Low Pain Research Articles

Early Postoperative Pain Course following Primary and Secondary Targeted Muscle Reinnervation: A Temporal Description of Pain Outcomes.

Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) is an effective surgical treatment of neuropathic pain for amputees. However, limited data exist regarding the early postoperative pain course for patients who undergo either primary (<14 days since amputation) or secondary (≥14 days) TMR. This study aims to outline the postoperative pain course for primary and secondary TMR during the first 6 postoperative months to aid in patient education and expectation management. Patients were eligible if they underwent TMR surgery between 2017 and 2023. Prospectively collected patient-reported outcome measures of pain scores, Pain Interference, and Pain Intensity were analyzed. Multilevel mixed-effects models were utilized to visualize and compare pain courses between primary and secondary TMR patients. A total of 203 amputees were included, with 40.9% being primary and 59.1% being secondary TMR patients. Primary TMR patients reported significantly lower pain scores over the full 6-month postoperative trajectory (p < 0.001) compared with secondary TMR patients, with a difference of Δ -1.0 at the day of TMR (primary = 4.5, secondary = 5.5), and a difference of Δ -1.4 at the 6-month mark (primary = 3.6, secondary = 5.0). Primary TMR patients also reported significantly lower Pain Interference (p < 0.001) and Pain Intensity scores (p < 0.001) over the complete trajectory of their care. Primary TMR patients report lower pain during the first 6 months postoperatively compared with secondary TMR patients. This may reflect how pre-existing neuropathic pain is more challenging to mitigate through peripheral nerve surgery. The current trends may assist in both understanding the postoperative pain course and managing patient expectations following TMR. Therapeutic - IV.

Efficacy and safety of multidrug cocktail injections in postoperative pain management for lumbar microendoscopic decompression surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effects and safety of multidrug cocktail injections for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing lumbar microendoscopic decompression surgery. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 70 patients who underwent lumbar microendoscopic decompression surgery between December 2023 and May 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a multidrug cocktail injection (cocktail group, n = 35) or no cocktail injection (non-cocktail group, n = 35). Primary outcomes included scores of the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain from postoperative days 1 to 7 and the number of analgesics used within the first 3 postoperative days. Secondary outcomes included sex, age, body mass index, preoperative diagnosis, surgical levels, duration of surgery, blood loss, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on postoperative day 1, and drain output. The cocktail group experienced significantly lower pain levels from postoperative days 1 to 7 (p < 0.05) and used fewer analgesics within the first 3days (p = 0.01) compared with the non-cocktail group. Additionally, the cocktail group had significantly lower CRP levels (p < 0.001) and a shorter hospital stay (p = 0.01). No significant differences were observed in the duration of surgery, blood loss, or drain output between the groups. Multidrug cocktail injections are effective and safe for postoperative pain management in lumbar microendoscopic decompression surgery, significantly reducing pain, analgesic use, CRP levels, and hospital stay. These findings suggest that incorporating multidrug cocktail injections into postoperative care protocols can enhance patient recovery and outcomes.

Effectiveness of pulpotomy in managing carious exposure in mature permanent teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesThis quantitative systematic review evaluated whether pulpotomy performed with hydraulic calcium silicate cements may be used as an alternative to root canal treatment (RCT) in mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure. Data sourcesA comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. No language restrictions were applied. The search included randomised controlled trials that compared pulpotomy to root canal treatment for managing carious exposure in mature permanent teeth. Study selectionStudies were selected based on predetermined inclusion criteria: randomised controlled trials involving mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure, using hydraulic calcium silicate cements for pulpotomy. Non-comparative studies, case reports, and trials involving primary or immature permanent teeth were excluded. DataData were extracted on success rates, clinical outcomes, follow-up periods, pain profiles, and potential complications. A meta-analysis was performed, revealing no statistically significant differences in success rates between pulpotomy and RCT. Both interventions demonstrated success rates exceeding 90 % at one-year and two-year follow-up periods. Pain profiles consistently showed lower post-operative pain intensity in the pulpotomy group compared to the RCT group during the first week. Potential complications, such as non-responsive pulp and difficulties in determining pulp vitality, were reported more frequently in the pulpotomy group. ConclusionsPulpotomy with bioactive hydraulic calcium silicate cements shows comparable success rates to RCT in managing carious pulp exposure in mature permanent teeth. The results suggest pulpotomy as a viable, less invasive alternative to RCT, particularly in cases where preservation of pulp vitality is paramount. Clinical significanceThis systematic review highlights pulpotomy as a less invasive and cost-effective alternative to root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth. With comparable success rates and lower post-operative pain, pulpotomy offers a promising approach to managing carious exposure and preserving tooth vitality.

