Effects of intralesional pulsed radiofrequency treatment on pain in patients with calcaneal spur: results of 460 patients

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of intralesional pulsed radiofrequency (RF) in the treatment of calcaneal spur and the results of patients who underwent single and double sessions of RF treatment. Methods The population of this retrospective study consisted of 460 patients who were diagnosed with calcaneal spur with clinical examination and direct radiography. The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale and The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score were used to determine the pain status and functional capacities of the patients. Posttreatment evaluation was carried out on average in the 6th week. Results The study involved 460 patients, 76.9% of whom were female, with the average age of 50.8 ± 10.9 years in total. Of the patients 43% was given RF therapy in a single session, and 57% of them in double sessions. After the RF procedure, the number of patients whose pain decreased according to both AOFAS and Wong-Baker pain scoring systems increased statistically significantly (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in the AOFAS-pain scores and the total AOFAS scores and a significant decrease in the Wong Baker-pain scale after treatment. However, there was no significant change in treatment success with respect to the number of RF sessions. Although not statistically significant, the differences in the AOFAS-pain scores and in the total AOFAS scores were found to be higher in patients who underwent single session RF, while the difference in the Wong Baker-pain ranking was higher in patients who received double sessions RF. Conclusion Intralesional pulsed RF procedure can be preferred as a relatively less invasive method that does not have any serious complications in patients with persistent calcaneal spurs who do not respond to the use of oral anti-inflammatory drugs and shoe insoles, nor corticosteroid injection to the lesion area.

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The Effect of Caudal Epidural Pulsed Radiofrequency Stimulation in Patients with Refractory Chronic Idiopathic Axonal Polyneuropathy

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.2018.1.e57 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (21;1) ◽

pp. E57-E62

Author(s):

Min Cheol Chang

Keyword(s):

Neuropathic Pain ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Axonal Neuropathy ◽

Pulsed Radiofrequency ◽

Oral Medications ◽

Axonal Polyneuropathy ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Good Score ◽

Caudal Epidural

Background: Many patients with chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) suffer from neuropathic pain, which is managed using several oral medications and modalities. However, despite these treatments, pain persists in some patients. Objective: In the clinical field, clinicians frequently meet patients with neuropathic pain caused by CIAP. The authors investigated the effect of caudal epidural pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) for the management of CIAP-induced refractory neuropathic pain. Study Design: This is a prospective study. Setting: The outpatient clinic of a single academic medical center in Korea Methods: Twenty patients with neuropathic pain and a diagnosis of refractory CIAP were recruited. For PRF stimulation, a 22-gauge cannula was inserted into the epidural space through the sacral hiatus under fluoroscopic guidance. PRF stimulation was administered once at 5 Hz with a 5-ms pulse width for 600 seconds at 55 V. The effect of stimulation was evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS) at 2 weeks and 1, 2, and 3 months after the procedure. Successful pain relief was defined as a reduction in the NRS score of ≥ 50% as compared with the score prior to treatment. In addition, at 3 months after treatment, patient satisfaction levels were examined; patients that reported “very good” (score = 7) or “good” (score = 6) results were considered to be satisfied with the procedure. Results: Neuropathic pain was significantly reduced at 2 weeks and at 1, 2, and 3 months followup after PRF (P < 0.001, repeated measures one-factor analysis). In addition, at 3 months post-PRF, half of the patients achieved a successful response (≥ 50% pain reduction) and were satisfied with treatment results. Limitations: A small number of patients were recruited, and we did not perform long-term follow-up. Conclusion: Caudal epidural PRF may be a good treatment option for managing neuropathic pain induced by CIAP, especially when pain is unresponsive to oral medications. Key words: Pulsed radiofrequency, chronic idiopathic axonal neuropathy, caudal epidural stimulation, neuropathic pain chronic pain, refractory pain

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Dexamethasone Dose and Early Postoperative Recovery after Mastectomy

Anesthesiology ◽

10.1097/aln.0000000000003112 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 132 (4) ◽

pp. 678-691

Author(s):

Kristin Julia Steinthorsdottir ◽

Hussein Nasser Awada ◽

Hanne Abildstrøm ◽

Niels Kroman ◽

Henrik Kehlet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Length Of Stay ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Postoperative Recovery ◽

