Average Visual Analog Scale Pain Research Articles

Medial Prefrontal High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Improve Pain Modulation in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Randomized Double-blinded Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is highly disabling, but often without identifiable source. Focus has been on impaired anti-nociceptive mechanisms contributing to pain maintenance, though methods of targeting this impairment remain limited. This randomised-controlled cross-over pilot trial used active versus sham medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) for 3-consecutive days to improve descending pain inhibitory function. Twelve CLBP patients were included with an average visual analogue scale (VAS) pain intensity of 3.0 ± 1.5 and pain duration of 5.3 ± 2.6 years. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and temporal summation of pain (TSP) assessed by cuff algometry, as well as pain symptomatology (intensity, unpleasantness, quality, disability) and related psychological features (pain catastrophizing, anxiety, affect), were assessed on Day1 before 3 consecutive days of HD-tDCS sessions (each 20 minutes), at 24-hours (Day 4) and 2-weeks (Day 21) following final HD-tDCS. Blinding was successful. No significant differences in psychophysical (PPT, CPM, TSP), symptomatology or psychological outcomes were observed between active and sham HD-tDCS on Day4 and Day21. CPM-effects at Day 1 negatively correlated with change in CPM-effect at Day4 following active HD-tDCS (P = .002). Lack of efficacy was attributed to several factors, not least that patients did not display impaired CPM at baseline. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03864822). PerspectiveMedial prefrontal HD-tDCS did not alter pain, psychological nor psychophysical outcomes, though correlational analysis suggested response may depend on baseline pain inhibitory efficacy, with best potential effects in patients with severe impairments in descending pain inhibitory mechanisms. Future work should focus on appropriate patient selection and optimising stimulation targeting.

Older Patients More Accurately Predict Pain Tolerance After Lumbar Spine Fusion Compared with Their Younger Peers

Patients undergoing spine surgery often inaccurately estimate their pain tolerance and postoperative analgesic requirement. We sought to identify an association between patients' self-perceived pain tolerance and postoperative opioid consumption (POC). We included adult patients undergoing elective lumbar spine decompression and fusion between 2014 and 2018. Patients with cognitive delay, psychiatric comorbidities, and perioperative complications were excluded. Demographic data, mean daily postoperative morphine milligram equivalents (MME), and pain tolerance scores were recorded. Eighty-four patients met inclusion criteria. The median pain tolerance score was 8, which was used to defined a cutoff for high (≥8) and low (<8) pain tolerance. The average preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain score was higher in the high pain tolerance group (μ= 5.3) compared with the low pain tolerance group (μ= 4.0) (P= 0.01). Multivariate regression revealed pain tolerance was not predictive of mean daily postoperative MME use (P= 0.19). Age and preoperative VAS pain score were found to be negative (P < 0.0001) and positive (P= 0.027) independent predictors, respectively, of mean postoperative MME use. Patients 61 years and younger who reported high pain tolerance had higher POC compared with patients older than 61 years of age, who reported low (P= 0.036) pain tolerance. Self-perceived pain tolerance does not appear to predict POC, while younger age and higher preoperative VAS pain scores are related to increased POC. Younger patients who report high pain tolerance appear to consume higher levels of opioids compared with older patients.

Free-Hand Transperineal Prostate Biopsy Under Local Anesthesia in the Office Without Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Experience with 304 Cases.

Background: We present our series of free-hand transperineal prostate biopsy (fTP-Bx) using a novel coaxial needle introducer guide. All cases were performed in the office under local anesthesia (LA) without sedation. The majority received no prophylactic antibiotics. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 242 consecutive fTP-Bx cases using the PrecisionPoint™ Transperineal Access System (PPTAS) performed under LA without sedation by a single urologist (R.J.S.) at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. We compared complication rates of this series of cases to our initial series of 62 fTP-Bx cases without the PrecisionPoint as well as 133 transrectal prostate biopsy cases performed before we adopted the transperineal approach. Results: Of the 242 consecutive free-hand transperineal biopsies performed between August 26, 2016 and December 31, 2018, 212 (88%) received no antibiotic prophylaxis. Medians for age, prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen density, and cores sampled were 63 years, 7.2 ng/mL, 50 mL, 0.15 ng/mL/cc, and 20 cores, respectively. Detection rates of overall and clinically significant prostate cancer averaged 43.4% (105/242) and 14% (35/242), respectively. Average visual analog scale pain rating was 3.9 and average procedure time was 20 minutes. Complication rates of sepsis, acute urinary retention, clot retention, and perianal abscess were 0.0% (0/242), 0.4% (1/242), 1.2% (3/242) and 0.4% (1/242), respectively. Conclusions: This series of office-based free-hand transperineal biopsy under LA without sedation performed with the PPTAS contains a large number of cases in which prophylactic antibiotics were not administered, yet there were no complications of postbiopsy sepsis. However, there was one case of a delayed perianal abscess. fTP-Bx under LA enables the easy integration of transperineal biopsy into a normal outpatient clinic workflow.

