Significant Improvement In Pain Scores Research Articles

Comparative Study of Pain Relief in Two Non-Pharmacological Treatments in Patients with Partial Rotator Cuff Tears: A Randomized Trial.

BackgroundPain induction is the primary characteristic of a rotator cuff tear while muscle weakness appears as a secondary feature, leading to further disability.ObjectivesThe study aimed to determine the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions through transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (MENS) in conjunction with kinesiotherapy in patients with partial thickness rotator cuff tear.MethodsThis was a blinded randomized prospective study. The study recruited 42 outpatients with partial rotator cuff tear under conservative treatment selected from the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens and the University General Hospital ‘Attikon’ during 2015 - 2017. Patients were assessed for pain and disability using the SPADI (shoulder pain and disability index), a numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, and the EuroQoL-5 questionnaire for the evaluation of the quality of life. The first group received TENS and kinesiotherapy while the second group received MENS and kinesiotherapy. Three measurements were recorded. The first assessment was performed during the initial patient visit; the second after completion of the physiotherapeutic sessions, and the third one three months after the initial assessment. A follow-up ultrasound scan was performed three months after the completion of the therapeutic sessions to assess the anatomical healing of the rotator cuff tear.ResultsRepeated measurements analysis indicated a significant improvement in pain scores, functionality, and patients’ quality of life (P value < 0.001). Comparison of the two treatment methods did not reveal any significant differences (P value > 0.05) despite the fact that the MENS was associated with a greater improvement in pain intensity and TENS with a greater improvement in functionality and quality of life.ConclusionsUsing MENS and TENS appears to be equally effective in terms of pain relief, functional improvement, and quality of life enhancement in patients.

The Efficacy of Acupuncture in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) has no cure, but acupuncture may provide relief through its known neuromodulation or neuroendocrine adjustment. This review aimed to assess the efficacy of acupuncture in treating CIPN. Method: A literature review following the PRISMA Statement was performed, searching 7 databases from inception through August 2019. All studies were clinical trials of the effect of acupuncture on CIPN. The methodological quality of these trials was assessed using Cochrane criteria; meta-analysis software (RevMan 5.2) was used to analyze the data. Data Sources: The databases searched were the following: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Wanfang Med Online. Results: We examined 386 cancer patients from 6 randomized control trials, which had high quality, based on the modified Jadad scale. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture led to significant improvements in pain scores (−1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.61 to −0.82, P < .00001) and nervous system symptoms based on Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Neurotoxicity questionnaire scores (−2.02, 95% CI = −2.21 to −1.84, P < .00001). No significant change was noted in nerve conduction velocity (1.58, 95% CI = −2.67 to 5.83, P = .47). Conclusion: Acupuncture can effectively relieve CIPN pain and functional limitation. The limited number of subjects warrants a larger scale study.

Physical and physiological effects of yoga for an underserved population with chronic low back pain

Background:Yoga has been shown useful in reducing chronic low back pain (CLBP) through largely unknown mechanisms. The aim of this pilot study is to investigate the feasibility of providing yoga intervention to a predominantly underserved population and explore the potential mechanisms underlying yoga intervention in improving CLBP pain.Methods:The quasi-experimental within-subject wait-listed crossover design targeted the recruitment of low-income participants who received twice-weekly group yoga for 12 weeks, following 6–12 weeks of no intervention. Outcome measures were taken at baseline, preintervention (6–12 weeks following baseline), and then postintervention. Outcome measures included pain, disability, core strength, flexibility, and plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α protein levels. Outcomes measures were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and paired one-tailed t-tests.Results:Eight patients completed the intervention. Significant improvements in pain scores measured over time were supported by the significant improvement in pre- and post-yoga session pain scores. Significant improvements were also seen in the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire scores, spinal and hip flexor flexibility, and strength of core muscles following yoga. Six participants saw a 28.6%–100% reduction of TNF-α plasma protein levels after yoga, while one showed an 82.4% increase. Two participants had no detectable levels to begin with. Brain imaging analysis shows interesting increases in N-acetylaspartate in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and thalamus.Conclusion:Yoga appears effective in reducing pain and disability in a low-income CLBP population and in part works by increasing flexibility and core strength. Changes in TNF-α protein levels should be further investigated for its influence on pain pathways.

