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To determine if in vivo cryoneurolysis inhibits ex vivo compound action potential (CAP) conduction in the porcine saphenous nerve and if this occurs rapidly enough to justify performing the technique before stifle surgery. Blinded, controlled, randomized, preclinical study. A group of eight healthy, 8 weeks old, intact, female pigs anesthetized for an unrelated terminal study. Both saphenous nerves of each pig were exposed surgically, and 15 mm of a 20 gauge, closed-tip, commercial cryoneurolysis cannula were inserted cranial to each nerve within the neurovascular fascial sheath along its long axis. The cannula was only actuated on one limb, according to random allocation. Nerves were excised within 15 minutes of actuation and underwent testing in a nerve conduction chamber, where stimulus voltage was increased sequentially (from 0.1 to ≤ 1.9 V). An anesthesiologist blinded to treatment viewed recordings of time versus voltage for each nerve and answered 'yes' or 'no' when asked if an evoked CAP was observed. Fisher's exact test evaluated the incidence of CAP conduction between groups (p < 0.05 considered significant). Nerves were submitted for hematoxylin and eosin staining for blinded histopathological examination. A CAP was conducted in 8/8 and 1/8 of the control and treated nerves, respectively (p = 0.001). Maximal responses in control nerves were 1.92 ± 0.19 mV (mean ± standard error). In the single treated nerve that conducted a CAP, the maximal CAP amplitude was 0.4 mV, lower than the lowest maximal CAP (1.19 mV) in the control nerves. All control nerves were histologically normal, and all treated nerves displayed mild perivascular and perineural inflammation (cuffs of lymphocytes, plasma cells and eosinophils, and edema). The rapid inhibition of CAP conduction warrants clinical investigation of saphenous cryoneurolysis for both intraoperative antinociception and postoperative analgesia in pigs undergoing experimental stifle surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zoster-associated neuralgia (ZAN) is recognized as a challenging neuralgia that often leads to poor prognosis in patients receiving interventional pain management. Identifying risk factors early can enable clinicians to develop personalized treatment plans; however, research in this area is limited. Methods: We retrospectively screened all patients with ZAN who received interventional therapy in the Pain Department of Soochow University First Affiliated Hospital from January 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Data on patient demographics, medical history, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), clinical scoring, and treatment methods were collected. Interventional therapy included short-term nerve electrical stimulation (st-NES), pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF-TC). Patients were categorized into poor prognosis and control groups based on outcomes 3  months postdischarge. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for poor prognosis. Results: The final analysis included 282 patients. The rate of poor prognosis was 32.6% (92/282). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age ≥  65  years (odds ratio, 2.985; 95% confidence interval, 1.449–6.148; p  =  0.003), disease duration >3  months (odds ratio, 3.135; 95% confidence interval, 1.685–5.832; p  <  0.001), head and face pain (odds ratio, 3.140; 95% confidence interval, 1.557–6.330; p  =  0.001), use of immunosuppressants (odds ratio, 2.737; 95% confidence interval, 1.168–6.416; p  =  0.021), higher NLR (odds ratio, 1.454; 95% confidence interval, 1.233–1.715; p  <  0.001), PRF (st-NES as reference) (odds ratio, 2.324; 95% confidence interval, 1.116–4.844; p  =  0.024) and RF-TC (st-NES as reference) (odds ratio, 5.028; 95% confidence interval, 2.139–11.820; p  <  0.001) were found to be independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with ZAN who underwent interventional pain management. Conclusion: Age ≥  65  years (odds ratio, 2.985; 95% confidence interval, 1.449– 6.148; p  =  0.003), disease duration >3  months (odds ratio, 3.135; 95% confidence interval, 1.685–5.832; p  <  0.001), head and face pain (odds ratio, 3.140; 95% confidence interval, 1.557–6.330; p  =  0.001), immunosuppressants use (odds ratio, 2.737; 95% confidence interval, 1.168–6.416; p  =  0.021), higher NLR (odds ratio, 1.454; 95% confidence interval, 1.233–1.715; p  <  0.001), PRF (odds ratio, 2.324; 95% confidence interval, 1.116–4.844; p  =  0.024) and RF-TC (odds ratio, 5.028; 95% confidence interval, 2.139–11.820; p  <  0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with ZAN who underwent interventional pain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic axial low back pain (CLBP) that is not responsive to medication management or physical therapy often requires significant clinical intervention. Several interventional pain management options exist, including a 60-day peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) treatment. This economic evaluation investigated the potential for projected cost savings associated with prioritizing 60-day PNS treatment relative to a 'standard of care' (SOC) approach (where patients do not have access to 60-day PNS). Methods: A decision tree (supervised machine learning) model tracked treatment progression across two hypothetical cohorts of US patients with CLBP in whom non-interventional options were ineffective (Cohort A: treatment starting with 60-day PNS followed by any additional interventional and surgical treatments versus Cohort B: standard of care interventional and surgical treatments without access to 60-day PNS). Treatment efficacy estimates were based on published success rates. Conditional on treatment failure, up to two additional interventions were considered within the 12-month time frame in both cohorts. SOC treatment options included epidural injection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA), PNS permanent implant (PNS-PI), spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trial/implant, and spinal fusion surgery. Treatment choice probabilities in both cohort algorithms were based on clinician interviews. Costs were based on national Medicare reimbursement levels in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting. Savings reflected the difference in projected costs between cohorts. A Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analyses were conducted to generate confidence intervals and identify important inputs. Results: The treatment algorithm which prioritized initial 60-day PNS treatment was projected to save $8056 (95% CI $6112–$9981) per patient during the first year of interventional treatment relative to the SOC approach. Conclusions: Use of the 60-day PNS treatment as an initial interventional treatment in patients with CLBP may result in significant savings for Medicare. Projected savings may be even larger for commercial payers covering non-Medicare patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Chronic axial low back pain (CLBP) that is not