Assessment of pain, anxiety and depression, and quality of life after minimally invasive aortic surgery

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery may reduce surgical trauma, diminish postoperative pain and improve quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study is to assess pain, hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and QOL in patients undergoing minimally invasive aortic surgery. This is a prospective, single-center cohort study of 24 consecutive patients undergoing upper ministernotomy aortic valve, aortic root, and concomitant aortic valve and ascending aorta replacement. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and HADS and Short-Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires were evaluated at preoperative baseline, during hospitalization, and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. At discharge, the average VAS pain score was significantly lower than postoperative Day 1 (2.7 ± 0.4 vs. 6.5 ± 0.4; p ≤ .001). By 1 month, the pain scores were not significantly different from baseline (1.7 ± 0.4 vs. 1.0 ± 0.4; p = 1.000), and by 3 months, pain scores returned to baseline (1.0 ± 0.4; p = 1.000). HADS scores show that compared with preoperative baseline, average anxiety scores decreased by 1 month (3.1 ± 0.7 vs. 4.3 ± 0.6; p = 1.000) and decreased significantly by 3 months (1.8 ± 0.7 vs. 4.3 ± 0.6; p = .012). Additionally, depression scores were unchanged at 1 month (3.0 ± 0.4 vs. 3.1. ± 0.4; p = 1.000) and decreased by 3 months (1.3 ± 0.5 vs. 3.0 ± 0.4; p = .060). SF-36 scores revealed no changes in scores in 7 of 8 domains at 1 month and a significant increase in "physical functioning," "energy," and "general health" domains compared to preoperative baseline at 3 months. Following minimally invasive aortic surgery, VAS pain scores, HADS and scores in 7 of 8 SF-36 domains returned to preoperative baseline or improved compared to preoperative baseline at 1 month. At 3 months, scores in 3 of 8 SF-36 domains significantly improved compared to preoperative baseline. Larger studies are necessary for further investigation.

Validation of the Ottawa ankle rules: Strategies for increasing specificity.

The majority of patients with ankle injuries undergo radiological examinations of the foot, ankle or both. The objective of this study was in the first place to validate the Ottawa Ankle Rules (OARs) for the population of our centre. Secondly, an attempt was made to identify parameters that contribute to improve the specificity of the method, with a view to reduce the need for patients to be exposed to radiation as well as optimizing the expenses of the Emergency Ward (EW). This was a prospective study conducted during a 9-month period. The study population included 148 patients, in 54 (36%) of the patients a fracture was present on the exams performed. Patients were submitted to a sequential protocol in the EW with a form completion, evaluation of OARs, application of the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) and radiographic exams. We found a sensitivity of OARs in ankle injuries of 100%, specificity of 26% and in midfoot injuries of 100% and 62% respectively. All patients with fractures had a VAS of 5 or more points in any of the tested sites. With the VAS criterium, we found a significant increase of global specificity (38% vs 15%), as well as when applied only to the ankle (26% to 47%) or to midfoot trauma (62% to 67%). In both, there would have been a 100% reduction of CT scans. Patients with a fracture or with fractures who required surgical treatment had a mean VAS significantly higher than patients with no fracture or fractures submitted to conservative treatment respectively. Although there was a lower percentage of fractures in the group of injuries in Work Accidents (31% vs 37% Sports Activity and 38% Leisure Activity), there was a statistically significant increase in the sum of average VAS in Accidents at Work vs Leisure Activities and vs Sports Activities. We seek to confirm the usefulness of OARs for our population and we investigated strategies to further reduce the need for unnecessary radiographs. The introduction of parameters for grading pain and adapting to the context of the accident seem promising.

