scholarly journals Fluoroscopically-Guided Cervical Zygapophyseal Therapeutic Joint Injections May Reduce the Need for Radiofrequency Neurotomy

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (21;1) ◽  
pp. E661-E665
Author(s):  
Christopher Huston
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Facet Joint ◽  
Zygapophyseal Joint ◽  
Radiofrequency Neurotomy ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Joint Injections

Background: There is a paucity of literature studying therapeutic intraarticular zygapophyseal (commonly referred to as facet) joint injections in the atraumatic patient population. As a result of this, intraarticular injections have been dismissed as a possible treatment for cervical zygapophyseal joint-mediated pain. Radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) is currently the accepted treatment for facet joint neck pain. Objective: This prospective observational study investigated injection response in an atraumatic population to determine treatment viability and whether injections reduce the need for RFN in neck pain patients. Study Design: Observational case series study. Setting: This study took place in the outpatient clinic of a private practice. Methods: The double-block paradigm (DBP) was used to determine if symptoms were zygapophyseal joint-mediated. Lidocaine and bupivacaine diagnostic injections were used. Participants passing the DBP underwent fluoroscopically-guided cervical zygapophyseal joint injections (betamethasone and 1% lidocaine) and 1 year of follow-up. Outcomes were a Verbal Numeric Scale score (VNS) > 2, 50% decrease in VNS, patient-reported improvement, and opioid use at the 1-year follow-up. Results: One hundred and eighteen patients were enrolled; 51 passed the DBP. These 51 patients underwent injections. Forty-four patients (59 joints) were surveyed 1 year later with 7 follow-up losses. Thirty-four of 59 joints showed ≥ 2-point VNS reductions or ≥ 50% overall symptomatic improvement after 1 year. Twenty-four of 44 ceased narcotics use. Limitations: The limitations of this research included the lack of randomization and blinding, smaller sample size, and reliance on subjective reporting from the participants both immediately after the procedures and at follow-up. As this was a prospective observational study, there is the possibility of unintended bias by both patients as well as the authors. Conclusion: Cervical zygapophyseal joint injections may reduce the need for RFN; additional studies are required. Key words: Neck pain, facet joint, cervical zygapophyseal joint injections, radiofrequency neurotomy

Symptom Burden in Extensive Disease Small Cell Lung Cancer (ED-SCLC): A prospective, observational study in U.S. community practices.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (30_suppl) ◽  
pp. 196-196
Author(s):  
Donald A. Richards ◽  
Maen A. Hussein ◽  
Steven L. McCune ◽  
Brian Kent Ulrich ◽  
Mark D. Danese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Lung Cancer Symptom Scale ◽  
Line Of Therapy

196 Background: There is a paucity of data describing the effect of treatment on symptom burden and health status for patients with ED-SCLC receiving care in US community oncology centers. This study explores ED-SCLC patient-reported outcomes independently for either first-line (1L), second-line (2L) or third-line (3L) therapy. Methods: CA209-118 is a prospective observational study of adult patients with lung cancer, including patients with ED-SCLC, in 70 US community practices enrolled between 2014-2017. Participants completed the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) and Euro-QoL 5-D (EQ-5D) utility index and visual analog scale (VAS) at the start of 1L, 2L, or 3L treatment and at follow-up visits. The LCSS is summarized in 3 scales: LCSS total scale which ranges from 0 – 100, average symptom burden scale (ASBI) ranging from 0 – 100, and a three-item global scale (3-IGI) ranging from 0 – 300 (lower scores reflect reduced burden). The EQ-5D scale is a preference based measure of health status with higher scores reflecting better quality and ranges from 0 to 1.0 (index) or 0 – 100 (VAS). LCSS and EQ-5D values at 60 days were predicted in a repeated measures model for patients having a score at baseline and at least 1 follow-up. Results: The mean LCSS and EQ-5D scores at the start of each line of therapy and predicted 60 day change are presented in the table . 60-day improvement was observed only for appetite and cough in 1L. A slight declining trend was seen in 2L and 3L. Conclusions: Patients with ED-SCLC treated in the community reported a high symptom burden at the start of each line of therapy which did not diminish throughout 60 days of treatment. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Safety of High-Dose Dabigatran in Elderly and Younger Patients with a Low Bleeding Risk: A Prospective Observational Study

Cardiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Aharon Erez ◽  
Gregory Golovchiner ◽  
Robert Klempfner ◽  
Ehud Kadmon ◽  
Gustavo Ruben Goldenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
High Dose ◽  
World Population ◽  
Younger Patients ◽  
End Point