8623 Atypical VHL Genetic Variant Causing Paraganglioma

Abstract Disclosure: G. Mangu: None. J.J. Faria Briceno: None. R. Yatavelli: None. Abstract: Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare chromaffin cell tumors that originate from the adrenal medulla and extra-adrenal paraganglia respectively. Previous studies have shown that incidental PPGLs are seen in older patients with mild symptoms. They have lower levels of plasma catecholamines and lower incidence of malignancy than patients with nonincidental PPGLs. We report a case of an incidental paraganglioma in a young female with atypical pathogenic variant in the VHL gene which is known to cause familial erythrocytosis but NOT VHL syndrome or PPGL. Case Presentation: A 33-year-old African American female with no significant medical history presented to the emergency room with the chief complaint of right lower quadrant pain for 2 days, which started with her menstruation. The vitals were BP 128/67, pulse 67 and physical examination was unremarkable. CT showed a 4.0 x 3.0 cm heterogenous enhancing left adrenal mass and MRI with adrenal protocol revealed 3.4 x 3.1 cm mass consistent with pheochromocytoma. Labs revealed elevated plasma nor metanephrines and 24-hour urine normetanephrines were 1020 mcg. She was asymptomatic without hypertension, palpitations, or chest pain. She underwent laparoscopic left adrenalectomy after appropriate alpha blockade. The pathology report showed left periadrenal paraganglioma with immunohistochemistry staining significant for Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) membranous expression which is mostly seen in paragangliomas associated with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Clinically, she did not have any stigmata for hereditary PPGL syndrome. Her genetic testing revealed a pathogenic heterozygous variant in the VHL gene, Exon 3, c.598C.T (pArg200Trp), which is a missense variant expected to disrupt VHL protein function. Although she has a germline mutation in VHL, it is not the garden variant which is associated with classic VHL syndrome. It has been reported to cause autosomal recessive erythrocytosis but not PPGL. Conclusion: The pathogenic heterozygous variant in VHL gene, Exon 3, c.598C.T (pArg200Trp) is known to cause autosomal recessive familial erythrocytosis type 2 in the Chuvash population, termed as Chuvash Polycythemia. Our patient did not have polycythemia but had iron deficiency anemia from menorrhagia. Several studies have reported that this variant does not cause VHL syndrome, however it has been reported in a single family with VHL syndrome but WITHOUT pheochromocytoma. To our knowledge, incidental adrenergic paraganglioma associated with this mutation has not been reported in the literature. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Disruptive compensatory mechanisms in fibromyalgia syndrome and their association with pharmacological agents.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disorder characterized commonly by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, predominantly affecting women, with its complexity often leading to underdiagnosis and complicating treatment effectiveness. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) metrics are potential markers to optimize FMS treatments; however, evidence is limited. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between cortical excitability and inhibition, assessed through TMS markers, and clinical characteristics in patients with FMS. This presented cross-sectional study employed baseline data from a clinical trial with 108 FMS patients, mostly female (88.8%), and mean age of 47.3 years old (SD = 12.06). Our analysis showed that decreased short-intracortical inhibition (SICI) was associated with gabapentinoids use, nicotine history, and increased fatigue levels, suggesting its connection with compensatory mechanisms for non-painful FMS features. Increased motor intracortical facilitation (ICF) was linked with greater pain severity and shorter FMS duration, implying its relationship with a reorganization of sensorimotor pathways due to chronic pain. Additionally, higher resting motor threshold (rMT) was associated with less effective pain modulation (lower conditioned pain modulation [CPM]), indicating a disruption of pain compensatory mechanism. Given the role of SICI in indexing homeostatic brain mechanisms and its association with fatigue, a hallmark characteristic of FMS-induced behavioral changes, these results suggest that FMS likely has a deleterious effect on brain inhibitory function, thus providing a potential novel insight for FMS mechanisms. In addition, it seems that this compensatory mechanism's disruption is enhanced by pharmacological agents such as gabapentioids and nicotine.