The results of pedicled vascularized bone grafts in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion

Objectives: Scaphoid nonunion still creates a big challenge for hand surgeons due to high failure rates after surgery, particularly in proximal pole fractures. The pedicled vascularized bone graft (VBG) is a valuable option to achieve union and good outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and radiological results of patients who underwent scaphoid fixation with pedicled VBG due to non-union of a scaphoid fracture. Methods: The patients who were operated due to scaphoid non-union and underwent fixation with pedicled VBG between 2017 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively. The clinical assessments included; the range of motion, grip strength, Mayo wrist score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score. The presence of bony union was evaluated with direct radiographs. Results: Eight patients were included in the final analysis. Four patients who had waist non-union were reconstructed with volar pedicled VBG, while the other four patients with proximal non-union were reconstructed with dorsal 1,2 ICSRA pedicled VBG. The average age was 28.7 and the average follow-up was 12.3 months. The bony union was achieved in 7 patients at average 3.1 months with gain of both range of motion and grip strength. The average VAS pain score was improved from 6.8 to 2. The average Mayo wrist score was improved from 52.2 to 80.4. Conclusion: The application of pedicled VBGs harvested from the distal radius provides good clinical and radiological outcomes in the treatment of scaphoid non-unions.

Return to Work After Distal Femoral Varus Osteotomy.

Background:Distal femoral varus osteotomy (DFVO) is a well-described procedure to address valgus deformity of the knee. There is a paucity of information available regarding patients’ ability to return to work (RTW) after DFVO.Purpose:To report the objective findings for RTW rates and times for patients receiving a DFVO for lateral compartment osteoarthritis secondary to valgus deformity of the knee.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:This was a retrospective study of patients who received a lateral-wedge opening DFVO. Patients must have worked within 3 years before their operation to be included for analysis. Patients were contacted at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively for interview and questionnaire evaluation, including a subjective work questionnaire, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), and a satisfaction questionnaire.Results:Overall, 32 patients were contacted at a mean follow-up of 7.1 ± 4.1 years (range, 2.2-13.3 years). The mean ± SD age at the time of surgery was 30.8 ± 8.8 years (range, 17.2-46.5 years), and 65.6% of patients were female. Eleven patients (34.4%) received a concomitant meniscal allograft transplant, and 12 (37.5%) received a cartilage grafting procedure. The average VAS pain score decreased significantly from 6.1 preoperatively to 3.2 postoperatively (P = .03). All patients were able to RTW, at a mean time of 6.0 ± 13.2 months postoperatively (range, 0-72 months). When stratified by work intensity, the average time to return was 13.8, 3.1, 2.7, and 2.9 months for high, moderate, light, and sedentary occupations, respectively. There was no significant difference between these RTW times (P = .16), although this analysis may have been limited by the small sample size. Four patients whose work was classified as heavy work (50%) and 3 whose work was classified as moderate work (18.8%) either switched jobs or kept the same job with lighter physical duties as a result of their procedures.Conclusion:In a young and active population, DFVO for valgus deformity reliably afforded the ability to RTW within a relatively short time for patients with sedentary, light, and moderate occupational demands. However, patients with moderate- to high-intensity occupational demands may be unable to RTW at their preoperative level.

Treatment of nonunions of the humeral shaft with nonvascularized fibular strut allograft: postoperative outcomes and review of a surgical technique.

HypothesisPersistent humeral shaft nonunions result in continued pain and disability of the affected arm and are difficult to treat even with several surgical procedures and locked plating. A fibular allograft provides bony purchase for fixation as well as rotational stability and bridging of nonunion defects.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of a single surgeon’s clinical practice between July 1995 and January 2011. The inclusion criteria were patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent revision surgery for a humeral shaft nonunion by open reduction and revision internal fixation with a supplementary fibular strut allograft.ResultsThirteen patients who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated with physical examinations, validated functional outcome measures, and radiographs to assess union rates. The mean follow-up period was 7.5 years (range, 0.5-15.6 years); there were 11 women (85%) and 2 men (15%). Of the patients, 3 (23%) had proximal-third nonunions, 7 (54%) had middle-third nonunions, and 3 (23%) had distal-third nonunions. After revision surgery with fibular allograft, 10 of 13 patients went on to achieve healing, giving a union rate of 76.9%. The mean postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 38.1 points (standard deviation [SD], 27.6 points). The mean Constant score was 55.2 points (SD, 24.0 points), representing a 62% return of function compared with the contralateral side. The mean postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 65.4 points (SD, 28.5 points), and the average visual analog scale pain score (out of 10) was 2.1 (SD, 3.3) at final follow-up.ConclusionFibular allograft is an effective and straightforward option for treating humeral midshaft and distal-shaft nonunions; however, treatment of proximal-third nonunions remains challenging.

