Chemical Ablation of Genicular Nerve with Phenol for Pain Relief in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation of the genicular nerve is performed for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) when conservative treatment is not effective. Chemical ablation may be an alternative, but its effectiveness and safety have not been examined. The objective of this prospective open-label cohort study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided chemical neurolysis for genicular nerves with phenol to treat patients with chronic pain from KOA. METHODS: Forty-three patients with KOA with pain intensity score (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS) ≥ 4, and duration of pain of more than 6 months were considered for enrollment. Ultrasound-guided diagnostic blocks of genicular nerves (superomedial, inferomedial, and superolateral) with 1.5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine at each site were performed. Those who reported more than 50% reduction in NRS went on to undergo chemical neurolysis, using 1.5 mL 7% glycerated phenol in each genicular nerve. NRS and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were assessed before intervention and at 2 weeks and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months following the intervention. RESULTS: NRS and WOMAC scores improved at all time points. Mean pain intensity improved from 7.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.8 to 7.7) at baseline to 4.2 (95%CI: 3.5 to 5.0) at 6-month follow-up (P < 0.001). Composite WOMAC score improved from 48.7 (95%CI: 43.3 to 54.2) at baseline to 20.7 (95%CI: 16.6 to 24.7) at 6-month follow-up (P < 0.001). Adverse events did not persist beyond 1 month and included local pain, hypoesthesia, swelling, and bruise. CONCLUSION: Chemical neurolysis of genicular nerves with phenol provided efficacious analgesia and functional improvement for at least 6 months in most patients with a low incidence of adverse effects.

Comparative Randomized Study Between Pulsed Radiofrequency and Suprascapular Nerve Block for the Treatment of Chronic Shoulder Pain.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to compare pain intensity after pulsed radiofrequency (RF) or suprascapular nerve block for the treatment of chronic shoulder pain. The secondary objectives were to compare the shoulder range of motion and supplementary analgesic requirement. METHODS: This randomized and prospective study included 40 patients, with chronic shoulder pain allocated into 2 groups. One group underwent pulsed RF, and the other group was submitted to block (B) of the suprascapular nerve, guided by ultrasound. They were assessed for 12 weeks regarding pain intensity, the need for analgesia supplementation, and shoulder range of motion. Side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Pain intensity on movement was lower in the RF group after 2, 4, and 8 weeks. At rest, pain intensity was lower in group RF than in group B after 12 weeks. Pain intensity was lower than before the procedure at all times evaluated, in both groups. There was no difference between groups in the range of motion. There was a need for tramadol supplementation in 1 patient in group RF and 2 in group B. Adverse effects observed were local pain (RF: 1), hematoma (RF: 1; B: 1), and lipothymia (B: 2). DISCUSSION: Pulsed RF on the suprascapular nerve promoted an analgesic effect for 12 weeks. Regarding the intensity of pain on movement and at rest, there was a trend toward a better effect with RF than with nerve blockage treatment. In both groups, there was a reduction in pain intensity without serious adverse effects.

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Quadratus Lumborum Block and Intrathecal Morphine for Postcesarean Analgesia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of quadratus lumborum (QL) block and intrathecal morphine (M) for postcesarean delivery analgesia. METHODS: Thirty-one pregnant women with ≥ 37 weeks of gestation submitted to elective cesarean section were included in the study. They were randomly allocated to either the QL group (12.5 mg 0.5% bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia and 0.3 ml/kg 0.2% bupivacaine for QL block) or the M group (12.5 mg bupivacaine 0.5% and 100 mcg of morphine in spinal anesthesia). The visual analog scale of pain, consumption of morphine and tramadol for pain relief in 48 hours, and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Median pain score and/or pain variation were higher in the morphine group than in the QL group (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the consumption of morphine or tramadol between groups over time. Side effects such as pruritus, nausea, and vomiting were observed only in the morphine group. CONCLUSION: Quadratus lumborum block and intrathecal morphine are effective for analgesia after cesarean section. Patients undergoing QL block had lower postoperative pain scores without the undesirable side effects of opioids such as nausea, vomiting, and pruritus.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a eficácia do bloqueio do quadrado lombar (QL) e da morfina intratecal (M) na analgesia pós-cesariana. MéTODOS: Trinta e uma gestantes com ≥ 37 semanas de gestação submetidas a cesariana eletiva foram incluídas no estudo. Eles foram alocados aleatoriamente no grupo QL (12,5 mg de bupivacaína a 0,5% para raquianestesia e 0,3 ml/kg de bupivacaína a 0,2% para bloqueio de QL) ou no grupo M (12,5 mg de bupivacaína a 0,5% e 100 mcg de morfina na raquianestesia). A escala visual analógica de dor, consumo de morfina e tramadol para alívio da dor em 48 horas e efeitos colaterais foram registrados. RESULTADOS: A mediana do escore de dor e/ou variação da dor foi maior no grupo morfina do que no grupo QL (p = 0,02). Não houve diferença significativa no consumo de morfina ou tramadol entre os grupos ao longo do tempo. Efeitos colaterais como prurido, náuseas e vômitos foram observados apenas no grupo morfina. CONCLUSãO: O bloqueio QL e a morfina intratecal são eficazes para analgesia após cesariana. Os pacientes submetidos ao bloqueio do QL apresentaram menores escores de dor pós-operatória sem os efeitos colaterais indesejáveis dos opioides, como náuseas, vômitos e prurido.