Postanesthesia Care Unit ◽

Early Recovery ◽

Wound Infiltration ◽

Pain Scores ◽

Number Of Patients

Abstract Background Pain and nausea are the most common challenges in postoperative recovery after mastectomy. Preventive measures include multimodal analgesia with preoperative glucocorticoid. The aim of this study was to investigate whether 24 mg of preoperative dexamethasone was superior to 8 mg on early recovery after mastectomy in addition to a simple analgesic protocol. Methods In a randomized, double-blind trial, patients 18 yr of age or older having mastectomy were randomized 1:1 to 24 mg or 8 mg dexamethasone, and all received a standardized anesthetic and surgical protocol with preoperative acetaminophen, total intravenous anesthesia, and local anesthetic wound infiltration. The primary endpoint was number of patients transferred to the postanesthesia care unit according to standardized discharge criteria (modified Aldrete score). Secondary endpoints included pain and nausea at extubation, transfer from the operating room and upon arrival at the ward, length of stay, seroma occurrence, and wound infections. Results One hundred thirty patients (65 in each group) were included and analyzed for the primary outcome. Twenty-three (35%) in each group met the primary outcome, without significant differences in standardized discharge scores (odds ratio, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.49 to 2.05], P > 0.999). More patients had seroma requiring drainage in the 24 mg versus 8 mg group, 94% versus 81%, respectively (odds ratio, 3.53 [95% CI, 1.07 to 11.6], P = 0.030). Median pain scores were low at all measured time points, numeric rating scale less than or equal to 2 versus less than or equal to 1 in the 24 mg versus 8 mg group, respectively. Six patients in each group (9%) experienced nausea at any time during hospital stay (P > 0.999). Length of stay was median 11 and 9.2 h in the 24 and 8 mg group, respectively (P = 0.217). Conclusions The authors found no evidence of 24 mg versus 8 mg of dexamethasone affecting the primary outcome regarding immediate recovery after mastectomy. The authors observed a short length of stay and low pain scores despite a simple analgesic protocol. Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New

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Intra-canal medication containing silver nanoparticle versus calcium hydroxide in reducing postoperative pain: A randomized clinical trial

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.17199.1 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. 1949

Author(s):

Fatma El Zahraa El Abbasy ◽

Salsabyl Ibrahim ◽

Olfat Shaker ◽

Geraldine Ahmed

Keyword(s):

Silver Nanoparticles ◽

Postoperative Pain ◽

Calcium Hydroxide ◽

Root Canal ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Treatment Success ◽

Pain Scores ◽

Mechanical Preparation ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Micro Organisms

Background: Pain of endodontic origin can be annoying for patients and endodontist. Pain relief is more important to the patient than treatment success. Numerous factors such as over instrumentation, over filling, debris extrusion can cause postoperative pain. However, bacteria found in the root canal space is the most important factor. Therefore mechanical preparation is an important step in elimination of micro-organisms from the root canal. It has been reported that micro-organisms can still survive inside the root canal even after mechanical preparation. Hence, the use of intra-canal medicaments in between visits for reduction of bacteria inside the root canal space has been recommended. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of silver nanoparticles versus calcium hydroxide used as intra-canal medication in reducing pain in necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis. Methods: Thirty-four participants were randomly divided into 2 groups, 17 in each group according to intra-canal medication used silver nanoparticles and calcium hydroxide (AgNPs and Ca(OH)2). Each patient was given pain scale chart numerical rating scale (NRS) in order to record his/her pain level before any intervention followed by placement of intra-canal medicament for 1 week. Postoperative pain was recorded at 4, 12, 24, 48 hours. Results: Pre-operatively; there was no statistically significant difference between mean pain scores in the two groups. After 4, 12 as well as 24 hours, Ca(OH)2 group showed statistically significantly higher mean pain score than AgNPs group. After 48 hours; there was no statistically significant difference between mean pain scores in the two groups. Conclusions: There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative pain following 4, 12, and 24 hours where AgNPs group resulted in reduction of pain more than Ca(OH)2 group. At 48 hours, there was no statistically significant difference. Trial registration: PACTR PACTR201602001444180 26/01/2016

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Effectiveness of Pulsed Radiofrequency with Multifunctional Epidural Electrode in Chronic Lumbosacral Radicular Pain with Neuropathic Features

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.2014/17/477 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6;17 (6;12) ◽

pp. 477-486 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Simone Vigneri

Keyword(s):

Neuropathic Pain ◽

Dorsal Root Ganglion ◽

Dorsal Root ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Radicular Pain ◽

Pain Intensity Score ◽

Pulsed Radiofrequency ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Pre Treatment