A Novel Local Cancellous Autograft Source for Anterior Cervical Discectomy With Fusion.

Study Design:Case series.Objectives:Successful clinical outcome scores following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) have been correlated with high fusion rate. Published fusion rates using iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) have been shown to be as high as 100% for single-level fusions in some studies; however, there is potential associated morbidity with ICBG harvest. This technical description and preliminary case series assessed the clinical efficacy and results of a novel grafting technique for ACDF.Methods:Twelve patients underwent novel grafting technique for ACDF in which autograft was procured from the cervical vertebra adjacent to the operative disk. Patients were followed for 2 years using visual analogue pain scale (VAS) and radiological assessment of fusion.Results:Patients experienced clinically meaningful reduction of radicular symptoms in the affected arm(s) with an average preoperative VAS score of 5.0 ± 0.8 and an average 2-year postoperative score of 1.108 ± 0.475 (P = .0013). Patients also experienced significant resolution of neck pain with an average preoperative VAS score of 7.1 ± 0.5 and average 2-year postoperative score of 2.708 ± 0.861 (P = .0018). All patients achieved solid fusion by 1 year. There were no major or minor complications noted during follow-up.Conclusions:This procedure allows for both autograft harvest and cervical decompression to be performed through a single incision. In this series, this technique eliminated the morbidity associated with autograft harvest from the iliac crest while achieving high fusion rates and without additional technique-related complications.

Chronic Reducible Scapholunate Ligament Dissociation: A Simple Surgical Technique for a Complex Injury.

Report the outcomes following chondrectomy of scapholunate (SL) joint, temporary stabilization of the SL joint using Kirshner wires and extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) transfer to dorsal scaphoid pole to restore normal SL gap and correct dorsal intercalated ligament instability deformity. Retrospective case series of 11 patients with a mean age of 45 years were treated by the senior author 7 months after SL injury. The SL joint cartilage was removed, the SL joint was stabilized temporarily with 2 Kirshner wires for 8 weeks and ECRL tenodesis to scaphoid dorsally. Visual analog scale, disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand score, wrist flexion and extension range of motion, grip strength, return to work, SL gap, and SL angle were evaluated preoperatively and in last follow-up visit after the procedure. Modified Mayo score and complications were evaluated in the last visit. Average follow-up was 15.6 months. In the last follow-up, the average visual analog scale pain score improved significantly from 6.4 to 1.5. Average postoperative grip strength improved significantly compared with preoperative strength (41 to 56 Ib). Average disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand score improved significantly postoperatively (30 to 18 points). Average Mayo score was satisfactory in the last visit. Average SL gap reduced significantly from 4.1 to 2.8 mm and average SL angle decreased significantly from 82 to 62 degrees. Postoperative extension-flexion arc of motion significantly decreased compared with preoperative measurements. SL advanced collapse developed in 1 case after 15 months follow-up. All patients return to regular work at a mean of 16 weeks. Chronic reducible SL dissociation can be treated affectively with SL chonderectomy, temporary SL stabilization, and ECRL tenodesis to scaphoid to restore radiologic anatomy without compromising strength or work status. Therapeutic type IV.