6976 Early-Onset Paget's Disease- A Unique Presentation In A Young Female With Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase And Low Back Pain

Abstract Disclosure: F. El Sayed: None. Background Paget disease of bone is an age-related disorder characterized by abnormal growth in certain bones, leading to changes in size and shape. Commonly affecting the skull, spine, pelvis, and long bones, it is more prevalent in men, those over 55, with a family history, and of European ancestry. The prevalence of Paget's disease of bone is approximately 2-3% in individuals over 55 in the United States and Europe, with higher rates in those of European descent. Symptoms, such as pain and deformities, may arise from the condition itself or complications like arthritis. While Paget disease can cause visible abnormalities and fractures in affected bones, most individuals remain asymptomatic. Diagnosis often involves blood tests measuring alkaline phosphatase levels, bone scans, and x-rays. Case Presentation We present the case of a 34-year-old woman who sought evaluation due to persistently elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the thousands. The abnormality was discovered during routine blood work conducted during her pregnancy in 2020, and subsequent investigation revealed a chronic elevation for over three years. The patient reported chronic lower back pain but denied other neurological symptoms. Quantification of ALP Bone showed elevated levels at 629, with normal aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, as well as within-range calcium and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). A whole-body bone scan revealed marked radio tracer uptake in the calvarium, raising concerns for Paget's disease. The patient received a one-time infusion of Zoledronic acid (5 mg), leading to a significant decrease in ALP levels to 182 after three months. Subsequent examination by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist unveiled bilateral extra bone deposition and mild hearing loss in the right ear, adding a unique dimension to the patient's presentation. This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnose and manage Paget's disease, even in younger individuals with atypical symptoms. Discussion and conclusion Paget's disease presenting in young adults with back pain can be a diagnostic challenge due to its atypical occurrence in this age group. Although back pain is a common symptom, the underlying cause might not immediately be linked to Paget's disease, which typically affects older individuals. However, when encountering persistent back pain in young adults, especially when accompanied by elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, clinicians should consider Paget's disease as a potential differential diagnosis. Further investigation, including imaging studies and bone scans, becomes crucial to confirm the presence of Paget's disease and initiate appropriate management strategies to mitigate its impact on the patient's health and quality of life. Presentation: 6/2/2024

7073 Treasure or Terror: Dilemmas in the Management of a Giant Parathyroid Adenoma

Abstract Disclosure: A.D. Galia: None. R. De Guzman: None. S. Suib - Salvilla: None. Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder with an incidence of 25 per 100,000 people in the general population. More commonly caused by parathyroid adenomas in 80-85%, giant parathyroid adenomas weighing more than 3.5 g or measuring more than 2 cm may rarely occur. There have been no reported prevalence data of parathyroid adenoma among ASEAN countries, especially in the Philippines. Clinical Case: A 43-year-old, female, Filipino, initially asymptomatic with anterior neck mass for 8 years then presented with generalized body malaise, easy fatigability, lower extremities pain and numbness. Six years ago, neck ultrasound showed left thyroid nodule; abdominal sonogram showed bilateral medullary nephrocalcinosis, with hypercalcemia, elevated intact PTH, and elevated creatinine. She was unable to undergo further workup and management until she presented a few months ago because of generalized body malaise, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting because of hypercalcemia and non-oliguric renal failure. Serum ionized calcium was 1.90 mmol/L (NV 1.15 - 1.30), intact PTH 2000 pg/mL, and serum creatinine 6.08 mg/dL. With unavailability of calcitonin and pamidronate, medical management of hypercalcemia included cautious hydration followed by diuresis, zoledronic acid, and cinacalcet. Sestamibi scan showed a large parathyroid adenoma. Bone densitometry showed osteoporosis (T score = below -2.5). After medical evaluation, she underwent parathyroidectomy under general anesthesia. Intact PTH level perioperatively were as follows: pre-op = 2,078.2 pg/mL; 30 mins = 477.1 pg/mL; 1 hour = 335.7 pg/mL, 1 day = 67.2 pg/mL. The resected mass was 4.2 x 2.4 x 1.6 cm and weighed 4 g; histopathology report was consistent with Parathyroid Adenoma. Post-operatively, patient did not develop hungry bone syndrome. Conclusion: Giant parathyroid adenoma is a rare condition that is usually asymptomatic but can lead to serious complications. In the Philippines, limited availability of laboratory techniques (PTH and sestamibi scan) and availability of medications for hypercalcemia may contribute to underdiagnosis and management. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further complications and improve the overall quality of life. Presentation: 6/3/2024