responsive to medication management or physical therapy often requires significant clinical intervention. Several interventional pain management options exist, including a 60-day peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) treatment. This economic evaluation investigated the potential for projected cost savings associated with prioritizing 60-day PNS treatment relative to a ‘standard of care’ (SOC) approach (where patients do not have access to 60-day PNS). Methods A decision tree (supervised machine learning) model tracked treatment progression across two hypothetical cohorts of US patients with CLBP in whom non-interventional options were ineffective (Cohort A: treatment starting with 60-day PNS followed by any additional interventional and surgical treatments versus Cohort B: standard of care interventional and surgical treatments without access to 60-day PNS). Treatment efficacy estimates were based on published success rates. Conditional on treatment failure, up to two additional interventions were considered within the 12-month time frame in both cohorts. SOC treatment options included epidural injection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA), PNS permanent implant (PNS-PI), spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trial/implant, and spinal fusion surgery. Treatment choice probabilities in both cohort algorithms were based on clinician interviews. Costs were based on national Medicare reimbursement levels in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting. Savings reflected the difference in projected costs between cohorts. A Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analyses were conducted to generate confidence intervals and identify important inputs. Results The treatment algorithm which prioritized initial 60-day PNS treatment was projected to save $8056 (95% CI $6112–$9981) per patient during the first year of interventional treatment relative to the SOC approach. Conclusions Use of the 60-day PNS treatment as an initial interventional treatment in patients with CLBP may result in significant savings for Medicare. Projected savings may be even larger for commercial payers covering non-Medicare patients.

Introduction: Due to limited access to therapy, 60 million individuals worldwide suffer from chronic pain, with a frequency of 20–25% in some nations. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately affected by this condition. The yearly cost of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease—including medical expenses, lost productivity, and disability programs—is less than that of pain complaints. Pain management techniques, the most recent discoveries in pain research, and the most recent advancements in pain therapy technology can work together to reduce the prevalence of chronic pain and lessen the financial burden that comes with pain syndrome. Objective: To determine the extent to which the latest technological developments in interventional pain management to personalized treatment techniques according to patient complaints and conditions. The scope of technological development here is not only pain intervention techniques but also advances in understanding the pathophysiology of pain, nerve and tissue regeneration, as well as the modalities of technology used for pain interventions. Review: By conducting literature searches including journals, systematic reviews, library surveys, and case reports from the last 10 years on the latest interventional pain management techniques and serial cases. Summary: Many new minimally invasive pain intervention techniques have been developed and used in the treatment of chronic pain within the past 10 years. The necessity for standardization of processes, safety, efficacy, cost, and accessibility to new technology and techniques are among the issues and debates surrounding technical advancements and strategies for managing chronic pain. Intervention pain management techniques have grown in importance as a less intrusive method of treating chronic pain. For optimal outcomes, used in conjunction with other pain management modalities such as medication, physical therapy, cognitive behavioral change therapy, and others.

Midline catheters (MCs) are used to deliver intravenous therapy lasting over 5 days to patients in hospitals. However, the constant development of home and outpatient care is challenging medical teams to provide effective and safe planned therapy to patients under such conditions. We describe the first time an MC was used in outpatient pain management in Poland. A 60-year-old man presented to the Pain Management Clinic with a history of RCC of the left kidney and lumbar back pain radiating to the left knee joint. The person whose case is described below had poor peripheral veins. He intravenously received lidocaine for 10 days via a midline catheter with a good response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional anaesthesia, referred to as regional blocks, is one of the most frequently used methods of anaesthesia for surgery and for pain management. Local anaesthetic drug should be administered as close to the nerve as possible. If administered too far away, this may result in insufficient block. If it is administrated too close, severe nerve damage can occur. Neurostimulation techniques and ultrasound imaging have improved the effectiveness and safety of blockade, but the risk of nerve injury with permanent nerve disfunction has not been eliminated. Intraneural administration of a local anaesthetic damages the nerve mechanically by the needle and the high pressure generated by the drug inside the nerve. In many studies, injection pressure is described as significantly higher for unintended intraneural injections than for perineural ones. In recent years, the concept of combining techniques (neurostimulation + USG imaging + injection pressure monitoring) has emerged as a method increasing safety and efficiency in regional anaesthesia. This study focuses on the contribution of nerve identification methods to improve the safety of peripheral nerve blocks by reducing the risk of neural damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Refractory coccydynia is a condition characterized by severe coccygeal pain and poses a challenging management dilemma for clinicians. Advancements in neuromodulation (NM) technology have provided benefits to people experiencing chronic pain that is resistant to standard treatments. This review aims to summarize the spectrum of current NM techniques employed in the treatment of refractory coccydynia along with their effectiveness. A review of studies in the scientific literature from 2012 to 2023 was conducted, revealing a limited number of case reports. Although the available evidence at this time suggests significant pain relief with the utilization of NM techniques, the limited scope and nature of the studies reviewed emphasize the need for large-scale, rigorous, high-level research in this domain in order to establish a comprehensive understanding of the role of NM and its effectiveness in the management of intractable coccydynia.