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at risk for stroke, dabigatran 150 mg twice a day (DE150) is superior to warfarin for stroke prevention. However, there is paucity of data with respect to bleeding risk at this dose in elderly patients (≥75 years). We aimed to evaluate the safety of DE150 in comparison to warfarin in a real-world population with AF and low bleeding risk (HAS-BLED score ≤2). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this prospective observational study, 754 consecutive patients with AF and HAS-BLED score ≤2 were included. We compared outcome of elderly patients (age ≥75 tears) to younger patients (age &#x3c;75 years). The primary end point was the combined incidence of all-cause mortality, stroke, systemic emboli, and major bleeding event during a mean follow-up of 1 year. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There were 230 (30%) elderly patients, 151 patients were treated with warfarin, and 79 were treated with DE150. Fifty-two patients experienced the primary endpoint during the 1-year follow-up. Among the elderly, at 1-year of follow-up, the cumulative event rate of the combined endpoint in the DE150 and warfarin was 8.9 and 15.9% respectively (<i>p</i> = 0.14). After adjustment for age and gender, patients who were treated with DE150 had a nonsignificant difference in the risk for the combined end point as patients treated with warfarin both among the elderly and among the younger population (HR 0.58, 95% C.I = 0.25–1.39 and HR = 1.12, 95% C.I 0.62–2.00, respectively [<i>p</i> for age-group-by-treatment interaction = 0.83). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Our results suggest that Dabigatran 150 mg twice a day can be safely used among elderly AF patients with low bleeding risk.

CyberKnife rhizotomy for facetogenic back pain: a pilot study

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. E1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordon Li ◽  
Chirag Patil ◽  
John R. Adler ◽  
Shivanand P. Lad ◽  
Scott G. Soltys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Facet Joint ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Target Volume ◽  
Facet Joints ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Cyberknife Radiosurgery ◽  
Joint Injections

Object By targeting the medial branches of the dorsal rami, radiofrequency ablation and facet joint injections can provide temporary amelioration of facet joint–producing (or facetogenic) back pain. The authors used CyberKnife radiosurgery to denervate affected facet joints with the goal of obtaining a less invasive yet more thorough and durable antinociceptive rhizotomy. Methods Patients with refractory low-back pain, in whom symptoms are temporarily resolved by facet joint injections, were eligible. The patients were required to exhibit positron emission tomography–positive findings at the affected levels. Radiosurgical rhizotomy, targeting the facet joint, was performed in a single session with a marginal prescription dose of 40 Gy and a maximal dose of 60 Gy. Results Seven facet joints in 5 patients with presumptive facetogenic back pain underwent CyberKnife lesioning. The median follow-up was 9.8 months (range 3–16 months). The mean planning target volume was 1.7 cm3 (range 0.9–2.7 cm3). A dose of 40 Gy was prescribed to a mean isodose line of 79% (range 75–80%). Within 1 month of radiosurgery, improvement in pain was observed in 3 of the 5 patients with durable responses at 16, 12, and 6 months, respectively, of follow-up. Two patients, after 12 and 3 months of follow-up, have neither improved nor worsened. No patient has experienced acute or late-onset toxicity. Conclusions These preliminary results suggest that CyberKnife radiosurgery could be a safe, effective, and non-invasive alternative to radiofrequency ablation for managing facetogenic back pain. No patient suffered recurrent symptoms after radiosurgery. It is not yet known whether pain relief due to such lesions will be more durable than that produced by alternative procedures. A larger series of patients with long-term follow-up is ongoing.

scholarly journals The role of rehabilitation measures in reintegration of children with brain tumours or leukaemia and their families after completion of cancer treatment: a study protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e014505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Leandra Peikert ◽  
Laura Inhestern ◽  
Corinna Bergelt
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Childhood Cancer ◽  
Quantitative Study ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Oncological Rehabilitation ◽  
Rehabilitation Measures