Background: Lumbosacral radicular pain is a common clinical finding with a statistical prevalence ranging from 9.9% to 25% in the general population. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in patients with chronic lumbosacral radicular pain and neuropathic features. Study Design: Prospective case series clinical outcome study. Methods: We evaluated 34 patients with lumbosacral neuropathic pain who underwent PRF at the corresponding level of radicular symptoms distribution (ranging from L3 to S1). Each patient suffered a single leg-radiating pain with probable neuropathic features (assessed with clinical grading) lasting for > 6 months and unresponsive to previous treatments. A multifunctional PASHA-electrode® was introduced with trans-sacral access through a hollow needle, placed under fluoroscopic guidance into the lumbosacral epidural space and its active tip moved close to the dorsal root ganglion responsible of the clinical symptoms. After connecting the electrode to a generator, stimulation tests were performed and PRF was started and applied for 240 seconds at a frequency of 2Hz, amplitude of 45 V and a tip temperature between 40 – 42°C. If the pain involved more than a single nerve root, the electrode was placed at a different segment and the procedure repeated. Outcome measures included the pain intensity score on a 0 – 10 numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Italian Pain Questionnaire (QUID) at pre-treatment, one and 6 months post-treatment. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: In comparison with pre-treatment, a significant reduction in pain score was observed in mean NRS either at one and 6 months (P < 0.001). The QUID - Pain Rating Index rank displayed a parallel trend at the first (P < 0.001) and last follow-up (P = 0.01). Moreover, a direct correlation between the 2 scales occurred, showing a parallel score decreasing (P < 0.001). Eighteen (52.9%) and 17 (50%) of 34 patients showed pain reduction in NRS > 2 points and > 30%, at one and 6 months, respectively. Limitations: The non-controlled design of the study, the patients were heterogeneous, the small number of patients, and the duration of follow-up was limited to 6 months. Conclusions: PRF of dorsal root ganglion performed with a multifunctional electrode for > 240 seconds appears to be safe and might be more effective than the classic 120 seconds needlemediated approach. Therefore, it may be considered as a valuable tool for the treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain with neuropathic features. Key words: PRF, radicular pain, neuropathic pain, DRG, NRS, PRIr-T, multifunctional electrode

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Comparison of Intraarticular Pulsed Radiofrequency and Intraarticular Corticosteroid Injection for Management of Cervical Facet Joint Pain

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj.20.5.e961 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (20;6) ◽

pp. E961-E967

Author(s):

Min Cheol Chang

Keyword(s):

Pain Relief ◽

Joint Pain ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Facet Joint ◽

Corticosteroid Injection ◽

University Hospital ◽

Pulsed Radiofrequency ◽

Facet Joint Pain ◽

Cervical Facet ◽

Cervical Facet Joint

Background: Disorders of the facet joints are some of the most common sources of chronic spinal pain. Facet joint pain is responsible for approximately 50% of patients with chronic neck pain. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) stimulation, after placing needle electrodes into the joint space, has been recently reported for the management of joint pain. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraarticular (IA) PRF for the management of cervical facet joint (CFJ) pain. In addition, we compared the effect of IA PRF to IA corticosteroid injection. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: University hospital. Methods: Forty patients with CFJ pain were included in the study and randomly assigned to one of 2 groups: the IA PRF group and the IA corticosteroid (ICI) group. There were 20 patients in each group. Pain intensity was evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS) at pre-treatment, and one, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Results: When compared to the pretreatment NRS scores, patients in both groups showed a significant decrease in NRS scores at one, 3, and 6 months after treatment (P = 0.000). Changes in the NRS scores over time were not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.227). Six months after treatment, 10 patients (50.0%) in the PRF group and 12 patients (60.0%) in the ICI group reported successful pain relief (pain relief of ≥ 50%). Limitations: A small number of participants. Conclusion: IA PRF stimulation is as effective as IA corticosteroid injection in attenuating CFJ pain. The use of PRF could decrease CFJ pain, while avoiding the adverse effects of steroids.

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Endoscope-Assisted Minimally Invasive Interlaminar Lumbar Decompression for Spinal Stenosis

January 2018 - Pain Physician ◽

10.36076/ppj/2019.22.e573 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (22;6) ◽

pp. E573-E578

Author(s):

Chan Hong Park

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Numeric Rating Scale ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Lumbar Stenosis ◽