Comparison between myofascial release and myofascial taping as an adjunct to conventional occupational therapy in the management of dequervain's tenosynovitis: A randomized controlled trial

Background: De Quervain's tenosynovitis, the most common overuse injury involving the wrist. There is no consensus in the treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis; both surgical and conservative medical management have adverse effects. Myofascial release (MFR) and myofascial taping (MFT) are newer techniques which have been proven effective for other inflammatory and noninflammatory musculoskeletal conditions. Hence, the study was planned to determine and compare the effectiveness of the both the above-mentioned adjunct method along with conventional occupational therapy in the treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Objective: The objective of this study is to compare and study the effectiveness of MFT and MFR as an adjunct to conventional occupational therapy treatment in patients with De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Study Design: A prospective, comparative randomized controlled trial was conducted for 18 months. Methods: A total of 31 patients (both males and females aged 20-40 years) diagnosed with De Quervain's tenosynovitis, referred to outpatient department were randomized into two groups after screening by simple random allocation using computerized generated table, patients in MFT group (n = 16, 11 females and 5 males) received MFT along with conventional treatment and patients in MFR group (n = 15, 9 females and 6 males) received MFR along with conventional treatment. They followed up for treatment for 5 weeks, two times a week with each session lasting for 30-40 min. Pain level and functional improvement were evaluated using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) score, respectively, before therapy and at the end of the 3rd and 5th week of the 5-week therapy program. Results: Both the groups showed significant improvement in pain scores on VAS at the 3rd and 5th weeks (P

Clinical and radiological outcomes of image guided posterior C1-C2 fixation for atlantoaxial osteoarthritis (AAOA).

Atlantoaxial (C1-C2) osteoarthritis (AAOA) causes severe suboccipital pain exacerbated by lateral rotation. The pain is usually progressive and resistant to conservative therapy. Posterior fusion surgery is performed to stabilise the C1-C2 segment. This is the first Australian study reporting the outcome of posterior atlantoaxial fixation including hybrid fixations performed for AAOA. All patients who underwent posterior atlantoaxial fixation surgery for AAOA from 2005 to 2015 at our institutions were enrolled (N=23). Patient demographics and surgical technique were recorded. These techniques included transarticular screw (TAS) fixation using image guidance with iliac crest bone graft and supplemental posterior Sonntag wiring, or C1-C2 lateral mass fixation (Harms technique). Some patients required a combination of fixation due to anatomical variation. Primary outcome measures including patient satisfaction, pain, disability scores and range of motion were recorded for all patients pre- and post-operatively. Post-operative assessment was supplemented with CT and X-ray imaging. Twenty-three patients (19 women, 4 males, mean age 71.8±6.3 years) underwent surgical fixation. Eight underwent TAS fixation, 8 had Harms fixation, and 7 had a hybrid fixation. All patients reported statistically significant improvement in pain scores [Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) 9.4 pre-op compared to 2.9 post-op, P<0.005]. Disability scores [Neck Disability Index (NDI)] were statistically significantly reduced from 72.2±12.9 pre-operatively to 18.9±11.9 post-operatively, P<0.005. Mean follow-up was 55.3±36.1 months. Results did not vary according to the construct type. Ninety-five point five percent of patients showed radiographic evidence of fusion. Ninety-one percent of patients said they would undergo the surgery again. Posterior atlantoaxial fixation with TAS and Harms constructs are highly effective for the surgical treatment of intractable neck pain secondary to atlantoaxial lateral mass osteoarthritis (AAOA). Surgery offers a high rate of symptom relief. If anatomical variability exists, both transarticular and pedicle screw fixation could be safely used in the same patient.