Return to sporting activity after ulnar nerve transposition for isolated neuritis in competitive overhead athletes

Although ulnar neuritis can occur secondary to ulnar collateral ligamentpathology, stress fractures, and traction apophysitis, isolated ulnar nerve dysfunction can lead to medial elbow pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of overhead athletes undergoing anterior ulnar nerve transposition for ulnar neuropathy. All overhead athletes who underwent isolated ulnar nerve transposition between 2009 and 2016 for refractory ulnar neuritis were identified. The primary outcome was return to sport, and secondary outcome measures included the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinicscore; Mayo Elbow Performance Score; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Handscore; Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score; and visual analog scale score for pain. Complication and reoperation rates were recorded. A total of 26 overhead athletes (21 male and 5 female athletes) underwent ulnar nerve transposition at an average age of 18.4 years (range, 11-25 years). Of the patients, 24 (92%) returned to their sporting activity at an average of 2.7 months postoperatively, including 16 (62%) at the previous level of play. The average visual analog scale pain score improved from 4.7 (±2.5) to 0.4 (±1.5) (P = .015). The average postoperative patient-reported outcome scores were as follows: Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score, 80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 72.7-87.0); Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, 85 (95% CI, 75.4-94.7); Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, 5 (95% CI, 2.1-7.7); and Mayo Elbow Performance Score, 91 (95% CI, 86.8-96.0). Cubital tunnel syndrome can cause medial elbow pain in overhead athletes in the presence of a normal ulnar collateral ligament. At mid-term follow-up, 92% of overhead athletes returned to sport after ulnar nerve transposition, with 62% resuming their previous level of performance.

Clinical Application of High Frequency Ultrasound in Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Muscle Injury After Strenuous Exercise

The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical application of high-frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar muscle injury after strenuous exercise. In this study, high-frequency ultrasound imaging technology was used to examine the patients' lumbar and dorsal position, and ultrasound examination was performed on the affected side and the healthy side of lumbar dorsal muscle before and after treatment. According to the thickness of abdomen transverse muscle, psoas muscle, lumbar muscle, gluteus medius revealed by ultrasound, as well as the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and J0A low back pain score, the rehabilitation of patients was analyzed. Through the observation of ultrasound images, it was found that the thickness of the transverse abdominis, lumbar maximus, quadratus lumborum muscle and gluteus medius on the affected side was significantly improved after treatment, the average VAS pain score was significantly decreased, and the average JOA lower back pain score was significantly increased, indicating that the patient's condition was significantly improved after treatment. The use of high-frequency ultrasound to detect the disease status before and after treatment can accurately understand the course of the disease and the curative effect after treatment. In a word, high-frequency ultrasound has a great clinical effect on patients with lumbar dorsal muscle injury.

Cortical Bone Trajectory Instrumentation with Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Compression Fracture.

Background: Osteoporotic spinal fractures commonly occur in elderly patients with low bone mineral density. In these cases, percutaneous vertebroplasty or percutaneous kyphoplasty can provide significant pain relief and improve mobility. However, studies have reported both the recurrence of vertebral compression fractures at the index level after vertebroplasty and the development of new vertebral fractures at the adjacent level that occur without any additional trauma. Pedicle screw fixation combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty has been proposed as an effective procedure for addressing osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures. However, in osteoporotic populations, pedicle screws can loosen, pullout, or migrate. Currently, the efficacy of cortical bone trajectory screw fixation for osteoporotic fractures remains unclear. Thus, we assessed the effects of using cortical bone trajectory instrumentation with vertebroplasty on patient outcomes. Method: We retrospectively reviewed data from 12 consecutively sampled osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture patients who underwent cortical bone trajectory instrumentation with vertebroplasty. Patients were enrolled beginning in October 2015 and were followed for >24 months. Result: The average age was 74 years, and the average dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry T-score was −3.6. The average visual analog scale pain scores improved from 8 to 2.5 after surgery. The average blood loss was 36.25 mL. All patients regained ambulation and experienced reduced pain post-surgery. No recurrent fractures or instrument failures were recorded during follow-up. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that cortical bone trajectory instrumentation combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty may be a good option for treating osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures, as it can prevent recurrent vertebral fractures or related kyphosis in sagittal alignment.

Opioid Use After Discharge Following Primary Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: How Much Are We Over-Prescribing?

