Influence of resident involvement on fluoroscopy time and ionizing radiation exposure in fluoroscopy-guided spinal procedures.

BACKGROUND: Fluoroscopic guidance has become the standard for a variety of medical procedures. Mastering these techniques requires practice, which may entail additional radiation for patients and providers. Despite their widespread use, the literature examining factors influencing radiation exposure in fluoroscopically guided pain procedures is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of resident involvement on radiation exposure during fluoroscopy-guided spinal interventions. DESIGN: Single-center, observational study. SETTING: Outpatient physiatry clinic in a teaching hospital. PATIENTS: All patients who received cervical or lumbar facet block(s) (FBs), transforaminal epidural steroid injection(s) (TFESIs) without digital subtraction, or a caudal epidural (CE) during the study period were included. INTERVENTIONS: Resident involvement in the procedures: absent, observing, or participating. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Machine-indicated fluoroscopy time (seconds) and radiation dose (milligrays [mGy]). RESULTS: Two hundred ninety six procedures were included: 188 FBs (58 cervical, 130 lumbar), 48 CEs, and 60 TFESIs. For lumbar FBs, fluoroscopy time and radiation dose increased significantly when residents performed them (meantime = 24.5 s, confidence interval [CI] = 20.4-28.7; meandose = 3.53 mGy, CI = 2.57-4.49) compared to when they observed (meantime = 9.9 s, CI = 8.1-11.7; meandose = 1.28 mGy, CI = 0.98-1.59) (mean difference: time = 14.63 s, CI = 9.31-19.94; dose = 2.25 mGy, CI = 1.17-3.33) and were absent during the procedure (meantime = 12.9 s, CI = 11.1-14.6; meandose = 1.65 mGy, CI = 1.40-1.89) (mean difference: time = 11.67 s, CI = 7.35-15.98; dose = 1.88 mGy, CI = 1.01-2.76). In the case of TFESIs, time, but not dose, increased significantly when residents observed (meantime = 39.1 s, CI = 30.7-47.6; meandose = 6.73 mGy, CI = 3.39-10.07) compared to when they were absent (meantime = 27.1 s, CI = 22.4-31.8; meandose = 4.41 mGy, CI = 3.06-5.76 (mean difference: time = 11.99 s, CI = 1.37-22.61; dose = 2.32 mGy, CI = -1.20-5.84). Finally, resident involvement did not significantly affect the outcomes for CEs (ptime = .032, pdose = .74) and cervical FBs (ptime = .64, pdose = .68). CONCLUSION: Resident participation affected lumbar FBs the most, with an increase in both fluoroscopy time and radiation dose.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Systemic Adverse Effects and Complications of Ultrasound- and Fluoroscopy-Guided Glucocorticoid Injections: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study are to assess the incidence of systemic adverse effects and complications of ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopy-guided glucocorticoid injections and to identify associated risk factors. DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study compared participants who received a glucocorticoid injection at the outpatient clinic and participants who had an appointment but did not receive a glucocorticoid injection. Participants were called to verify whether they had experienced any of the predetermined systemic adverse effects and complications. Multiple binary logistic regression was used to identify systemic adverse effect and complication risk factors. RESULTS: There were 1010 participants in the glucocorticoid injection group and 328 in the nonglucocorticoid injection group. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of systemic infection and decompensated heart failure between the two groups. More participants in the glucocorticoid injection group developed abnormal uterine bleeding and erectile dysfunction, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Female participants were 1.9 times more likely to develop systemic adverse effects ( P < 0.001). Younger age ( P < 0.001), diabetes ( P = 0.012), and higher glucocorticoid injection doses ( P = 0.024) were also associated with an increased risk of developing systemic adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Identified risk factors for developing glucocorticoid injection systemic adverse effects were younger age, female sex, diabetes, tobacco use, and high glucocorticoid injection doses.

A small painful neuroma of the transverse cervical nerve treated with pulsed radiofrequency: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is a common complaint seen amongst patients from all ages. When common causes of neck pain have been ruled out, it is important to investigate further. A careful physical exam can help identify the painful structures. An ultrasound of the area can also be helpful to identify possible structures involved. Neuromas can be treated with oral medications as well as more invasive techniques, such as pulsed radiofrequency (PRF). CASE DESCRIPTION: In this case report, we discuss a 67-year-old female who presented with left anterior neck pain after developing a cervical mass who was later diagnosed as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A small neuroma of the left transverse cervical nerve was found on ultrasound and ultimately was treated with PRF with a complete resolution of her symptoms at two months follow-up. CONCLUSION: PRF seems to be a useful tool for controlling neuropathic pain caused by a neuroma.

Effectiveness of transcranial alternating current stimulation for controlling chronic pain: a systematic review.

