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ABSTRACT: Vertebral compression fractures occur more frequently than hip and ankle fractures combined. These fragility fractures frequently result in both acute and chronic pain, but more importantly are a source of increased morbidity and possibly mortality. Percutaneous veretebral augmentation offers a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. The history, technique, and results of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are reviewed. Both methods allow for the introduction of bone cement into the fracture site with clinical results indicating substantial pain relief in approximately 90% of patients.
Anesthesiology Clinics 01/2008; 25(4):913-28.
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ABSTRACT: Painful conditions of the musculoskeletal system, including myofascial pain syndrome, constitute some of the most important chronic problems encountered in a clinical practice. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot, usually within a taut band of skeletal muscle, which is painful on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, motor dysfunction, and autonomic phenomena. Trigger points may be relieved through noninvasive measures, such as spray and stretch, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, physical therapy, and massage. Invasive treatments for myofascial trigger points include injections with local anesthetics, corticosteroids, or botulism toxin or dry needling. The etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of myofascial trigger points are addressed in this article.
Anesthesiology Clinics 01/2008; 25(4):841-51, vii-iii.
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ABSTRACT: This article summarizes current issues related to invasive and minimally invasive surgical techniques for back pain conditions. It describes pain generators and explains theories about how discs fail. The article discusses techniques for treating painful sciatica, painful motion segments, and spinal stenosis. Problems related to current imaging are also presented. The article concludes with a discussion about physical therapy.
Anesthesiology Clinics 01/2008; 25(4):899-911, ix.
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ABSTRACT: Intra-articular injections are one method that physicians may use to treat joint pain. This method offers direct access to the source of pain for the troubled patient. Substances ranging from steroids to hyaluronic acid have been injected successfully into the various joints of the body in an attempt to provide relief for chronic joint pain. Anesthesiologists and orthopedic surgeons have begun to use intra-articular injections of local anesthetics for postoperative analgesia. The history, agents, and methods of intra-articular injections are reviewed.
Anesthesiology Clinics 01/2008; 25(4):853-62, viii.