Refractory coccydynia is a condition characterized by severe coccygeal pain and poses a challenging management dilemma for clinicians. Advancements in neuromodulation (NM) technology have provided benefits to people experiencing chronic pain that is resistant to standard treatments. This review aims to summarize the spectrum of current NM techniques employed in the treatment of refractory coccydynia along with their effectiveness. A review of studies in the scientific literature from 2012 to 2023 was conducted, revealing a limited number of case reports. Although the available evidence at this time suggests significant pain relief with the utilization of NM techniques, the limited scope and nature of the studies reviewed emphasize the need for large-scale, rigorous, high-level research in this domain in order to establish a comprehensive understanding of the role of NM and its effectiveness in the management of intractable coccydynia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma is the most common primary malignant disease of the spine, which can lead to pathological fractures with consecutive instability and immobilizing pain, due to osseous destruction of individual vertebral bodies. The different surgical care is challenging, although good stabilization should be achieved if possible. The resulting blocking of micro-movements leads to pain minimization. However, this is a symptomatic therapy and does not address the primary disease. In the following, we report on successful transoral balloon kyphoplasty for the treatment of myeloma-related osteolysis with a pathological fracture of vertebral body C2, which led to a significant clinical improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shoulder pain is a medical condition that may affect the well-being and compromise the quality of life of an individual, especially in the elderly. A supraspinatus tear is the most common cause of shoulder pain. Several treatments are available for this problem, such as surgical and conservative treatment. The surgical approach is found to be more efficacious but has a high rate of recurrence. Prolotherapy is one of the novel pain treatment modalities that could provide significant pain relief in musculoskeletal diseases. In this case report, we report a 53-year-old woman, who came to the outpatient clinic complaining of pain in her right shoulder for three months. The pain had been getting worse in the previous seven days, felt continuously throughout the day, and exacerbated when she raised her arm. The physical examination revealed a limited range of motion of active abduction and flexion with a positive drop arm test of the right shoulder. An ultrasound revealed a tear-drop appearance. The patient was treated with interventional pain management using dextrose prolotherapy. After undergoing prolotherapy treatment for three sessions over two months, the patient was declared completely healed from the supraspinatus tear. In conclusion, prolotherapy coupled with an ultrasound-guided procedure appears to be beneficial in alleviating pain and completely healing supraspinatus tears.

Background: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a difficult condition to treat. Due to complex pelvic innervation, dorsal column spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has not been shown to produce the same effect as dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) given emerging evidence suggesting that applying DRGS may result in favorable outcomes for individuals with CPP. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the clinical use and effectiveness of DRGS for patients with CPP. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of clinical studies demonstrating the use of DRGS for CPP. Searches were conducted using four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science) across August and September 2022. Results: A total of nine studies comprising 65 total patients with variable pelvic pain etiologies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of subjects implanted with DRGS reported >50% mean pain reduction at variable times of follow‐up. Secondary outcomes reported throughout studies including quality of life (QOL) and pain medication consumption were reported to be significantly improved. Conclusions: Dorsal root ganglion stimulation for CPP continues to lack supportive evidence from well‐designed, high‐quality studies and recommendations from consensus committee experts. However, we present consistent evidence from level IV studies showing success with the use of DRGS for CPP in reducing pain symptoms along with reports of improved QOL through periods as short as 2 months to as long as 3 years. Because the available studies at this time are of low quality with a high risk of bias, we strongly recommend the facilitation of high‐quality studies with larger sample sizes in order to better ascertain the utility of DRGS for this specific patient population. At the same time, from a clinical perspective, it may be reasonable and appropriate to evaluate patients for DRGS candidacy on a case‐by‐case basis, especially those patients who report CPP symptoms that are refractory to noninterventional measures and who may not be ideal candidates for other forms of neuromodulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The past two decades have witnessed a surge in the use of lumbar facet blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat low back pain (LBP), yet nearly all aspects of the procedures remain controversial. METHODS: After approval by the Board of Directors of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, letters were sent to a dozen pain societies, as well as representatives from the US Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense. A steering committee was convened to select preliminary questions, which were revised by the full committee. Questions were assigned to 4-5 person modules, who worked with the Subcommittee Lead and Committee Chair on preliminary versions, which were sent to the full committee. We used a modified Delphi method, whereby the questions were sent to the committee en bloc and comments were returned in a non-blinded fashion to the Chair, who incorporated the comments and sent out revised versions until consensus was reached. RESULTS: 17 questions were selected for guideline development, with 100% consensus achieved by committee members on all topics. All societies except for one approved every recommendation, with one society dissenting on two questions (number of blocks and cut-off for a positive block before RFA), but approving the document. Specific questions that were addressed included the value of history and physical examination in selecting patients for blocks, the value of imaging in patient selection, whether conservative treatment should be used before injections, whether imaging is necessary for block performance, the diagnostic and prognostic value of medial branch blocks (MBB) and intra-articular (IA) injections, the effects of sedation and injectate volume on validity, whether facet blocks have therapeutic value, what the ideal cut-off value is for a prognostic block, how many blocks should be performed before RFA, how electrodes should be oriented, the evidence for larger lesions, whether stimulation should be used before RFA, ways to mitigate complications, if different standards should be applied to clinical practice and clinical trials and the evidence for repeating RFA (see table 12 for summary). CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar medial branch RFA may provide benefit to well-selected individuals, with MBB being more predictive than IA injections. More stringent selection criteria are likely to improve denervation outcomes, but at the expense of more false-negatives. Clinical trials should be tailored based on objectives, and selection criteria for some may be more stringent than what is ideal in clinical practice.