Background: Chronic pain is common, disruptive, and often treatment-resistant. Hence, researchers and clinicians seek alternative therapies for chronic pain. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is an emerging neuromodulation technique that non-invasively modulates neural oscillations in the human brain. tACS induces pain relief by allowing the neural network to restore adequate synchronization. We reviewed studies on the effectiveness of tACS in controlling chronic pain. Methods: The PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant studies published until December 6, 2023. The key search phrase for identifying potentially relevant articles was [(Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation OR tACS) AND pain]. The following inclusion criteria were applied for article selection: (1) studies involving patients with chronic pain; (2) tACS was applied for controlling pain; and (3) follow-up evaluations were performed to assess the degree of pain reduction after the application of tACS. Results: We identified 2,330 potentially relevant articles. After reading the titles and abstracts and assessing eligibility based on the full-text articles, we included four articles in our review. Among the included studies, tACS was used for fibromyalgia in one study, low back pain (LBP) in two studies, and migraine in one study. In the study on fibromyalgia, it did not show a better pain-reducing effect of tACS compared with sham stimulation. Two studies on LBP showed conflicting results. In migraine, tACS showed a positive pain-reducing effect 24-48 h after its application. Conclusion: There is insufficient research to draw a conclusive judgment on the effectiveness of tACS in controlling chronic pain. More studies across various chronic pain-related diseases are required for a definitive conclusion.

Neuropathic pain due to compression of cervical medial branch by cervical Juxtafacet cyst: A case report.

In the current report, we describe an interesting case of cervical juxtafacet that developed outside the intervertebral foramen, compressing the cervical medial branch and causing neuropathic pain in the posterior inferior neck pain. A 61-year-old woman visited a local pain clinic due to neuropathic pain with a tingling and burning nature (numeric rating scale [NRS]: 5 out of 10) on the left posterior inferior neck area for 4 months. Paresthesia was observed in the left posterior inferior neck area. On cervical radiography, segmental instability was observed at the C3-4 and C4-5 levels. Moreover, on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine, a cyst (size: 1.3 cm × 0.7 cm × 1 cm) was outside the intervertebral foramen, contacting the left C4-5 facet joint and left C5 articular pillar. We thought that the compression of the left C5 medial branch by the cyst could cause the patient's pain. We conducted computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous needle aspiration of a cervical juxtafacet cyst. An 18-gauge needle was advanced under the guidance of CT into the largest portion of the cyst through a posterolateral oblique approach. Gelatinous mucoid fluid (approximately 0.5 cc) was aspirated. Immediately after the aspiration, 80% of the patient's pain was disappeared, and dysesthesia was completely disappeared. At the 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups, the patient reported slight pain (NRS: 1) on the left posterior inferior neck. Cervical juxtafacet cysts can develop outside of the intervertebral foramen and spinal canal. Percutaneous needle aspiration can be a useful therapeutic tool for the treatment of such cysts.

Deep vein thrombosis of the common iliac vein caused by neurogenic heterotopic ossification in the anterior lower lumbar spine of a patient with complete paraplegia due to radiation-induced myelopathy.

Context: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a frequent complication of spinal cord injury, is occasionally caused by neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO). In most cases of NHO, the hip joint is affected. Herein, we present a case of paraplegia following radiation-induced myelopathy that presented with left leg swelling due to DVT in the common iliac vein (CIV) caused by venous compression by NHO on the anterior lower lumbar spine.Findings: A 28-year-old man with complete paraplegia due to radiation-induced myelopathy presented with left lower extremity swelling 6 years after the onset of paraplegia. DVT in the left CIV was observed on computed tomography venography. The left CIV was significantly compressed between the NHO at the anterior longitudinal ligament of the lumbar spine and the right common iliac artery, suggestive of May-Thurner syndrome. Slightly distal to that compressed area, the left CIV was significantly compressed by the large NHO at the anterior longitudinal ligament of the lumbar spine.Conclusions: We believe that such compression of the left CIV would have contributed to the development of DVT. This case shows that DVT might be caused by NHO at the anterior aspect of the lumbar vertebral body, and this may help clinicians identify the main cause of DVT in the leg.

Association between Chronic Pain and Alterations in the Mesolimbic Dopaminergic System.

Chronic pain (pain lasting for >3 months) decreases patient quality of life and even occupational abilities. It can be controlled by treatment, but often persists even after management. To properly control pain, its underlying mechanisms must be determined. This review outlines the role of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system in chronic pain. The mesolimbic system, a neural circuit, delivers dopamine from the ventral tegmental area to neural structures such as the nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and amygdala. It controls executive, affective, and motivational functions. Chronic pain patients suffer from low dopamine production and delivery in this system. The volumes of structures constituting the mesolimbic system are known to be decreased in such patients. Studies on administration of dopaminergic drugs to control chronic pain, with a focus on increasing low dopamine levels in the mesolimbic system, show that it is effective in patients with Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome, fibromyalgia, dry mouth syndrome, lumbar radicular pain, and chronic back pain. However, very few studies have confirmed these effects, and dopaminergic drugs are not commonly used to treat the various diseases causing chronic pain. Thus, further studies are required to determine the effectiveness of such treatment for chronic pain.