Lumbar Decompression ◽

Pain Scores ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Study Setting ◽

Numeric Rating

Background: Lumbar stenosis is characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal in association with progressive degenerative changes in the lumbar spine and surrounding structures, including hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (LF). Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of endoscope-assisted interlaminar lumbar decompression (EILD) for patients with lumbar stenosis and hypertrophy of the LF. Study Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Neurosurgery at Wooridul Spine Hospital. Methods: A total of 51 patients were enrolled in this study. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and at 2 weeks and 6 months postprocedure via the Numeric Rating Scale, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ). Results: Mean posttreatment pain scores at 2 weeks and 6 months were significantly lower, and ODI scores were significantly decreased compared with baseline. ZCQ scores were also significantly decreased compared with pretreatment surveys. Two patients required reoperation within one month. At postprocedure 6 months, a ≥ 50% reduction in pain score was recorded in 26 (80%) of 51 patients, and there was ≥ 40% reduction in ODI score in 82% of patients. No serious complications including epidural bleeding, dural or neural injuries, or infection were recorded. Limitations: This study lacked secondary outcome substantiation. In addition, the follow-up period was short (< 6 months), and no patients had postprocedure magnetic resonance imaging. The number of patients was also small. Conclusions: EILD provided good outcomes and may be a reasonable treatment option for carefully selected patients with hypertrophy of the LF.

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Impact of Michigan’s new opioid prescribing laws on spine surgery patients: analysis of the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2020.7.spine20729 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Paul Park ◽

Victor Chang ◽

Hsueh-Han Yeh ◽

Jason M. Schwalb ◽

David R. Nerenz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spine Surgery ◽

Spinal Surgery ◽

Readmission Rate ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Short Term ◽

Readmission Rates ◽

Opioid Prescribing ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Before And After ◽

The Impact

OBJECTIVEIn 2017, Michigan passed new legislation designed to reduce opioid abuse. This study evaluated the impact of these new restrictive laws on preoperative narcotic use, short-term outcomes, and readmission rates after spinal surgery.METHODSPatient data from 1 year before and 1 year after initiation of the new opioid laws (beginning July 1, 2018) were queried from the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative database. Before and after implementation of the major elements of the new laws, 12,325 and 11,988 patients, respectively, were treated.RESULTSPatients before and after passage of the opioid laws had generally similar demographic and surgical characteristics. Notably, after passage of the opioid laws, the number of patients taking daily narcotics preoperatively decreased from 3783 (48.7%) to 2698 (39.7%; p < 0.0001). Three months postoperatively, there were no differences in minimum clinically important difference (56.0% vs 58.0%, p = 0.1068), numeric rating scale (NRS) score of back pain (3.5 vs 3.4, p = 0.1156), NRS score of leg pain (2.7 vs 2.7, p = 0.3595), satisfaction (84.4% vs 84.7%, p = 0.6852), or 90-day readmission rate (5.8% vs 6.2%, p = 0.3202) between groups. Although there was no difference in readmission rates, pain as a reason for readmission was marginally more common (0.86% vs 1.22%, p = 0.0323).CONCLUSIONSThere was a meaningful decrease in preoperative narcotic use, but notably there was no apparent negative impact on postoperative recovery, patient satisfaction, or short-term outcomes after spinal surgery despite more restrictive opioid prescribing. Although the readmission rate did not significantly increase, pain as a reason for readmission was marginally more frequently observed.

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Prevalence of Psychological Distress and Its Risk Factors in Patients with Primary Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9050566 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 566

Author(s):

Masato Ise ◽

Eiji Nakata ◽

Yoshimi Katayama ◽

Masanori Hamada ◽

Toshiyuki Kunisada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Soft Tissue ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Numeric Rating Scale ◽

Soft Tissue Tumors ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Primary Bone ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

Numeric Rating

Psychological distress is common in patients with soft tissue and bone tumors. We first investigated its frequency and the associated risk factors in patients with pre-operative bone and soft tissue tumors. Participants included 298 patients with bone and soft tissue tumors who underwent surgery in our institution between 2015 and 2020. Psychological distress was evaluated by the Distress and Impact Thermometer (DIT) that consists of two types of questions (questions about the severity of the patient’s distress (DIT-D) and its impact (DIT-I)). We used a cut-off point of 4 on the DIT-D and 3 on the DIT-I for screening patients with psychological distress. We therefore investigated: (1) the prevalence of psychological distress as assessed with DIT or distress thermometer (DT), which can be decided by DIT-D ≥ 4, (2) what are the risk factors for the prevalence of psychological distress, and (3) what is the number of patients who consulted a psychiatrist for psychological distress in patients with pre-operative bone and soft tissue tumors. With DIT and DT, we identified 64 patients (21%) and 95 patients (32%), respectively, with psychological distress. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that older age, sex (female), malignancy (malignant or intermediate tumor), a lower Barthel Index, and higher numeric rating scale were risk factors for psychological distress. Two patients (3%) consulted a psychiatrist after surgery. In conclusion, careful attention to psychological distress is needed, especially for female patients, older patients, and those with malignant soft or bone tissue tumors who have more than moderate pain.

