number of effective sessions has not been clearly established. Therefore, clinical evolution is the main factor to be considered in order to determinate the appropriate treatment regimen, although the daily application of ECT is preferred, at least for the first week. We report the case of a 41-year-old patient with paranoid schizophrenia, who presented with a benzodiazepine resistant catatonic syndrome. The clinical picture included stupor, mutism, negativism, severe stiffness, catalepsy, waxy flexibility and diaphoresis, with slight CPK increase but with no other extrapyramidal symptoms, fever more than 39 and hemodynamic instability, which allowed to exclude a neuroleptic malignant syndrome. A blood analysis, lumbar puncture, CT, EEG and viral serologies were performed with inconclusive results. The patient required ICU admission and ECT treatment and we used the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale to evaluate the evolution of symptoms. Six daily treatments with ECT led to an almost full recovery of the patient. Further case series regarding the clinical management of this syndrome are needed, in order to reach consensus on an effective ECT regimen.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Intrapelvic entrapment of sacral nerve roots by abnormal bundles of the piriformis muscle: description of an extra-spinal cause of sciatica and pudendal neuralgia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey Sermer ◽  
Adrienne L K Li ◽  
Gustavo L Fernandes ◽  
Augusta M Ribeiro ◽  
Giancarlo Polesello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Technique ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Laparoscopic Approach ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Piriformis Muscle ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Sacral Nerve ◽  
Sacral Foramina

Abstract Piriformis syndrome is a well-known extra-spinal cause of sciatica characterized by the entrapment of the sciatic nerve by variant bundles of the piriformis muscles in the deep gluteal space. In this case series, we describe the entrapment of intrapelvic portions of the sacral nerve roots by a variant bundle of the piriformis muscle originating medially to the sacral foramina, the surgical technique for the laparoscopic treatment of this condition, and the outcomes of the first eight cases treated with this technique. Five female and three male patients presenting with sciatica, pudendal pain and lower urinary tract symptoms underwent a laparoscopic exploration of the intrapelvic portion of the sacral nerve roots and transection of the abnormal piriformis bundle. Surgical technique is demonstrated in the Supplementary Video. Clinical success was achieved in seven of the eight patients, with a reduction of pain numeric rating scale from 8.5 (±1.2; 7–10) pre-operatively to 2.1 (±2.6; 0–7), 1-year following surgery. In conclusion, entrapment of intrapelvic portions of the sacral nerve roots by variant bundles of the piriformis originating medially to the sacral foramina are an extraspinal cause of sciatica, which can be treated though a laparoscopic approach.

scholarly journals MON-313 Thyrotropin-Secreting Pituitary Tumors: Clinical Features, Diagnostic Criteria and Treatment Outcomes in 28 Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana A Dimitrova ◽  
Evgeniy T Abdullin ◽  
Elena G Przhiyalkovskaya ◽  
Andrey Yu. Grigoriev ◽  
Vilen N Azizyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Adenoma ◽  
Thyroid Hormones ◽  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Pituitary Tumors ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Somatostatin Analogue

Abstract Introduction Thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma (TSH-oma) is a rare cause of thyrotoxicosis and represents 0.5-3% of all pituitary adenomas. Given the rarity of the disease and the lack of extensive clinical experience in world practice, the analysis of each case of TSH-secreting pituitary tumors is extremely relevant. Materials and methods: We enrolled consecutive patients with TSH secreting pituitary adenoma. TSH (0,25-3,5 mIU/L), FT4 (9-20 pmol/l) FT3 (2,5-5,5 pmol/l) were measured by Architect i2000SR (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, U.S.A). An octreotide test consisted of injecting short-acting somatostatin analogue (SSA) at a dose of 100 μg 3 times a day subcutaneously during 3 days or long-acting SSA 20 mg in 28 days minimum for two months and measuring thyroid profile blood tests before and at the end of the test. MRI was performed on GE Optima MR450w 1.5T. Results: We present 28 case series with TSH-omas followed in our center from 2010 to 2019, the median age - 46 (from 10 to 71 years) with a predominance of a female (21 cases) over a male (7 cases). Clinical manifestations included cardiac arrhythmias (82.1%), neurological changes (60.7%), visual impairment (39.3%), osteoporosis (28.6%), hypopituitarism (7.1%). At first admission, 17 patients had increased TSH, FT3 and FT4; in 7 patients - FT3 and FT4 only, and in 4 - an increase was in one of the hormones; mean value of TSH was 5,04 mIU/L, FT4 - 24,46 pmol/l, FT3 - 8,9 pmol/l. SSBG, CTx, osteocalcin were elevated in 60.9%, 57.9% and 31.6% of cases, respectively. In 88.5% of cases octreotide test led to thyroid hormones normalization. On MRI macroadenomas was registered in 67.9%. In 12 patients, diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical examination. In 12 patients, the diagnosis verification was based on remission after surgical and medical treatment. In the remaining four cases, the diagnosis was made on clinical and laboratory data, however, confirmation was inconceivable due to inefficacy of medical treatment. Remission was achieved in 23 patients: 17 of 21 after neurosurgery (81%), 3 of 7 after primary administration of SSA, and 3 after administration of SSA after surgery (100% remission in cases of combined treatment and 42.9% of monotherapy); 3 out of 5 patients who did not achieve remission were lost for observation. Two patients died: in one case due to the brain herniation and cachexia in active thyrotoxicosis. In second case, the patient developed a mental disorder (catatonia) after the second transphenoidal adenomectomy, which led to death. Conclusion The diagnosis of TSH-oma should be based on all thyroid hormones assessment, since biochemical thyrotoxicosis can manifest itself in various ways. The most effective treatment is transphenoidal adenomectomy. If a neurosurgery is not effective or contraindicative, preoperative preparations SSA can be used.

scholarly journals Transversus Abdominis Plane Catheter Bolus Analgesia after Major Abdominal Surgery

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils Bjerregaard ◽  
Lone Nikolajsen ◽  
Thomas Fichtner Bendtsen ◽  
Bodil Steen Rasmussen
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Surgery ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Numeric Rating Scale ◽  
Transversus Abdominis ◽  
Major Abdominal Surgery ◽  
Transversus Abdominis Plane ◽  
Intravenous Morphine ◽  
Numeric Rating

Purpose. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks have been shown to reduce pain and opioid requirements after abdominal surgery. The aim of the present case series was to demonstrate the use of TAP catheter injections of bupivacaine after major abdominal surgery.Methods. Fifteen patients scheduled for open colonic resection surgery were included. After induction of anesthesia, bilateral TAP catheters were placed, and all patients received a bolus dose of 20 mL bupivacaine 2.5 mg/mL with epinephrine 5 μg/mL through each catheter. Additional bolus doses were injected bilaterally 12, 24, and 36 hrs after the first injections. Supplemental pain treatment consisted of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and gabapentin. Intravenous morphine was used as rescue analgesic. Postoperative pain was rated on a numeric rating scale (NRS, 0–10) at regular predefined intervals after surgery, and consumption of intravenous morphine was recorded.Results. The TAP catheters were placed without any technical difficulties. NRS scores were ≤3 at rest and ≤5 during cough at 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 36 hrs after surgery. Cumulative consumption of intravenous morphine was 28 (23–48) mg (median, IQR) within the first 48 postoperative hours.Conclusion. TAP catheter bolus injections can be used to prolong analgesia after major abdominal surgery.

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