Ultrasound practice for chronic pain procedures: A comprehensive review

Erector spinae plane block versus local infiltration anaesthesia for transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic discectomy: A prospective randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Around 60%-80% of the population suffers from back pain, making it one of the most common health complaints. Transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (TPED) is an effective treatment for low back pain that can be performed using different anaesthesia techniques. Our primary objective was to test the hypothesis that bilateral Erector spinae plane block (ESP) plus sedation is equally effective as traditional local infiltration anaesthesia plus sedation in TPED.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-two patients undergoing TPED were randomly assigned to 2 groups: G1 - intravenous sedation with local infiltration anaesthesia; G2 - intravenous sedation with bilateral ESP.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

volume of fentanyl and propofol administered during surgery.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

adverse events during sedation reported using the World Society of Intravenous Anaesthesia (SIVA) adverse sedation event tool, level of postoperative sedation measured on the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), intensity of postoperative pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS), mechanical pain threshold (MPT) measured with von Frey monofilaments on both lower extremities, patient satisfaction with analgesia on 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

Volume of fentanyl, propofol, and level of postoperative sedation was significantly lower in G2 (p < 0.001). There was no difference between groups in intensity of pain, patient satisfaction with analgesia, and mechanical pain threshold after surgery. There were no adverse events in G2, but in G1 2 patients presented minimal risk descriptors, 5 presented minor risk descriptors, and 1 presented sentinel risk descriptors that required additional medication or rescue ventilation.

CONCLUSIONS

The ESP was equal to local infiltration anaesthesia in terms of intensity of pain, mechanical pain threshold after surgery, and patient satisfaction; however, ESP reduced the volume of intraoperative fentanyl and propofol, thereby reducing the adverse effects of sedation.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound as a Motivator for Selecting a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program in the United States: A Multicenter Survey Study

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the influence of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) curriculum on applicants during the residency-selection process. A survey of 666 applicants for the Johns Hopkins University, Mayo Clinic, and Harvard/Spaulding Rehabilitation Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation programs was conducted in June 2020. A total of 180 respondents scored the influence of a MSKUS curriculum on their decision making for residency selection. In addition, applicants were asked to rank specific areas of physical medicine and rehabilitation that influenced their decision making. Participants most commonly included MSKUS in their top three areas of interest when constructing their rank order list. When asked whether MSKUS presence within a program had an effect during the interview-selection process, 71% responded with "very important" or "absolutely essential" (P < 0.001). For 74% of applicants, exposure to MSKUS in residency was an important factor when creating their rank order list (P < 0.001). More than 92% of applicants stated that they are "likely" or "very likely" to use MSKUS in their future practice and 83% would recommend a program with MSKUS to future candidates (P < 0.001). Based on these results, a large percentage of physical medicine and rehabilitation applicants intend on using MSKUS in their future practice. Therefore, MSKUS may be an important factor for residency selection.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: Two Cases of Intractable Neuropathic Pain

Introduction

Neuropathic pain can be caused by several pathologies affecting the nervous system. Peripheral neuralgias may be related to nerve entrapment, traumatic or iatrogenic events, and may also accompany many other diseases. Peripheral nerve stimulation is effective in treating many of these neuralgic syndromes.

Case Presentation

We treated two patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain of peripheral origin with the implantation of a Bioness (Valencia CA, USA) StimRouter® peripheral nerve stimulation system with follow-up visits at 1 - 3 - 6 - 12 months.

Conclusions

PNS performed with the StimRouter® system, implanted percutaneously under ultrasound guidance, is safe and effective for patients.