6463 A Case of Tumour-Induced Osteomalacia Which Remitted After Treatment of Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Abstract Disclosure: J. Chua: None. M. Chuah: None. A case Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) which remitted after treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. Dr Chua Jia Min, Dr Matthew Chuah Bingfeng Abstract Case report: A 69-year-old gentleman with a known history of bladder cancer presented to the emergency department with fatigue, lower back pain and bilateral lower limb weakness worsening over the past one month. MRI and bone scan revealed extensive osteoblastic bone metastases across the skeletal system. This gentleman was referred to the Endocrinology service for the evaluation of high PTH. His corrected calcium was normal at 2.17mmol/L (2.09-2.46mmol/L) and iPTH was raised at 8.74pmol/L (1.60-6.90pmol/L). He was noted to have severe hypophosphatemia 0.34mmol/L (0.94-1.50mmol/L). Bicarbonate levels were normal, there was no glycosuria or proteinuria. There was no history of IV ferrous carboxymaltose use. Further investigations were consistent with urinary phosphate loss - TRP was 0.398 and TMP-GFR was 0.199. ALP was elevated at 282ug/L (39-99ug/L). 25-hydroxyvitamin D was low at 12 ug/L, which accounted for the high PTH levels (secondary hyperparathyroidism). FGF-23 levels returned high at 1293 RU/ml (&amp;lt;180 RU/ml). BMD showed osteoporosis with T-score of -2.6 at the left femoral neck. He was subsequently diagnosed with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma, based on histology from a bone biopsy of an affected vertebrae. PSA was markedly raised at 606ug/L. A diagnosis of TIO secondary to metastatic prostate cancer was made. The patient was started on PO sodium-phosphate solution 4ml TDS (approximately 3mmol/kg/day of elemental phosphorus), calcitriol 0.25mcg BD and vitamin D was replaced. After phosphate was replete, the patient's weakness and fatigue improved. He was subsequently started on androgen deprivation therapy with leuprorelin acetate injection once every 3 months and apalutamide daily. SC denosumab 60mg Q6monthly was also commenced in view of extensive bone metastases. Repeat imaging showed response to treatment with decrease in the size of the prostate and bone lesions. His PSA levels are now undetectable and TMP-GFR has normalised. His oral phosphate and calcitriol doses were gradually reduced and subsequently stopped. His calcium and phosphate levels remain within normal limits on no supplementation, suggesting remission of his TIO. PTH levels normalised after vitamin D repletion. Learning points TIO is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome usually associated with mesenchymal tumours, and treatment involves resection of the causative tumour. Cases of TIO secondary to prostate cancer (an epithelial cancer) are exceedingly rare. Despite metastatic disease, this patient responded exceedingly well to his cancer therapy. Suppression of the tumour cells with androgen deprivation therapy resulted in the lack of phosphotonin production and remission of his TIO. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Safety and efficacy of high thoracic epidural analgesia for chest wall surgery in young adolescents: A retrospective cohort analysis and a new standardised definition for success rate.

Chest wall surgery for the correction of pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum has gained increased interest in recent years. Adequate pain treatment, respiratory physiotherapy and early ambulation are key to improving the outcomes. Although thoracic epidural analgesia is highly effective, its safety is controversial, leading to extensive scrutiny and questioning of its role. We hypothesise that thoracic epidural analgesia is effective and well tolerated to use in adolescents, with a high success rate and low pain scores. Observational retrospective cohort study. All adolescent cases in a high-volume academic tertiary chest wall surgery centre between March 1993 and December 2017 were included. A total of 1117 patients aged from 12 to 19 years of age and receiving either Ravvitch, Nuss or Abramson chest wall reconstruction for pectus excavatum were identified in our institutional chest wall surgery database. After applying selection and exclusion criteria, 532 patients were included in the current analysis. The primary endpoint of this study was the safety of epidural analgesia, assessed by the incidence of acute adverse events. Secondary endpoints were block success rates using a specific novel definition, and analgesic efficacy using recorded postoperative pain scores. More than 60% of patients experienced one or more adverse events. However, all events were minor and without consequences. No serious or long-term adverse events were detected. The success rate of thoracic epidural placement was 81%. Low postoperative pain scores were observed. Thoracic epidural analgesia is an extremely effective pain control technique, with a surprisingly high number of minor adverse events but safe with regard to serious adverse events. The local research ethics committee approved and registered this study on 16 May 2022 (registration number: S66594).