Interventional management of pain has been described as the 4th step of the WHO analgesic ladder and proves immensely useful for many refractory and resistant pains. Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) can lead to chronic pelvic and perineal pain, which are often refractory to analgesics including strong opioids, and requires centrally acting neuropathic pain medications, along with psychological and behavioral therapies, and may need interventional pain management. Sympathetic nerve blocks are indicated and can be used in management of visceral pain/cancer pain. A patient with cancer may experience pain due to cancer, side effects of its treatment, or a noncancer pathology. They are prone to recurrent infections including urinary tract, respiratory tract, bloodstream infections, among others, which become a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. In this case report, the authors present a case with advanced cancer in whom recurrent UTI led to chronic debilitating perineal pain which was successfully managed with superior hypogastric plexus and ganglion impar block highlighting the potential utility of these underutilized blocks in challenging situations of complex pelvic and perineal pains.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most frequent progressive degenerative joint disease with a 20% prevalence in India. Many patients with knee OA elect to avoid surgery, and others are poor surgical candidates due to medical comorbidities. Aims: This study aimed to determine 3-, 6-, and 12-month clinical outcomes of genicular nerve cooled radiofrequency ablation (CRFA) for the treatment of chronic pain due to primary knee OA. Study Settings and Design: The present study, a single-armed prospective observational study, was conducted in a tertiary care hospital between March 2020 and December 2021. The genicular nerve CRFA treatments were performed in chronic knee OA patients with a radiological grade of 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), or 4 (severe) (Kellgren and Lawrence system) not responding to conservative therapies for at least 6 months. A total of 70 patients were enrolled in the study. Out of this, 62 patients were finally analyzed for the study. Methods: All the patients received procedural sedation and were placed in the supine position on the operating table. Fluoroscopy-guided CRF genicular nerve ablation was performed using anatomic landmarks at superior lateral, superior medial, and inferior medial sites. Further needle position was confirmed by motor and sensory stimulation. Each target was sequentially lesioned for 2 min and 30 s at a set temperature of 60°C. The average procedure duration was 40 min for the index knee. The patient was discharged on the same day. All patients were followed up in person after 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients answered the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire (96 points) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score (0 – no pain and 10 – maximum pain) before the procedure and during each follow-up after treatment. Statistical Analysis: Results were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and ANOVA as appropriate. P >0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average mean baseline pain score was 9.00 (8.41 ± 0.66) and the mean WOMAC score was 80.00 (80.02 ± 6.92). The pain score (NRS) and WOMAC score at 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals after postprocedure follow-up were reduced significantly from the baseline level (P < 0.001). Total 91.93% (57/62) of the patients successfully responded (≥50% improvement from the baseline was a good response) to the treatment according to NRS pain score during 3- and 6-month follow-up visits. Then, it was reduced to 77.41% (48/62) during 12 months of follow-up visits. Similarly, the average median WOMAC score was reduced to 25.00 (28.80 ± 10.82), 25.00 (29.35 ± 11.12), and 34.00 (34.96 ± 11.28) during a subsequent follow-up visit at 3, 6, and 12 months. Hence, the response to the cooled radiofrequency treatment was good (≥50% improvement) throughout the study period of 12 months according to the NRS pain score and the global subjective improvement score (WOMAC score). There were a few 11 (17.74%) minor complications, e.g. mild swelling and pain were reported in the immediate postprocedure period. Moreover, only 4 (6.45%) patients had late complication as hypoesthesia over shin bone in our study. Conclusions: CRFA of the genicular nerve in chronic knee OA provides long-term pain relief and improved function for at least a 12-month duration without any significant complications.

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is an entity derived from peripheral nerve damage that occurs during the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), which manifests itself through pain with neuropathic characteristics. This can prove to be very difficult to manage in the chronic stages of disease reappearance. There currently exists a multitude of treatment alternatives for PHN, however, prevention through the early initiation of antiviral regimens is vital. There are various pharmacological options available, but it is important to individualize each patient to maximize efficacy and minimize adverse effects. Interventional procedures have become a cornerstone in difficult-to-manage cases, and have shown promising outcomes when used in a multimodal approach by experienced specialists. It is necessary to make an objective diagnosis of PHN and start early treatment. Additionally there is current evidence that vouches for interventional therapies as well as individualization, with a clear establishment of therapeutic objectives according to the needs of each patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interventional management of pain has been described as the 4th step of the WHO analgesic ladder and proves immensely useful for many refractory and resistant pains. Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) can lead to chronic pelvic and perineal pain, which are often refractory to analgesics including strong opioids, and requires centrally acting neuropathic pain medications, along with psychological and behavioral therapies, and may need interventional pain management. Sympathetic nerve blocks are indicated and can be used in management of visceral pain/cancer pain. A patient with cancer may experience pain due to cancer, side effects of its treatment, or a noncancer pathology. They are prone to recurrent infections including urinary tract, respiratory tract, bloodstream infections, among others, which become a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. In this case report, the authors present a case with advanced cancer in whom recurrent UTI led to chronic debilitating perineal pain which was successfully managed with superior hypogastric plexus and ganglion impar block highlighting the potential utility of these underutilized blocks in challenging situations of complex pelvic and perineal pains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pain Research / Ból is the property of Index Copernicus International and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Chelsey M Hoffmann,1 Ryan S D’Souza,1 Jonathan M Hagedorn2 1Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; 2Department of Pain Medicine, iSpine Pain Physicians, Maple Grove, MN, USACorrespondence: Chelsey M Hoffmann, Tel +1 507-422-6378, Fax +1 507-266-7732, Email Hoffmann.chelsey@mayo.eduObjective: To describe the team approach of an interventional pain management practice, with particular emphasis on advanced practice providers (APPs), in the selection, education, care, and management of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) patients.Materials and Methods: We devised an APP guide to PNS based on an in-depth search of multiple databases for studies on neuromodulation, pain management, and APPs.Results: Of 65 articles captured in the search strategy, three articles were pertinent to the topic of APP involvement in neuromodulation. More specifically, only one of the three publications on neuromodulation discussed APP involvement in PNS. This single publication was from 1995 and focused on electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion using a permanent percutaneously placed electrode.Conclusion: PNS is growing in clinical indication and use for both acute and chronic pain conditions. With the increasing need for APPs in both general and specialty medicine, it is imperative that APPs are well educated on PNS. Here, we have outlined ways in which APPs can optimize the care of PNS patients and how the skillset of the APP in a PNS practice can potentially improve patient outcomes.Keywords: advanced practice provider, peripheral nerve stimulation, interventional pain management, nurse practitioner, physician assistant

Shoulder arthroplasty is a successful surgical procedure for several conditions when patients become refractory to conservative management modalities. Unfortunately, some patients experience persistent chronic pain after shoulder arthroplasty. These individuals should undergo a comprehensive evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon to determine whether structural pathology is responsible for the pain and to decide whether reoperation is indicated. At times, a surgical solution does not exist. In these circumstances, a thorough and specific plan for the management of persistent chronic pain should be developed and instituted. In this article, we review common reasons for persistent pain after shoulder arthroplasty and outline the evaluation of the painful shoulder arthroplasty. We then provide a thorough review of interventional pain management strategies. Finally, we hypothesize developments in our field that might provide better outcomes in the future for patients suffering with chronic intractable pain after shoulder arthroplasty.

