Hip chronic pain: ultrasound guided ablation of anterior articular branches plus posterior neurolysis of the nerve to the quadratus femoris versus the alone anterior approach-a retrospective observational study

Endoscopic obturator nerve radiofrequency ablation for femoral head necrosis: a case series

BACKGROUND

This pilot case series evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of using endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the articular branch of the anterior obturator nerve under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance for controlling pain in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

METHODS

Data on 11 consecutive patients were collected with ONFH underwent endoscopic RFA of the anterior obturator nerve. Electromyography (EMG) examination was performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, and analgesic usage were recorded preoperatively, on the day of surgery, and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The study included 5 males and 6 females, aged 45 to 91 years (mean age: 70.4 ± 14.6 years), with an average BMI of 29.5. All patients completed a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. Postoperative EMG showed no muscle damage. VAS and WOMAC scores demonstrated significant improvement, with reduced pain, stiffness, and improved hip function. Oral analgesic use also decreased.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic RFA of the anterior obturator nerve effectively reduces pain and improves function in ONFH patients over 6 months. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term outcomes.

A Review of the Application of Myofascial Release Therapy in the Treatment of Diseases

Myofascial release (MFR) therapy is widely used in clinical practice to treat various musculoskeletal and pain-related conditions. However, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews that systematically evaluate its effectiveness across different medical conditions, leading to inconsistent applications and understanding of its therapeutic potential. This review aims to synthesize the current applications of myofascial release therapy in the treatment of various diseases, highlighting its efficacy and identifying areas where further research is needed. The review covers the application of myofascial release therapy in conditions such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, post-surgical recovery, and neurological disorders. It evaluates the outcomes of existing studies, identifies gaps in the literature, and discusses the mechanisms through which myofascial release exerts its effects. Additionally, the review provides insights into the limitations of current research and suggests directions for future studies to enhance the clinical application of myofascial release therapy.