Musculoskeletal Health Problems Among the Loom Weavers of Sirajganj District, Bangladesh

Loom industry in Bangladesh is the foremost imperative &amp; antiquated house industry with a decentralized setup. The industry is giving vocation for millions of individuals within the nation. The target populace includes weavers over northern Bangladesh. The ponder secured a sizable number of population i.e, 208 subjects in Enayetpur and Madhabpur village, Sirajganj. To ensure representativeness, a non-probability convenience technique was utilized to choose a test estimate of 208 members. To be qualified for the study, members were chosen who had minimum two years of experience. Male were predominant (96.2%) among the respondents. Monthly income showed that major part (48.1%) of the respondents fell in 10-15thousand BDT category. Majority (63.5%) of waste disposal strategy taken after by the wok-places was landfilled. What's really interesting is that many respondents reported having musculoskeletal problems; lower back pain (59.6%) was the most frequently reported one. These health issues were connected to weaving activities because they involve lots of repetitive movements with hands, shoulders, legs, and other parts. Most health concerns in this field came from ergonomic risk factors. Future research should aim to include diverse populations and explore interventions that can mitigate these ergonomic risks, ultimately improving the well-being of this vital workforce in Bangladesh's loom industry. Keywords: Bangladesh, Sirajganj, musculoskeletal, health, loom, weavers

Efficacy and Safety of Biportal Endoscopic Decompressive Laminectomy in Octogenarians With Severe Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is prevalent among octogenarians, causing significant pain and disability. Surgical intervention is often required because of the ineffectiveness of conservative treatments. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of biportal endoscopic decompressive laminectomy (BED) in octogenarians with severe LSS, evaluating its potential as a minimally invasive surgical option. This retrospective study included 107 patients aged 80 years or older who underwent BED for LSS between March 2017 and December 2022. Data were collected from electronic medical records, including demographic information, clinical outcomes, and surgical details. Patients with fractures, infectious spondylitis, herniated discs, and follow-up less than 12 months were excluded. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, and painDETECT at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The mean age of the 107 patients was 84.1 years, with 59% being women. Significant improvements were observed in visual analog scale scores for lower back and lower extremities pain, Oswestry Disability Index, European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, and painDETECT scores, indicating reduced pain, decreased disability, and enhanced quality of life. There were no significant differences in outcomes between patients aged 80 to 84 and those 85 or older. Surgery-related outcomes such as operation time, blood loss, and complications were similar in both age groups. BED is a safe and effective treatment for LSS in octogenarians, providing significant pain relief and functional improvement. This minimally invasive technique is also viable for patients older than 85 years, without increased risk of complications, supporting its broader indications in managing LSS in the elderly. This study highlights the efficacy and safety of BED for LSS in octogenarians, demonstrating its potential to improve quality of life and function with low risks, making it a feasible option for elderly patients.

Comparison of spring ankle braces versus splints and casts in treating ankle sprains in patients diagnosed with ankle sprains

BackgroundVarious treatment approaches for individuals with ankle sprains can reduce treatment costs and enhance recovery. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of spring ankle braces with splints and casts in treating ankle sprains.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study involved 60 patients diagnosed with ankle sprains at the orthopedic clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft in 2022. Following diagnosis confirmation through additional examinations and imaging, patients with ankle sprains not requiring surgery were selected and placed in two groups: one treated with spring ankle braces and the other with splints or casts. Both groups underwent a 4-week treatment regimen, comprising 30 individuals each. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 26.ResultsThe average age of patients was 32.5 ± 13.4 years. Of the ankle sprain patients, 56.7% were male. Patients reported the highest satisfaction levels with the plaster cast treatment method. A statistically significant relationship was found between patient satisfaction and the treatment methods of spring ankle braces and plaster casting (P < 0.05). Patients treated with plaster casts reported the lowest pain levels, with a significant relationship between pain levels and the two treatment methods (P < 0.05). Range of motion results were similar for both treatment methods, while the cast treatment showed the highest incidence of skin complications. A significant relationship was observed between spring ankle braces and plaster casts regarding skin complications (P < 0.05).ConclusionTreating ankle sprains with plaster casts leads to higher satisfaction and lower pain levels compared to using spring ankle braces.