Copyright of Pain Research / Ból is the property of Index Copernicus International and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most frequent progressive degenerative joint disease with a 20% prevalence in India. Many patients with knee OA elect to avoid surgery, and others are poor surgical candidates due to medical comorbidities. Aims: This study aimed to determine 3-, 6-, and 12-month clinical outcomes of genicular nerve cooled radiofrequency ablation (CRFA) for the treatment of chronic pain due to primary knee OA. Study Settings and Design: The present study, a single-armed prospective observational study, was conducted in a tertiary care hospital between March 2020 and December 2021. The genicular nerve CRFA treatments were performed in chronic knee OA patients with a radiological grade of 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), or 4 (severe) (Kellgren and Lawrence system) not responding to conservative therapies for at least 6 months. A total of 70 patients were enrolled in the study. Out of this, 62 patients were finally analyzed for the study. Methods: All the patients received procedural sedation and were placed in the supine position on the operating table. Fluoroscopy-guided CRF genicular nerve ablation was performed using anatomic landmarks at superior lateral, superior medial, and inferior medial sites. Further needle position was confirmed by motor and sensory stimulation. Each target was sequentially lesioned for 2 min and 30 s at a set temperature of 60°C. The average procedure duration was 40 min for the index knee. The patient was discharged on the same day. All patients were followed up in person after 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients answered the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire (96 points) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score (0 -- no pain and 10 -- maximum pain) before the procedure and during each follow-up after treatment. Statistical Analysis: Results were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and ANOVA as appropriate. P >0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average mean baseline pain score was 9.00 (8.41 ± 0.66) and the mean WOMAC score was 80.00 (80.02 ± 6.92). The pain score (NRS) and WOMAC score at 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals after postprocedure follow-up were reduced significantly from the baseline level (P < 0.001). Total 91.93% (57/62) of the patients successfully responded (≥50% improvement from the baseline was a good response) to the treatment according to NRS pain score during 3- and 6-month follow-up visits. Then, it was reduced to 77.41% (48/62) during 12 months of follow-up visits. Similarly, the average median WOMAC score was reduced to 25.00 (28.80 ± 10.82), 25.00 (29.35 ± 11.12), and 34.00 (34.96 ± 11.28) during a subsequent follow-up visit at 3, 6, and 12 months. Hence, the response to the cooled radiofrequency treatment was good (≥50% improvement) throughout the study period of 12 months according to the NRS pain score and the global subjective improvement score (WOMAC score). There were a few 11 (17.74%) minor complications, e.g. mild swelling and pain were reported in the immediate postprocedure period. Moreover, only 4 (6.45%) patients had late complication as hypoesthesia over shin bone in our study. Conclusions: CRFA of the genicular nerve in chronic knee OA provides long-term pain relief and improved function for at least a 12-month duration without any significant complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of pediatric patients suffering from chronic pain and the best practices for treating this challenging patient population. With newer technologies and therapies emerging for pediatric patients in chronic pain, there are now opportunities to provide comprehensive therapies that lead to long-term improvements in outcomes. The paper discusses alternatives to opioid therapies in order to provide an overview of treatments for pediatric patients with chronic pain. It also explores best practices for opioid management and the newest devices as direct therapies for pediatric chronic pain patients. The paper extensively discusses multidisciplinary clinics, opioid alternatives, and interventions, and includes resources for patients, families, and healthcare providers for further education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exploring factors linked to the outcomes of certain interventional pain management techniques may optimize the selection of candidates for those procedures. Our hypothesis is that factors that influence responses to interventional therapies for chronic low back pain (CLBP) can be identified by analyzing a prospective cohort., Objectives: Our main aim is to identify the factors that may be associated with adult patients' responses to interventional therapies for the treatment of CLBP after 4 weeks of follow-up. Secondary objectives include the development of a predictive model and the establishment of a predictive score., Study Design: The PReTi-Back (Predicting REsponse to interventional Therapies In chronic BACK pain) study is an observational prospective single-center study, employing a nonprobability-sampling method., Setting: Our population consists of adult outpatients with CLBP in a chronic pain unit of a tertiary hospital. The procedures we evaluated included epidural steroid injections, medial branch blocks and denervations, dorsal root ganglion blocks, and pulsed radiofrequency., Methods: Ratings on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were measured at the baseline and after 4 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome of the study was composite and was evaluated at 4 weeks. A positive response to an intervention was defined as the simultaneous occurrence of a decrease of at least 2 points in the NPRS score and a decrease of at least 20% in the ODI score. A predictive model was constructed using logistic regression analysis, which incorporated 14 variables selected in advance. A predictive score was developed based on the odds ratios of the model variables., Results: Four hundred patients were recruited. Of these patients, 368 completed follow-up, 49 were excluded, and 319 were included in the analysis. The interventional therapies provided a positive response to 85 patients (26.6%) at 4 weeks. Listhesis, radicular compression, and satisfaction with previous interventional therapies were positively associated with the positive response, and their ORs were close to 2. Meanwhile, obesity and persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2 (PSPS-2) had