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Impact of modification to DSM-5 criterion A for hypomania/mania in newly diagnosed bipolar patients: findings from the prospective BIO study

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders ◽

10.1186/s40345-020-00219-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mette U. Fredskild ◽

Sharleny Stanislaus ◽

Klara Coello ◽

Sigurd A. Melbye ◽

Hanne Lie Kjærstad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Young Mania ◽

Dsm 5 ◽

Criterion A ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Bipolar Type ◽

Dsm Iv ◽

Bipolar Patients

Abstract Background DSM-IV states that criterion A for diagnosing hypomania/mania is mood change. The revised DSM-5 now states that increased energy or activity must be present alongside mood changes to diagnose hypomania/mania, thus raising energy/activity to criterion A. We set out to investigate how the change in criterion A affects the diagnosis of hypomanic/manic visits in patients with a newly diagnosed bipolar disorder. Results In this prospective cohort study, 373 patients were included (median age = 32; IQR, 27–40). Women constituted 66% (n = 245) of the cohort and 68% of the cohort (n = 253) met criteria for bipolar type II, the remaining patients were diagnosed bipolar type I. Median number of contributed visits was 2 per subject (IQR, 1–3) and median follow-up time was 3 years (IQR, 2–4). During follow-up, 127 patients had at least one visit with fulfilled DSM-IV criterion A. Applying DSM-5 criterion A reduced the number of patients experiencing a hypomanic/manic visit by 62% at baseline and by 50% during longitudinal follow-up, compared with DSM-IV criterion A. Fulfilling DSM-5 criterion A during follow-up was associated with higher modified young mania rating scale score (OR = 1.51, CL [1.34, 1.71], p < 0.0001) and increased number of visits contributed (OR = 1.86, CL [1.52, 2.29], p < 0.0001). Conclusion Applying the stricter DSM-5 criterion A in a cohort of newly diagnosed bipolar patients reduced the number of patients experiencing a hypomanic/manic visit substantially, and was associated with higher overall young mania rating scale scores, compared with DSM-IV criterion A. Consequently, fewer hypomanic/manic visits may be detected in newly diagnosed bipolar patients with applied DSM-5 criterion A, and the upcoming ICD-11, which may possibly result in longer diagnostic delay of BD as compared with the DSM-IV.

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Ultrasound-Guided Injection of Dextrose Versus Corticosteroid in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis Management: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Foot & Ankle Specialist ◽

10.1177/1938640020980924 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 193864002098092

Author(s):

Gholamreza Raissi ◽

Amin Arbabi ◽

Maryam Rafiei ◽

Bijan Forogh ◽

Arash Babaei-Ghazani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Plantar Fasciitis ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Corticosteroid Injection ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Plantar Fascia ◽

Numeric Rating Scale ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Ultrasound Guided ◽

Double Blind

Design Chronic plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of chronic heel pain, with different conventional treatment options. In this randomized clinical trial, the effect of ultrasound-guided injection of dextrose versus corticosteroid in chronic PF was evaluated and compared. Methods A total of 44 patients suffering from chronic PF who visited the physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic were enrolled in the study. Two table-randomized groups were formed. They received an ultrasonography-guided, single injection of either 40 mg methylprednisolone or 20% dextrose. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire with 2 subscales, Activities of Daily Living (FAAM-A) and Sports (FAAM-S), along with ultrasonographic parameters were evaluated before and at 2 and 12 weeks after the injection. Results. A total of 40 participants completed the study. Both interventions significantly improved pain and function at 2 and 12 weeks postinjection. After 2 weeks, compared with the dextrose prolotherapy, the corticosteroid group had significantly lower daytime and morning NRS scores (2.55 vs 4.1, P = .012, and 2.75 vs 4.65, P = .004), higher FAAM-S (66.84 vs 54.19; P = .047), and lower plantar fascia thickness at insertion and 1 cm distal to the insertion zone (3.89 vs 4.29 mm, P = .004, and 3.13 vs 3.48 mm, P = .002), whereas FAAM-A was similar in both groups ( P = .219). After 12 weeks, all study variables were statistically similar between corticosteroid and dextrose prolotherapy groups. No injection-related side effects were recorded in either group. Conclusion Both methods are effective. Compared with dextrose prolotherapy, our results show that corticosteroid injection may have superior therapeutic effects early after injection, accompanied by a similar outcome at 12 weeks postinjection. Levels of Evidence: Level II

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