IntroductionFor ill children as well as for their parents and siblings, childhood cancer poses a major challenge. Little is known about the reintegration into daily life of childhood cancer survivors and their families. The aim of this prospective observational study is to further the understanding of the role of rehabilitation measures in the reintegration process of childhood leukaemia or brain tumour survivors and their family members after the end of cancer treatment.Methods and analysisThis prospective observational study consists of three study arms: a quantitative study in cooperation with three German paediatric oncological study registries (study arm 1), a quantitative study in cooperation with a rehabilitation clinic that offers a family-oriented paediatric oncological rehabilitation programme (study arm 2) and a qualitative study at 12-month follow-up including families from the study arms 1 and 2 (study arm 3). In study arm 1, children, parents and siblings are surveyed after treatment (baseline), 4–6 months after baseline measurement and at 12-month follow-up. In study arm 2, data are collected at the beginning and at the end of the rehabilitation measure and at 12-month follow-up. Families are assessed with standardised questionnaires on quality of life, emotional and behavioural symptoms, depression, anxiety, fear of progression, coping and family functioning. Furthermore, self-developed items on rehabilitation aims and reintegration into daily life are used. Where applicable, users and non-users of rehabilitation measures will be compared regarding the outcome parameters. Longitudinal data will be analysed by means of multivariate analysis strategies. Reference values will be used for comparisons if applicable. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the medical ethics committee of the Medical Chamber of Hamburg. Data will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.

scholarly journals The Midterm Surgical Outcome of Modified Expansive Open-Door Laminoplasty

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuang-Ting Yeh ◽  
Ru-Ping Lee ◽  
Ing-Ho Chen ◽  
Tzai-Chiu Yu ◽  
Cheng-Huan Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Facet Joint ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Neck Disability Index ◽  
Standard Technique ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Open Door ◽  
Gradual Improvement ◽  
Less Invasive

Laminoplasty is a standard technique for treating patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Modified expansive open-door laminoplasty (MEOLP) preserves the unilateral paraspinal musculature and nuchal ligament and prevents facet joint violation. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the midterm surgical outcomes of this less invasive technique. We retrospectively recruited 65 consecutive patients who underwent MEOLP at our institution in 2011 with at least 4 years of follow-up. Clinical conditions were evaluated by examining neck disability index, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), Nurick scale, and axial neck pain visual analog scale scores. Sagittal alignment of the cervical spine was assessed using serial lateral static and dynamic radiographs. Clinical and radiographic outcomes revealed significant recovery at the first postoperative year and still exhibited gradual improvement 1–4 years after surgery. The mean JOA recovery rate was 82.3% and 85% range of motion was observed at the final follow-up. None of the patients experienced aggravated or severe neck pain 1 year after surgery or showed complications of temporary C5 nerve palsy and lamina reclosure by the final follow-up. As a less invasive method for reducing surgical dissection by using various modifications, MEOLP yielded satisfactory midterm outcomes.

scholarly journals Posterior Ligamentous Complex Reconstruction for Cervical Dislocation and Instability in Patients without Vertebral Fracture with Artificial Ligaments: A Technical Note

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengyi Huang ◽  
Beiyu Wang ◽  
Hao Liu ◽  
Tingkui Wu ◽  
Kangkang Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Vertebral Fracture ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Facet Joint ◽  
Spinous Process ◽  
Posterior Ligamentous Complex ◽  
Reconstruction Surgery ◽  
Artificial Ligaments ◽  
Cervical Surgery ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Introduction: The posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) offers restraints to deformation in a complex and interconnected manner. The stability and range of motion (ROM) of the posterior cervical spine is greatly restricted when the PLC is damaged, even without bone disruptions. We describe a novel surgical technique, its advantages, and the postoperative condition of the first patient to use artificial ligament in a reconstruction surgery of PLC injuries in patients without lower cervical vertebral fracture. This technique aimed to fully retain the mobility of the injured segment based on spinal stability and apply dynamic reconstruction in patients’ treatment.Method: We present a detailed description of the reconstruction surgery with artificial ligaments performed on C4-6 PLC injuries in a 27-year-old male presented with neck pain and restricted movement following a high fall injury accompanied by impaired movement of limbs. Results: Immediately postsurgery, the patient’s neck pain and quadriparesis had been improved. The spinal canal decompression and cervical spine sequence results were satisfactory, the facet joint face was in a good position, and the spinous process spacing returned to normal. After three months of rehabilitation, the patient reported improvement of symptoms and the physical and imaging examination showed a significant improvement in the patient’s condition. The patient’s neck mobility motor function had improved further.Conclusion: The present data demonstrate that the novel technique for reconstruction of PLC injury is feasible and safe. However, familiarity with cervical anatomy and adequate experience in lateral mass screws placement during surgery is crucial for this procedure. Therefore, a highly experienced cervical surgery team is recommended to perform the surgery.

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