negative associations with the outcome, presenting ORs close to 0.5. The models were statistically significant and exhibited satisfactory goodness of fit. The area under the curve was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.60-0.74). Both models exhibited low sensitivity but high specificity. The synthesis of the prediction score had little impact on its discriminatory capacity., Limitations: The subgroup analysis revealed that both listhesis and radicular compression were associated with the response to epidural therapies but not with the response to medial branch therapies. The score was efficient in ruling out those who would not benefit from intervention (scores of 0 or one), but its main limitation was that it was less effective in identifying those who might respond favorably (scores ≥ 2)., Conclusions: Patients satisfied with previously performed interventional therapies or who exhibit findings of radicular compression or listhesis on imaging show approximately twice the likelihood of experiencing a positive response to short-term IMPT than do patients without those characteristics. Patients who are obese or have PSPS-2 exhibit approximately a 50% lower likelihood of short-term response than do patients without these conditions.

Background: Numerous studies have highlighted the escalating costs associated with managing low back and neck pain, as well as other musculoskeletal disorders. In the past, there was a notable increase in the use of interventional techniques to address these disorders. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted various chronic pain treatment approaches, including interventional procedures and opioid use, following a broader trend of reduced healthcare services. Consequently, there was an 18.7% decline in the use of interventional techniques per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries between 2019 and 2020, a stark contrast to the previous growth patterns, despite some initial declines observed starting in 2017., Objectives: This analysis aims to provide an updated evaluation of the utilization of interventional techniques for chronic pain management in the U.S. Medicare population., Study Design: A retrospective cohort study examining utilization patterns and factors affecting interventional techniques for chronic pain management in the FFS Medicare population in the United States from 2000 to 2022., Methods: Data for this analysis was obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) master database, specifically the physician/supplier procedure summary, spanning the years 2000 to 2022., Results: This retrospective cohort study found that the rate of interventional pain management services per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries showed a cumulative decline between 2019 and 2022 of 28.9%, with an annual decrease of 10.7%. This contrasts sharply with the 2010-2019 period, which saw a small annual decline of 0.4%. Particularly significant was the sharp reduction of 18.7% from 2019 to 2020, coinciding with the pandemic. From 2020 to 2021, the decline slowed to 1.1%, before accelerating again with an 11.5% drop between 2021 and 2022., Limitations: Data were available only through 2022 and were limited to the FFS Medicare population; utilization patterns for Medicare Advantage Plans, which accounted for nearly 50% of Medicare enrollment in 2022, were not included. Additionally, this analysis shares the inherent limitations of all retrospective reviews based on claims data., Conclusion: This retrospective analysis demonstrates a significant reduction in the use of interventional pain management techniques from 2019 to 2022. Contributing factors to this decline likely include the lasting effects of COVID-19, economic challenges, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and evolving local coverage determination policies.

Background: Zoster-associated neuralgia (ZAN) is recognized as a challenging neuralgia that often leads to poor prognosis in patients receiving interventional pain management. Identifying risk factors early can enable clinicians to develop personalized treatment plans; however, research in this area is limited., Methods: We retrospectively screened all patients with ZAN who received interventional therapy in the Pain Department of Soochow University First Affiliated Hospital from January 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Data on patient demographics, medical history, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), clinical scoring, and treatment methods were collected. Interventional therapy included short-term nerve electrical stimulation (st-NES), pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF-TC). Patients were categorized into poor prognosis and control groups based on outcomes 3 months post-discharge. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for poor prognosis., Results: The final analysis included 282 patients. The rate of poor prognosis was 32.6% (92/282). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age ≥ 65 years (odds ratio, 2.985; 95% confidence interval, 1.449-6.148; p  = 0.003), disease duration >3 months (odds ratio, 3.135; 95% confidence interval, 1.685-5.832; p  < 0.001), head and face pain (odds ratio, 3.140; 95% confidence interval, 1.557-6.330; p  = 0.001), use of immunosuppressants (odds ratio, 2.737; 95% confidence interval, 1.168-6.416; p  = 0.021), higher NLR (odds ratio, 1.454; 95% confidence interval, 1.233-1.715; p  < 0.001), PRF (st-NES as reference) (odds ratio, 2.324; 95% confidence interval, 1.116-4.844; p  = 0.024) and RF-TC (st-NES as reference) (odds ratio, 5.028; 95% confidence interval, 2.139-11.820; p  < 0.001) were found to be independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with ZAN who underwent interventional pain management., Conclusion: Age ≥ 65 years (odds ratio, 2.985; 95% confidence interval, 1.449-6.148; p  = 0.003), disease duration >3 months (odds ratio, 3.135; 95% confidence interval, 1.685-5.832; p  < 0.001), head and face pain (odds ratio, 3.140; 95% confidence interval, 1.557-6.330; p  = 0.001), immunosuppressants use (odds ratio, 2.737; 95% confidence interval, 1.168-6.416; p  = 0.021), higher NLR (odds ratio, 1.454; 95% confidence interval, 1.233-1.715; p  < 0.001), PRF (odds ratio, 2.324; 95% confidence interval, 1.116-4.844; p  = 0.024) and RF-TC (odds ratio, 5.028; 95% confidence interval, 2.139-11.820; p  < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with ZAN who underwent interventional pain management., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Yuan, Yu, Liu, Xu, Li and Jin.)