An alternative approach for blocking the superior trunk of the brachial plexus evaluated by a single arm clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Interscalene brachial plexus block is associated with phrenic nerve paralysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate an alternative approach to interscalene brachial plexus blocks in terms of efficacy, grade of motor and sensory blockade, and phrenic nerve blockade. METHODS: The study was prospective and interventional. The ten living patients studied were 18 to 65 years old, ASA physical status I or II, and submitted to correction of rotator cuff injury. A superior trunk blockade was performed at the superior trunk below the omohyoid muscle, without blocking the phrenic nerve. The needle was advanced below the prevertebral layer until contacting the superior trunk. In order to guarantee the correct positioning of the needle tip, an intracluster pattern of the spread was visualized. The block was performed with 5.ßmL of 0.5% bupivacaine in ten patients. In the six cadavers, 5.ßmL of methylene blue was injected. Diaphragmatic excursion was assessed by ultrasonography of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm. In three patients, pulmonary ventilation was evaluated with impedance tomography. Pain scores and analgesic consumption were assessed in the recovery room for 6.ßhours after the blockade. RESULTS: In the six cadavers, methylene blue didn...t reach the phrenic nerve. Ten patients underwent arthroscopic surgery, and no clinically phrenic nerve paralysis was observed. No patient reported pain during the first 6.ßhours. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that this new superior trunk approach to block the superior trunk may be an alternative technique to promote analgesia for shoulder surgery in patients with impaired respiratory function.

[Ultrasound-guided selective nerve blocks for trigger finger surgeries to maintain flexion/extension of fingers - Case series]. / Bloqueios seletivos guiados por ultrassom para cirurgias de dedo em gatilho para manutenção da flexão/extensão dos dedos ­ Série de casos.

BACKGROUND: A patient's ability to move his/her fingers during hand surgery may be helpful to surgeons because it allows the effectiveness of the intervention evaluation and prediction of hand function in the postoperative period. The purpose of this case series is to demonstrate the efficacy of an ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block technique to maintain the hand flexor and extensor muscles motor function and discuss the benefits of the technique for trigger finger surgery. CASE REPORT: Ten patients scheduled to undergo trigger finger surgery were selected. The goal was to maintain flexion and extension of the fingers during the procedure. Thus, ultrasound-guided ulnar, radial, and medial nerve block was performed in the distal third of the forearm, at 5-7cm proximal to the wrist. The block was performed with 5mL of 0.375% bupivacaine on each nerve. All procedures were uneventfully performed maintaining the flexion and extension of the fingers. In two cases, it was observed that the motricity maintenance and the patients' ability to move their fingers when requested allowed the success of the surgical procedure after the third intraoperative evaluation. CONCLUSION: This case series shows that it is possible to maintain the motor function of the hand flexor and extensor muscles to perform finger trigger surgeries using specific ultrasound-guided distal blocks.

[Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks in anticoagulated patients - case series]. / Bloqueios de nervos periféricos guiados por ultrassom em pacientes anticoagulados ­ série de casos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The advent of ultrasound has brought many benefits to peripheral nerve blocks. It includes both safety and effectiveness, given the possibility of visualizing the neurovascular structures and the needle during the procedure. Despite these benefits, there is no consensus in the literature on the use of this technique in anticoagulated patients or with other coagulation disorders. Moreover, peripheral blocks vary in depth, spreadability, and possibility of local compression. However, few societies take it into account when drawing up its recommendations, establishing a single recommendation for performing peripheral blocks, regardless of the route used. The objective of this series is to expand the discussion on peripheral nerve block in anticoagulated patients. CASE REPORTS: This series reports 9 cases of superficial peripheral nerve blocks guided by ultrasound in patients with primary or secondary dyscrasias. All blocks were performed by experienced anesthesiologists in the management of ultrasound, and there was no bruising or neurological injuries in the cases. CONCLUSIONS: This case series support the discussion on conducting surface peripheral nerve blocks and easy local knowledge as the axillary, interscalene, femoral, saphenous or popliteal in anticoagulated patients, on dual antiaggregation therapy and/or with other coagulation disorders, provided that guided by ultrasound and performed by an anesthesiologist with extensive experience in guided nerve blocks. However, larger series should be performed to prove the safety of the technique for these patients.

Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks in anticoagulated patients - case series.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The advent of ultrasound has brought many benefits to peripheral nerve blocks. It includes both safety and effectiveness, given the possibility of visualizing the neurovascular structures and the needle during the procedure. Despite these benefits, there is no consensus in the literature on the use of this technique in anticoagulated patients or with other coagulation disorders. Moreover, peripheral blocks vary in depth, spreadability, and possibility of local compression. However, few societies take it into account when drawing up its recommendations, establishing a single recommendation for performing peripheral blocks, regardless of the route used. The objective of this series is to expand the discussion on peripheral nerve block in anticoagulated patients. CASE REPORTS: This series reports 9 cases of superficial peripheral nerve blocks guided by ultrasound in patients with primary or secondary dyscrasias. All blocks were performed by experienced anesthesiologists in the management of ultrasound, and there was no bruising or neurological injuries in the cases. CONCLUSIONS: This case series support the discussion on conducting surface peripheral nerve blocks and easy local knowledge as the axillary, interscalene, femoral, saphenous or popliteal in anticoagulated patients, on dual antiaggregation therapy and/or with other coagulation disorders, provided that guided by ultrasound and performed by an anesthesiologist with extensive experience in guided nerve blocks. However, larger series should be performed to prove the safety of the technique for these patients.

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Quadratus Lumborum Block and Intrathecal Morphine for Postcesarean Analgesia / Ensaio Clínico Randomizado Comparando Bloqueio do Quadrado Lombar e Morfina Intratecal Para Analgesia Pós-cesariana

Abstract Objective To compare the efficacy of quadratus lumborum (QL) block and intrathecal morphine (M) for postcesarean delivery analgesia. Methods Thirty-one pregnant women with ≥ 37 weeks of gestation submitted to elective cesarean section were included in the study. They were randomly allocated to either the QL group (12.5 mg 0.5% bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia and 0.3 ml/kg 0.2% bupivacaine for QL block) or the M group (12.5 mg bupivacaine 0.5% and 100 mcg of morphine in spinal anesthesia). The visual analog scale of pain, consumption of morphine and tramadol for pain relief in 48 hours, and side effects were recorded. Results Median pain score and/or pain variation were higher in the morphine group than in the QL group (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the consumption of morphine or tramadol between groups over time. Side effects such as pruritus, nausea, and vomiting were observed only in the morphine group. Conclusion Quadratus lumborum block and intrathecal morphine are effective for analgesia after cesarean section. Patients undergoing QL block had lower postoperative pain scores without the undesirable side effects of opioids such as nausea, vomiting, and pruritus.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a eficácia do bloqueio do quadrado lombar (QL) e da morfina intratecal (M) na analgesia pós-cesariana. Métodos Trinta e uma gestantes com ≥ 37 semanas de gestação submetidas a cesariana eletiva foram incluídas no estudo. Eles foram alocados aleatoriamente no grupo QL (12,5 mg de bupivacaína a 0,5% para raquianestesia e 0,3 ml/kg de bupivacaína a 0,2% para bloqueio de QL) ou no grupo M (12,5 mg de bupivacaína a 0,5% e 100 mcg de morfina na raquianestesia). A escala visual analógica de dor, consumo de morfina e tramadol para alívio da dor em 48 horas e efeitos colaterais foram registrados. Resultados A mediana do escore de dor e/ou variação da dor foi maior no grupo morfina do que no grupo QL (p = 0,02). Não houve diferença significativa no consumo de morfina ou tramadol entre os grupos ao longo do tempo. Efeitos colaterais como prurido, náuseas e vômitos foram observados apenas no grupo morfina. Conclusão O bloqueio QL e a morfina intratecal são eficazes para analgesia após cesariana. Os pacientes submetidos ao bloqueio do QL apresentaram menores escores de dor pós-operatória sem os efeitos colaterais indesejáveis dos opioides, como náuseas, vômitos e prurido.

An alternative approach for blocking the superior trunk of the brachial plexus evaluated by a single arm clinical trial

Abstract Background Interscalene brachial plexus block is associated with phrenic nerve paralysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate an alternative approach to interscalene brachial plexus blocks in terms of efficacy, grade of motor and sensory blockade, and phrenic nerve blockade. Methods The study was prospective and interventional. The ten living patients studied were 18 to 65 years old, ASA physical status I or II, and submitted to correction of rotator cuff injury. A superior trunk blockade was performed at the superior trunk below the omohyoid muscle, without blocking the phrenic nerve. The needle was advanced below the prevertebral layer until contacting the superior trunk. In order to guarantee the correct positioning of the needle tip, an intracluster pattern of the spread was visualized. The block was performed with 5 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine in ten patients. In the six cadavers, 5 mL of methylene blue was injected. Diaphragmatic excursion was assessed by ultrasonography of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm. In three patients, pulmonary ventilation was evaluated with impedance tomography. Pain scores and analgesic consumption were assessed in the recovery room for 6 hours after the blockade. Results In the six cadavers, methylene blue didn't reach the phrenic nerve. Ten patients underwent arthroscopic surgery, and no clinically phrenic nerve paralysis was observed. No patient reported pain during the first 6 hours. Conclusions This study suggests that this new superior trunk approach to block the superior trunk may be an alternative technique to promote analgesia for shoulder surgery in patients with impaired respiratory function.