Postoperative Pain Comparison Between Alcohol-Assisted and Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy Using Nepafenac Treatment: A Novel Study.

The study aimed to compare postoperative pain between alcohol-assisted and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy in patients who received the novel analgesic preoperative nepafenac treatment 2days preoperatively and 3days postoperatively. Pain, stinging, tearing, light sensitivity, and stress levels were evaluated. The study included a retrospective analysis of 55 patients divided into two groups: bilateral alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (aa-PRK) and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (transepithelial-PRK). Nepafenac was administered for pain control for all patients, with patients receiving four drops for 2 days before the surgery and 3 days postoperatively per clinical instructions. Patients completed questionnaires on the day of the surgery and for the first 5 days postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using XLSTAT (version 2023.1.2). t-Test was used to analyze and compare pain and symptom levels and Fisher's exact test for categorical data. p-Values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The study examined 55 patients (49% female) with a mean age of 25.11 ± 6.81years who had undergone bilateral surface refractive surgery to correct myopic errors. The mean baseline standard error (SE) was -3.16 ± 2.20 D. Among these patients, 27 patients underwent aa-PRK and 28 patients underwent transepithelial-PRK. Higher levels of pain were significant in the aa-PRK group (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in the average levels of stinging, tearing, or light sensation. Additionally, stress levels decreased over time in both groups, with levels becoming almost equal after 5 days, and there was no significant difference in the average stress levels between the two groups. The study found that patients who underwent the transepithelial-PRK procedure had significantly lower pain levels compared with those who underwent aa-PRK after being treated with nepafenac per protocol. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of stinging, tearing, light sensation, and stress levels.

Impact of the mother's voice on sedation need and stress during cardiologic examination of children (SMUSS study): a prospective, interventional, randomised, controlled, monocentric study.

Cardiac catheterisation is crucial for diagnosing and treating paediatric heart diseases, but it is poorly tolerated by small children, infants, and newborns without sedation. This study investigated whether maternal voice during sedation could lower stress and pain in children undergoing cardiac catheterisation and also assessed mothers' stress levels before and after the procedure. This was a prospective, monocentric, randomised, controlled interventional study at the University Hospital Bonn. Children aged 4 years or younger scheduled for elective cardiac catheterisation under procedural sedation and American Society of Anaesthesiologists class between 1 and 3 were eligible. At the end of cardiac catheterisation, the intervention group showed a higher Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation index with an adjusted mean difference of 9.5 (± 4.2) (p = 0.026) and a lower median Children's and Infants Postoperative Pain Scale score of 2.0 (IQR: 0.0-5.0) versus 4.5 (IQR: 3.0-6.0) than the control group (p = 0.027). No difference in the children's cortisol level was found (p = 0.424). The mothers in the intervention group had a lower cortisol level than those in the control group before cardiac catheterisation (adjusted mean difference: -4.5 nmol/l (± 1.8 nmol/l), p = 0.011). Listening to the maternal voice during cardiac catheterisation could lead to less postoperative pain and significantly lower stress and discomfort level in children. Less pain could reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium.Additionally, mothers perceived involvement as positive. A reduced stress level of mothers can positively influence children and possibly reduce pain and anxiety.

Perioperative Use of Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion to Decrease Postoperative Opioids in Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized Prospective Study

Pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional sensation provoked by real tissue damage and manifested by autonomic, psychological, and behavioral reactions. Improvement of postoperative pain control remains a significant challenge among clinicians. 40 patients aged 30-60 years, ASA 1-2 scheduled for colorectal surgery, were divided into two groups 20 patients each. Lidocaine group: (n= 20) received bolus intravenous lidocaine 20 min before incision with a dose of 1.5mg/kg followed by lidocaine infusion with a dose of 1.5mg/kg/h. Control group: (n= 20) receive intravenous lidocaine only. After premedication with a bolus dose of lidocaine at induction, the heart rate was lower in the interventional group compared with the control one until 12 hours post-operatively, then returned to be equal by 24 hours. Between recovery and one hour postoperative, intraoperative serial differences were significant only for the intervention group. After premedication and during the operation until 24 hours, postoperative mean blood pressure was significantly higher among controls. This returns to be equal by 48 hours and beyond. The postoperative VAS score and analgesic requirements were significantly lower in the lidocaine infusion group. Perioperative lidocaine infusion provides analgesia, low pain score, and decreases postoperative opioid consumption in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Hip Surgery is Not More Painful Than Spine Surgery in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and hip reconstruction are commonly indicated surgeries in children with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly those functioning at GMFCS levels IV and V. These are large and often painful procedures, and previous literature suggests that hip surgery is more painful than spine surgery in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to investigate pain scores and opioid use following hip and spine surgery in a large cohort of children with CP, including many patients who have undergone both types of surgery. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify children with CP who underwent hip reconstruction and/or PSF at a tertiary children's hospital between 2004 and 2022. Charts were reviewed for demographic data, pain scores, pain medication usage, duration of hospital stay, and complications. Data were collected for 200 patients (101 male, 99 female) who met inclusion criteria. Eighty-seven patients underwent hip reconstruction, 62 spinal fusion, and 51 both hip and spine surgery asynchronously. Median (interquartile range) age at the time of surgery was significantly older for spinal fusion compared with hip surgery [13.1 (4.9) vs. 8.1 (5.7) y, P <0.0001]. Length of stay was significantly longer after PSF, with a median of 6 (4) days compared with 2 (1) days after hip surgery ( P <0.0001). Both maximum and average daily pain scores were similar following hip and spine surgery, with the exception that average pain scores for hip surgery were slightly higher on postoperative day 1, hip=1.73 vs. spine=1.0 ( P <0.0001). The amount of opioids used, expressed as morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/kg were similar in the hip and spine surgery groups; however, it was significantly lower in the hip surgery group on postoperative day 0, hip=0.06 versus spine=0.17 ( P <0.0001). For the 51 patients who underwent both hip and spine surgery, the amount of opioids used mirrored that for the entire group (similar MME/kg, though only statistically significantly less on POD 0 and 3), and pain scores were not significantly different between the 2 groups except in 2 circumstances. The 2 exceptions in these 51 patients both demonstrated lower pain scores in patients after hip surgery, including lower maximum pain scores on POD 1 ( P =0.041), and lower average pain scores on POD3 ( P =0.043). This is the largest series to date comparing postoperative pain in children with CP after hip and spine surgery, including 51 of 200 patients who underwent both types of surgery. The results of this study demonstrate that hip surgery is not more painful than spine surgery in children with CP, and conflict with the traditional belief that hip surgery is more painful. This is important information for health care providers when counseling patients and families regarding these surgeries in children with CP. Level 3.

The Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Clinical Outcomes and Structural Damage in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To systematically review the effects of alcohol consumption (AC) on disease-specific outcomes in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).Methods: A systematic review of observational studies on axSpA and AC was conducted. Multiple electronic databases were searched for keywords. Two investigators reviewed articles to assess for inclusion eligibility. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal checklist was employed to evaluate the risk of bias. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to synthesize the data and I² was used to ascertain heterogeneity. Spinal pain, disease activity as measured by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and spinal radiographic progression based on the modified Stokes Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) were examined as outcomes.Results: Search strategy identified 703 records; 13 articles were assessed for eligibility. Five studies (n = 3858) were included. Compared to non-consumers, axSpA patients who consumed alcohol had lower BASDAI (SMD -0.19, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.02, I²=72.5%) and lower spinal pain (SMD -0.17, 95% CI -0.24 to -0.09, I² = 0%). No significant difference was found for ASDAS (SMD -0.19, 95% CI -0.39 to 0.00, I² = 36%). One cohort study on the spinal radiographic progression indicated greater radiographic progression among consumers (SMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.62).Conclusion: AC appears to be associated with lower disease activity and spinal pain. However, these findings may reflect confounding by sex and smoking. Further longitudinal cohort studies with standardized measures for AC are warranted to assess the direction of alcohol’s effect on structural damage progression.