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic neuropathic pain condition affecting one or more divisions of the fifth cranial (trigeminal) nerve. TN is defined by recurrent unilateral electric shock-like pain that is abrupt in both onset and termination. The pain is triggered by innocuous sensory stimuli and is classified as either classic TN, related to vascular compression; secondary TN, due to a tumor along the trigeminal nerve or an underlying disease like multiple sclerosis; or idiopathic TN. Among the various therapies available for TN, carbamazepine remains the first-line treatment. Newer medications have demonstrated efficacy in patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate carbamazepine. When medical management and neuroablative procedures fail, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) serves as a promising and popular option, with an estimated 34,000 SCS procedures performed annually worldwide. SCS employs the implantation of electrical leads in the epidural space to manage pain. Purpose of Review: A review of literature was conducted to explore the use of cervical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Methods: A MEDLINE/PubMed search using the search terms "spinal cord stimulation" and "trigeminal neuralgia" was employed to find any case reports and research studies (retrospective studies, double-blinded studies, observational studies) on the topic. No date limiters were used for the search. The initial search resulted in 76 non-duplicate entries from the database. After application of the search criteria, 58 studies were excluded because they were not relevant to the study. A further detailed review of the included articles was conducted by all the reviewers. During this phase of the review, additional 6 studies were excluded. A total of 11 studies were included: 7 case reports and 4 retrospective review studies. Recent Findings: In the review, we discuss 7 different case reports on the use of cervical SCS for trigeminal neuralgia and an additional 4 retrospective studies reviewing outcomes and pain relief in patients who underwent treatment. The case reports and retrospective studies reviewed demonstrated that TN patients realized > 50% pain relief following permanent electrode implantation. In all the cases discussed, complications from SCS were rare and/or not reported. Additionally, most of the cases report that patients who had adequate pain relief from SCS were able to wean off, or significantly reduce, oral medications given the vast improvement in pain reduction. Conclusions: Cervical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a safe and effective procedure for patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) who have refractory pain despite the use of medications. In many cases, the procedure provides an adequate level of pain relief with very few complications or side effects. The vast majority of current research on the use of cervical SCS for TN currently consists of case reports and retrospective analysis. In order to further evaluate the efficacy of SCS for treatment, large-scale randomized controlled studies or observational studies need to be conducted to properly evaluate SCS as a treatment modality for trigeminal neuralgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this literature review is to describe the role of acupuncture for myofascial pain syndrome in interventional pain management. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) can be found at all ages. Approximately 30.0–93.0% of patients with musculoskeletal pain have MPS. Unsuccessful treatment can lead to dysfunction, disability, and a cost burden. We conducted a search of studies published in Google Scholar and PubMed databases from 2016 to 2021. Acupuncture, combined with other therapies, is effective in reducing pain and improving physical function. Acupuncture can enhance endogenous opioids such as endorphins to relieve pain and enhance the healing process. Acupuncture could be considered as one of nonpharmacological options in Interventional Pain Management for MPS. Interventions with acupuncture are safe and have minimal side effects when performed by a trained and competent practitioner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Interventional management of neuropathic pain (NP) is available to the patients who do not obtain satisfactory pain relief with pharmacotherapy. Evidence supporting this is sparse and fragmented. We attempted to summarize and critically appraise the existing data to identify strategies that yield the greatest benefit, guide clinicians, and identify areas that merit further investigation. Material and Methods: A two-round Delphi survey that involved pain clinic specialists with experience in the research and management of NP was done over an ad hoc 26-item questionnaire made by the authors. Consensus on each statement was defined as either at least 80% endorsement or rejection after the 2nd round. Results: Thirty-five and 29 panelists participated in the 1st and 2nd round, respectively. Consensus was reached in 20 out of 26 statements. There is sufficient basis to treat postherpetic neuralgias and complex regional pain syndromes with progressive levels of invasiveness and failed back surgery syndrome with neuromodulation. Radiculopathies and localized NP can be treated with peripheral blocks, neuromodulation, or pulsed radiofrequency. Non-ablative radiofrequency and non-paresthetic neuromodulation are efficacious and better tolerated than ablative and suprathreshold procedures. Conclusions: A graded approach, from least to most invasive interventions has the potential to improve outcomes in many patients with common refractory NP conditions. Preliminary promising data warrant further research on new indications, and technical advances might enhance the safety and efficacy of current and future therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current treatments for chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA), a disabling and costly healthcare condition in the United States, vary in their level of supporting evidence. Although total knee replacement is one of the best-supported interventions, its associated risks should not be taken lightly, especially in older patients with comorbidities. Genicular nerve block with subsequent genicular nerve radiofrequency neurotomy (GN-RFN) has emerged as a promising intervention for refractory pain in knee OA. Purposes/Questions: We sought to assess the pain and functional outcomes of genicular nerve bipolar radiofrequency neurotomy (B-RFN) for the treatment of chronic pain due to knee OA. Methods: A total of 21 patients who underwent unilateral genicular nerve B-RFN after positive diagnostic genicular nerve block (50% or greater pain relief) treated between July 2018 to December 2018 were included. Pain numeric rating scale (NRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months post-B-RFN. Changes at each time point were compared to baseline scores using paired sample t tests. Results: At 3 months, 62% of patients had a greater than 50% improvement in NRS scores and 57% of patients had a greater than 50% improvement in WOMAC scores. At 6 months, 81% of patients had a greater than 50% improvement in NRS scores and 67% had a greater than 50% improvement in WOMAC scores. The absolute change in mean NRS (± standard deviation) at 6 months went from 7.5 ± 1.9 to 2.5 ± 1.2. The absolute change in mean WOMAC scores at 6 months went from 46.9 ± 8.0 to 19.0 ± 6.2. Conclusion: Of 21 patients, 14 (67%) saw greater than 50% improvements in both NRS and WOMAC scores at 6 months after genicular nerve B-RFN. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the selection criteria of patients most likely to benefit from this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Percutaneous thermal ablation is an effective, minimally invasive means of treating a variety of focal benign and malignant osseous lesions. To determine the role of ablation in individual cases, multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion is required to assess the suitability and feasibility of a thermal ablative approach, to select the most appropriate technique and to set the goals of treatment i.e. curative or palliative. Purpose: This document will presume the indication for treatment is clear and approved by the MDT and will define the standards required for the performance of each modality. CIRSE Standards of Practice documents are not intended to impose a standard of clinical patient care, but recommend a reasonable approach to, and best practices for, the performance of thermal ablation of bone tumours. Methods: The writing group was established by the CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee and consisted of five clinicians with internationally recognised expertise in thermal ablation of bone tumours. The writing group reviewed the existing literature on thermal ablation of bone tumours, performing a pragmatic evidence search using PubMed to search for publications in English and relating to human subjects from 2009 to 2019. Selected studies published in 2020 and 2021 during the course of writing these standards were subsequently included. The final recommendations were formulated through consensus. Results: Recommendations were produced for the performance of thermal ablation of bone tumours taking into account the biologic behaviour of the tumour and the therapeutic intent of the procedure. Recommendations are provided based on lesion characteristics and thermal modality, for the use of tissue monitoring and protection, and for the appropriately timed application of adjunctive procedures such as osseus consolidation and transarterial embolisation. Results: Percutaneous thermal ablation has an established role in the successful management of bone lesions, with both curative and palliative intent. This Standards of Practice document provides up-to-date recommendations for the safe performance of thermal ablation of bone tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The WHO analgesic ladder (1986) has recommended certain oral analgesics vis-a-vis intensity of cancer pain for optimum relief as a practical doctrine, easy to implement, and taught extensively to healthcare professionals globally. However, the WHO approach despite been implemented appropriately and aggressively in the last three decades, 10%–20% of patients may not achieve acceptable pain relief. There is a refractory group of patients which is considered for interventional pain management; however, reserving this modality as a last resort is questioned by interventional protagonists. It is anticipated that the general understanding of interventional approach on cancer pain relief may not only expedite pain relief but should also consider all potential therapeutic options. Interventional physicians, mainly anesthesiologists, have a well-defined and beneficial role in the treatment of cancer pain, if patients are appropriately selected with various cancer pain syndromes. Pain physicians should successfully optimize outcomes depends on timely referral with adequate assessment and patient selection. Pain physicians have a complex role. Managing expectations of referring physicians, of patients, and family members, assuring adequacy of interventional care is not an easy task. An experienced, skilled interventionist who is well versed in not only techniques of procedure but side effects management, if any, will assume full responsibility for pre- and postintervention evaluation and follow-up care as indicated by the circumstances of each patient to be managed.

Purpose of Review: Sedation for pain medicine procedures provides a unique challenge for proceduralists. Many patients dealing with pain are on chronic opioids and require higher doses of sedation for adequate procedural comfort. Chronic pain patients have various comorbidities including depression, neuropsychiatric disorders, peripheral vascular disease, and renal impairment, among others [1]. These confounding variables make the overall treatment of their pain condition much more challenging. Recent Findings: For patients requiring intravenous (IV) sedation for their pain procedures, the constant need for access may render them a "difficult stick" over time. Another factor to consider is the increasing requirements by the hospital system needing IV sedatives and analgesics in the intensive care unit and operating rooms during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Summary: Sublingual sufentanil (SST) provides an excellent analgesic option for patients undergoing interventional pain procedures. The use of SST allows hospitals to preserve IV agents for more critical areas and mitigates the difficulty of obtaining IV access in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chronic pain management during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a challenging process, especially with growing evidence that COVID-19 infection is associated with myalgias, referred pain, and widespread hyperalgesia. In light of the limited data available for COVID-19-related impact on chronic pain patients, this review explores the changes in the healthcare delivery system due to social distancing and safety precautions to provide the appropriate management of chronic pain patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding both the general problems facing chronic pain patients as well as specific problems in the COVID-19 era including deconditioning, increased mental health concerns, financial burdens, and potential for medication-induced immune-suppression is vital in the appropriate management of patients. Telemedicine, the practice of caring for patients remotely when the provider and patient are not physically present with each other, is becoming increasingly used and recognized as a valuable tool to both health care providers and patients. This paper concentrates on the proper utilization of the available resources to help patients with the most severe conditions as well as the most vulnerable group. COVID-19 may be associated with a profound effect on both the health care system and patients with chronic pain. As a result, delaying, or stopping, treatment for chronic pain patients will have negative consequences, and strong pain evaluations must be administered to triage patients appropriately. Recent recommendations for the safe use of non-opioid analgesics, opioid analgesics, and interventional pain management procedures are vital to know and understand specifically during the pandemic era. Further researches are needed to identify the advance planning and rapid responses to reduce the impact of the pandemic.