BackgroundThe opioid crisis pressures orthopedic surgeons to reduce the amount of narcotics prescribed for post-operative pain management. This study sought to quantify post-operative opioid use after hospital discharge for primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. MethodsA prospective cohort of primary unilateral TKA patients performed by one of 5 senior fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons were enrolled at a single institution. Detailed pain journals tracked all prescriptions and over-the-counter pain medications, quantities, frequencies, and visual analog scale pain scores. Narcotic and narcotic-like pain medications were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test with α < 0.05. ResultsData from 89 subjects were analyzed; the average visual analog scale pain score was 6.92 while taking narcotics. The average number of days taking narcotics was 16.8 days. The distribution of days taking narcotics was right shifted with 52.8% of patients off narcotics after 2 week, and 74.2% off by 3 weeks post-op. The average MME prescribed was significantly greater than MME taken (866.6 vs 428.2, P < .0001). The average number of narcotic pills prescribed was significantly greater than narcotic pills taken (105.1 vs 52.0, P < .0001). The average excess narcotic pills prescribed per patient was 53.1 pills. About 48.3% took fewer than 40 narcotic pills; 75.3% took fewer than 75 narcotic pills. About 3.4% did not require any narcotics; 40.5% required a refill of narcotics. Also, 9.0% went home the day of surgery. ConclusionSignificantly more narcotics were prescribed than were taken in the post-operative period following TKA with an average 53.1 excess narcotic pills per patient. Adjusting prescribing patterns to match patient narcotic usage could reduce the excess narcotic pills following TKA.

Opioid Use After Discharge Following Primary Unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty: How Much Are We Overprescribing?

BackgroundThe opioid crisis pressures orthopedic surgeons to reduce the amount of narcotics prescribed for postoperative pain management. This study sought to quantify postoperative opioid use after hospital discharge for primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. MethodsA prospective cohort of primary unilateral THA patients were enrolled at a single institution. Detailed pain journals tracked all prescription and over-the-counter pain medication, quantity, frequency, and visual analog scale pain scores. Pain medications were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME). ResultsData from 121 subjects were analyzed; the average visual analog scale pain score was 3.44 while taking narcotics. The average number of days taking narcotics was 8.46 days. The distribution of days taking narcotics was right shifted with 50.5% of patients off narcotics after 1 week, and 82.6% off by 2 weeks postoperatively. The average number of narcotic pills prescribed was significantly greater than narcotic pills taken (72.5 vs 28.8, P < .0001). The average MME prescribed was significantly greater than MME taken (452.1 vs 133.8, P < .0001). The average excess narcotic pills prescribed per patient was 51.7 pills. And 71.9% took fewer than 30 narcotic pills; 90.9% patients took fewer than 50 narcotic pills. Also, 10.7% did not require any narcotics; 9.9% required a refill of narcotics; and 33.1% went home the day of surgery. ConclusionSignificantly more narcotics were prescribed than were taken in the postoperative period following THA with an average 51.7 excess narcotic pills per patient. Adjusting prescribing patterns to match patient narcotic usage could reduce the excess narcotic pills following THA.

Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for intra anal-rectal warts

Background: Condylomata acuminata (CA) are a common sexually transmitted disease. The recurrence rate of condyloma acuminatum using traditional treatments is higher than that of applying photodynamic therapy, and a variety of adverse reactions after treatment. At the same time, different parts of condyloma acuminatum after treatment recurrence rate is also different, especially for intra anal–rectal warts.Objective: To evaluate whether using photodynamic therapy (PDT) can effectively reduce recurrence of condylomata acuminata for intra anal–rectal warts.Methods: After the confirmation of the diagnosis of intra anal–rectal warts, the patients were treated with PDT with 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (ALA). PDT was performed with irradiation of 18–36 J/cm2 at an irradiance of 20–40 mW/cm2 with light-emitting diode (LED) light energy, wavelength 635 nm. We used a special PDT light equipment for intra anal–rectal area warts. PDT was repeated once every week for 4 weeks.Results: After PDT, the complete clearance rate was 76.1% (35 of 46 patients). At the end of the 12 weeks followed, recurrence occurred in five cases. We recorded pain in all 46 patients and the average visual analog scale (VAS) pain score was 6.96 ± 1.41 points.Conclusion: The treatment with PDT is effective in reducing the high rate of recurrence for intra anal–rectal warts. Pain is still a great challenge for the therapy.

Battlefield Acupuncture and Physical Therapy Versus Physical Therapy Alone After Shoulder Surgery.