Study of correlation between arches of foot and lower back pain in Eastern India

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common disorders of the musculoskeletal system, leading to impaired function and decreased quality of life in many patients. Foot arch alterations may lead to structural changes and/or affect its load distribution. It should be noted that even slight elevations of the foot’s medial longitudinal arch above the norm may lead to changes in load and pressure distribution. Hence, it becomes important to find the relationship between low back pain and altered foot arch indices leading to improper body balance. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to find any correlation between lower back pain and an altered foot arch index in the Eastern Indian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 subjects aged 20–40 years with varying degrees of low back pain were selected. Low back pain scores of the subjects were found using modified oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire. Footprints in standing position using ink were taken on graph paper and the foot arch indices were calculated. Results: 54.16% of the male and 36.11% of female participants had low arched feet, 20.83% of male and 52.78% of female participants had normal arched feet, and 25% of male and 11.11% of female participants had high arched feet with varying degrees of low back pain. 77.42% of the participants with minimal disability due to low back pain were having normal arched feet, 71.43% of the participants with moderate disability due to low back pain were having low arched feet, and 100% of the participants with severe disability due to low back pain were having either high or low arched feet. Conclusion: This study showed that people having either low or high arched feet are at an increased risk of developing acute or chronic low back pain at some stage in their lives. Knowledge of this risk factor might even help people to choose appropriate occupations in the future.

The importance of integrating flexible learning methods (audio-visual animation vs. visual pamphlet) to enhance awareness, perspectives, and practices in preventing lower back pain in nurses. A quasi-experimental study.

Nurses are highly susceptible to developing low back pain (LBP), which is considered a common occupational hazard. The present study investigated the efficacy of flexible learning methods on the nurses' awareness, perspectives, and practice regarding the prevention of LBP. In pre-test posttest quasi-experimental study conducted from June to December 2019, 153 eligible nurses working in three hospitals were participated. Researchers divided the hospitals into three groups with similar numbers of participants (around 55 each) using a random process. One group received an educational intervention using an audio-visual animation, another group got a visual pamphlet, and the last group served as a control with no intervention. All nurses completed a validated questionnaire designed by the researchers to assess their awareness, perspectives, and practices related to preventing lower back pain. The questionnaire was given three times: before the intervention, 1 week after, and 4 weeks after. The study found that participants in the audio-visual and visual pamphlet groups scored significantly higher on awareness, perspective, and practice measures compared to the control group. Interestingly, the visual pamphlet group showed even greater awareness and practice scores compared to the audio-visual group (p < 0.001). However, the audio-visual group achieved a higher perspective score compared to the visual pamphlet group (p < 0.001). Nurses' perspective, awareness, and practice towards LBP prevention can be improved by blending the visual pamphlet and audio-visual animation.

Comparable long-term functional outcomes of subvastus and medial parapatellar approach in total knee arthroplasty: A 10-year follow-up study.

Surgeons usually use the medial parapatellar or subvastus approaches for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The subvastus approach is rapidly gaining recognition to reduce damage to the extensional mechanism and recover faster after surgery. This study compares the long-term outcomes of the conventional medial parapatellar and subvastus approaches in primary TKA during a minimum 10-year follow-up. In a retrospective longitudinal follow-up study from 2008 to 2013, 60 eligible patients for primary TKA were included. The patients were divided into two groups: one undergoing TKA with the subvastus approach (n = 30) and the other with the conventional medial parapatellar approach (n = 30). Postoperatively, the patients were followed up for 10-15 years. Patients were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Society Score (KSS), and Visual Analogue Scale index for pain. The time required to perform an active straight leg raise (SLR) was significantly shorter in the subvastus group (p < 0.001) at early postoperation evaluation. Patients in the subvastus group had lower pain and better knee functional scores at the one-year follow-up (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the two groups regarding duration of hospitalisation, blood loss, operation time, length of the scar, and postoperative complications. Both approaches had similar long-term results regarding pain and functional scores of WOMAC (6.2 ± 1.2 vs. 6.3 ± 1.3, p-value = 0.69) and KSS scores (93.1 ± 6.8 vs. 95.0 ± 3.2, p-value = 0.42). The subvastus approach was associated with a shorter time to achieve active SLR, higher functional scores, and better pain relief at early postoperative evaluations. However, both techniques had similar long-term outcomes in terms of pain and functional scores, as measured by the WOMAC and KSS scales. II.