Severe acitretin-induced diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: a case report.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), also known as Forestier-Rotes-Querol disease, is a systemic noninflammatory disease characterized by ossification of the entheses. DISH predominantly affects the spine. Although peripheral involvement is also often reported, it rarely affects patients' function. A 77-year-old man presented to our emergency department because of incapacitating pain and stiffness in the spine and hips. The patient had been diagnosed with biopsy-proven mycosis fungoides 3 years earlier and had been treated with oral acitretin at 25 to 50 mg daily since diagnosis. However, the patient gradually developed a severely limited range of motion in his spine and hips (left > right), significantly impairing his mobility and activities of daily living. Cervical and dorsolumbar radiographs showed extensive ossification along the anterior longitudinal ligament; this finding was compatible with DISH and had not been present in radiographs taken 3 years earlier. Pelvic radiographs showed multiple enthesophytes predominantly around the coxofemoral joints. DISH has been reported as a possible long-term adverse effect of acitretin. Despite optimal conservative treatment, the patient remained severely impaired and thus finally underwent extensive osteophyte excision and total hip replacement on the left side. His acitretin therapy was also stopped to prevent further progression of his DISH.

An Unusual Volar Wrist Mass: Radial Artery Pseudoaneurysm Following Transradial Catheterization.

Arterial pseudoaneurysms can develop secondary to a vessel injury, for example, an arterial line installation. We present a case of an 18-year-old female with mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes syndrome who developed left radial artery and right brachial artery pseudoaneurysms secondary to arterial line placement and repeated blood draws, respectively. The ultrasonographic features of pulsating mass in connection with an artery and the yin-yang sign, combined with the patient's history, allowed accurate diagnosis. She was referred to vascular surgery for definitive treatment.

Intramuscular Ganglion Cyst of the Flexor Hallucis Brevis Secondary to Muscle Tear: A Case Report.

In the current study, we present a case of an intramuscular ganglion cyst in the flexor hallucis brevis muscle (FHB) that arose secondary to a muscle tear. Through this study, we propose a possible aetiology for the development of intramuscular ganglionic cysts. A 50-year-old woman presented with acute pain and swelling over the right mid-plantar area after prolonged kneeling for scrubbing floors. Ultrasonography examination performed at 5 days after the onset of symptoms revealed a partial tear of the right FHB. Follow-up evaluations were conducted, with magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography, at 24 and 54 days after symptom onset. MRI revealed a ganglion cyst in the mid-portion of the FHB without connection to the adjacent joint capsule or tendon sheath. On the ultrasonography examination at 45 days after onset, at the same location where a tear was seen on the initial examination, an anechoic defect in the mid-portion of the FHB was observed, compatible with a ganglion cyst. Given the favourable natural evolution, no aspiration or surgery were performed. The patient was discharged with minimal symptoms. The results suggest that the intramuscular ganglion cyst can develop following a muscle tear.

Accuracy of unguided and ultrasound guided Coracohumeral ligament infiltrations - a feasibility cadaveric case series.

BACKGROUND: Coracohumeral ligament (CHL) thickening, contracture, and fibroplasia have been identified in glenohumeral idiopathic adhesive capsulitis (GHIAC). The CHL is the main structure responsible for the range of motion limitations. Favorable outcomes have been reported with CHL surgical release. Intra-articular glenohumeral joint corticosteroid infiltrations are utilized to disrupt the inflammatory process and reduce pain in GHIAC. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the CHL could be accurately targeted with a periligamentous infiltration. METHODS: A convenience sample of 12 unembalmed cadaver shoulders (mean age: 74.5 years, range 66-87 years) without evidence of previous injury or surgery were utilized in this exploratory double factor feasibility cadaveric (unguided and ultrasound (US) guided) case series. Two clinicians trained in musculoskeletal infiltration techniques carried out the infiltrations on each shoulder with colored latex. One clinician infiltrated without guidance, the other with US-guidance. The injecting clinicians were blinded to the others infiltration procedure and the order was randomized. An anatomist blinded to the infiltration order performed a shoulder dissection and recorded the infiltrate location. Percentage calculation for accuracy of infiltration and a chi-square evaluation of the difference between unguided and US-guided infiltrations was applied. RESULTS: An accuracy of 75% was achieved for unguided infiltration and 80% for US-guided infiltration techniques. Chi-squared indicated there was no significant difference (p = 0.82) between the unguided and US-guided techniques. CONCLUSION: US-guided and unguided infiltrations achieved good accuracy targeting the CHL, suggesting infiltrations can specifically and accurately target the CHL. In vivo investigation using such infiltration techniques are warranted.