Objective: Opioid pain medications are commonly prescribed postsurgically for pain. Few studies have investigated the effects of Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) on postsurgical pain and pain-medication use. To date, no studies have investigated BFA's effectiveness for reducing postoperative shoulder pain and pain-medication use post surgery. The objective of this study was to determine if adding BFA to a rehabilitation protocol was effective for reducing pain and use of prescribed pain medications, compared to that protocol alone after shoulder surgery. Materials and Methods: Forty Department of Defense beneficiaries (ages 17-55) were randomized to either a standard-of-care group or a standard-of-care + BFA group prior to shoulder surgery. The standard BFA protocol was administered with semipermanent acupuncture needles emplaced on the subjects' ears for 3-5 days within 24 hours after shoulder surgery in an outpatient physical therapy setting. BFA was reapplied, as needed, up to 6 weeks postsurgically for pain management in the intervention group. The primary outcomes were visual analogue scale (VAS) pain rating and daily pain medication use by each subject. Secondary outcome measures were the Global Rating of Change and Patient Specific Functional scale. Outcome measures were obtained at 24 hours, 72 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks post surgery. Results: Significant differences in average and worst VAS pain change scores were noted between baseline and 7 days (P < 0.05). The main effect for time was significant (average and worst VAS pain) at all timepoints (P < 0.05), without time-group interactions seen. No significant differences between the groups in pain-medication use were observed (P > 0.05) Conclusions: BFA reduced postsurgical shoulder pain significantly between the groups' average and worst pain change scores between baseline and 7 days despite similar opioid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use between the groups.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Concomitant Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation versus Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Comparative Matched-Group Analysis of Return to Sport and Satisfaction

Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is commonly associated with articular cartilage injury. Few studies have evaluated the influence of cartilage repair on the outcome of ACL reconstruction. Currently, no known study has examined the return to sport rates of concomitant ACL reconstruction and OCA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate rate and level of return to sports, as well as long-term outcomes, between a matched cohort of isolated ACL reconstruction (ACLR) versus ACL reconstruction with concomitant OCA (ACLR/OCA). Methods: A prospectively collected registry was queried retrospectively for consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with concomitant OCA. Inclusion criteria were preoperative diagnosis of ACL rupture and more than 2 years of follow-up. After meeting the inclusion criteria, all ACL reconstructions with concomitant OCA were matched to two isolated ACL reconstruction patients via +/- 5 years of age at time of surgery, gender, revision status, and ACL reconstruction graft type. At final follow-up, patients were asked to complete a subjective sports questionnaire, the Marx activity scale, a visual analog scale (VAS), and a satisfaction questionnaire. Results: Seventeen ACL/OCA patients met inclusion criteria. Fourteen eligible 2:1 matched pairs (28 ACLR; 14 ACLR/OCA;), were identified for analysis. The average age at the time of surgery was 33.89 +/- 8.64 and 35.92 +/- 6.22 for the ACLR and ACLR/OCA groups, respectively (P = .44). Average follow-up was 4.09 years and 5.14 years for the ACLR and ACLR/OCA groups, respectively (P = .17). At final follow-up, the average Marx activity scalescores were 6.54 for ACRL patients and 1.57 for ACLR/OCA patients; final scores were significantly different between groups (P &lt; 0.01). The average VAS pain scores at final follow-up were 1.96 in the ACLR and 3.64 in ACLR/OCA groups with the ACLR/OCA patients displaying significantly worse final VAS pain scores (P = .03). 89.3% of ACLR patients (25 of 28) returned to at least 1 sport postoperatively compared with 57.1% of ACLR/OCA patients (8 of 14) (P=0.04). At final follow-up, 14.2% (2 of 14) of the ACLR/OCA group and 32.1% (9 of 28) of the ACLR group reported starting a new sport or activity. Average timing for full return to sports was 9.57 +/- 5.53 months and 9.27 +/- 3.25 months for the ACLR/OCA and ACLR groups, respectively (P = .86). At final follow-up, 33.3% and 57.1% of patients returned to better or same level of sport for the ACLR/OCA and ACLR groups, respectively (P = .06). Significantly more ACLR/OCA patients reported their activity level was hindered by their knee (92.8% ACLR/OCA; 60.7% ACLR). Significantly more ACLR patients reported satisfaction with their surgery compared with ACLR/OCA patients (89% vs 57%) (P &lt; 0.01), however no statistical difference was observed in satisfaction with ability to play sports between groups. Conclusion: Significantly less ACLR/OCA patients (57.1%) were able to return to at least 1 sport when compared to a matched ACLR cohort (89.3%). At final follow-up, a higher percentage of ACLR patients were able to return to pretreatment activity intensity level or better (ACLR/OCA, 33.3%; ACLR, 57.1%). ACLR/OCA patients had significantly more pain and lower Marx activity scores. Despite a lower return to sport rate, there was no statistical difference in reported satisfaction with activity level between the groups, however the ACLR/OCA groups reported significantly lower overall surgical satisfaction.

Prolonged pain reducing effect of sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethyl cellulose solution in the selective nerve root block (SNRB) of lumbar radiculopathy: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial

The pattern of linear graph schematized by visual analogue scale (VAS) score displaying pain worsening between 2 days and 2 weeks after selective nerve root block (SNRB) is called rebound pain. The purpose of this study was to determine if sodium hyaluronate and carboxymethyl cellulose solution (HA-CMC sol) injection could reduce the occurrence of rebound pain at 3 days to 2 weeks after SNRB in patients with radiculopathy compared with injection with corticosteroids and local anesthetics alone. Double blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 44 patients (23 of 24 patients in the Guardix group and 21 of 24 patients in the control group) who finished the follow-up session were subjects of this study. Patients were asked to write down their average VAS pain scores daily for 12 weeks. Functional outcomes were assessed by Oswestry Disability Index, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire , and Short Form-36. A cocktail of corticosteroids, 1% lidocaine, 0.5% Bupivacaine, and 1 mL of normal saline was used for the control group whereas a cocktail of corticosteroids, 1% lidocaine, 0.5% Bupivacaine, and 1 mL of HA-CMC solution was used for the G group. Study participants were randomized into one of two treatment regimens. They were followed up for 3 months. VAS score at 2 weeks after the procedure was 4.19±1.32 in the control group, which was significantly (p<.05) higher than that (2.43±1.24) in the G group. VAS score at 6 weeks after the procedure was 4.00±1.23 in the control group and 3.22±1.45 in the G group, showing no significant (p=.077) difference between the two groups. There were no significant differences in functional outcomes at 6 or 12 weeks after the procedure. Compared with conventional cocktail used for SNRB, addition of HA-CMC sol showed effective control of rebound pain at 3 days to 2 weeks after the procedure.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 7:35 AM–9:00 AM ePosters: P139. The effect of preoperative medications on length of stay, inpatient pain and narcotics consumption following minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Excess postoperative pain can prolong hospital stay or lead to narcotics dependence. Previous studies have identified preoperative comorbidities and narcotic use as risk factors for increased length of hospital stay, inpatient pain and narcotics consumption. However, little is known regarding the effects of preoperative medications on outcomes following spine surgery. PURPOSE To determine the association between preoperative medications and length of stay, inpatient pain and narcotics consumption following a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF). STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective cohort. PATIENT SAMPLE A total of 138 patients who underwent a primary, single-level MIS TLIF from 2015 to 2017. OUTCOME MEASURES Inpatient visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, narcotic consumption and length of hospital stay. METHODS A prospectively maintained surgical database of patients undergoing primary, single-level MIS TLIF for degenerative pathology between 2015 and 2017 was retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative medications taken within 30days prior to surgery were recorded for each patient and categorized by medication type. Patient demographic and procedural characteristics were recorded. Patients were categorized based on discharge date, average inpatient VAS pain on postoperative day (POD) 0, and narcotics consumption on POD 0 as expressed in oral morphine equivalents. Poisson regression with robust error variance controlling for age, gender, insurance, smoking status and comorbidity burden was used to determine the association between preoperative medications and length of stay, pain scores, and narcotics consumption. Multivariate analysis was performed using a backwards, stepwise regression to identify independent risk factors for prolonged stay, increased pain, and greater narcotics consumption. RESULTS A total of 138 patients were included in this analysis. Benzodiazepines were associated with discharge after POD 2 (relative risk [RR]=2.1, (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]=1.09–4.17, p=.026). Benzodiazepines (RR=5.9, 95% CI=2.69–12.81, p CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that benzodiazepines are a risk factor for increased length of stay and postoperative pain following MIS TLIF. Preoperative narcotics were also identified as a risk factor for postoperative pain though this did not lead to increases in narcotics consumption. Patients taking these medications should undergo more vigilant perioperative monitoring for adequate pain management. More work must be done to further elucidate the association between preoperative medications and postoperative outcomes following MIS TLIF.