The Dervan protocol: A new improved rehabilitation protocol for faster recovery of knee replacement surgery

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a progressive disorder of joints caused by gradual loss of cartilage most commonly occurring at knee joint in Indian population. Post-operative physiotherapy is one of the most important pre requisite for further recovery. Traditionally only forward walking is studied, practiced in all rehabilitation protocols. Drawing clues from Yoga and martial arts we have studied the effect of backward walking in post operative rehabilitation of knee replacement patients. Changing basic approach of Rehabilitation has been done for the first time in our knowledge. Materials & Methods: This study was done in Walawalkar Rural Hospital and research centre, Dervan, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. This was a randomized control study. 34 postoperative Patients were randomized into 2 groups. Pre-Operative and Post-Operative assessment was done with VAS score and Modified Oxford Knee Score at the end of 2 weeks. Results: Backward walking group shows 64.4% additional improvement in post-operative Modified Oxford knee score over forward walking group. There is significant improvement in pain score (VAS) in backward walking group at the end of 2 weeks. Discussion: The above results conclude that backward walking reduces significantly the impact force upon contact, foot contact pattern and lower extremity kinematic pattern. Range of Motion at the knee joint is reduced during backward walking incorporating a nearly isometric pattern following contact compared to a more stressful eccentric loading in the traditional forward walk rehab protocol. This can be especially advantageous for rehabilitation of knee joint surgeries along with better proprioception highlighting beneficial effects of backward walking like strengthening of Anti-gravity muscles, Quadriceps loading, Stretching of Post Capsule.

Botulinum Toxin in Restless Legs Syndrome-A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study.

Background: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common movement disorder with an estimated prevalence of up to 12%. Previous small studies with onabotulinumtoxin A (OnaA) for RLS have shown inconsistent results. Methods: Twenty-four patients with an International RLS score (IRLS) of >11 (moderate-severe) were enrolled in this blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study. Twenty-one patients completed the evaluations at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after each injection. One-hundred units of Incobotulinumtoxin A (IncoA) or normal saline were injected into tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and biceps femoris muscles each side. Results: Improvement from a severe (IRLS >21) to a mild/moderate (IRLS ≤20) score was significant at four weeks (p = 0.0036) and six weeks (p = 0.0325) following IncoA administration compared to placebo. Additionally, there was significant improvement in pain score at six weeks as measured by Visual Analogue Scale (p = 0.04) and the Johns Hopkins Quality of Life Questionnaire (p = 0.01) in the IncoA group. Definite or marked improvement on Patient Global Impression of Change was seen in 7 out of 21 patients in the IncoA group vs. 1 out of 21 patients in the placebo group at 4 weeks (p = 0.012). Conclusion: IncoA injection lead to a reduction in severity of RLS symptoms, pain score, and quality of life, without any adverse effects.

Early Correction of Distal Radius Partial Articular Malunion Leads to Good Long-term Functional Recovery at Mean Follow-up of 4 Years

Background: Distal radius articular step-off or deformity may cause posttraumatic arthritis and poor functional outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate pain and functional outcomes in patients with malunited partial articular distal radius fractures who underwent corrective osteotomy. We hypothesized that anatomic restoration of distal radius articular surface after a malunited partial articular distal radius fracture results in improvement in pain and functional measures and delays the development of posttraumatic arthritis. Methods: Seven consecutive patients with mean age of 38 years underwent corrective osteotomy via either a standard dorsal approach or combined dorsal and volar approach. Mean time from injury to corrective osteotomy was 10 weeks. Patients were assessed with respect to Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), forearm and wrist range of motion, pain, and grip strength. Results: At mean follow-up of 44 months, significant improvements in pain scores (7.1-0.9, P < .001), QuickDASH (38.7-11.6, P < .001), grip strength (21.4-30.0 kg, P = .01) were achieved. All range of motion measurements demonstrated significant improvements except forearm pronation. One patient demonstrated radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis but had no pain at final follow-up. No patients required secondary surgery for removal of symptomatic hardware. Conclusions: Based on these findings, we recommend that early corrective osteotomies should be considered in young patients with intra-articular distal radius malunions before considering salvage procedures such as partial or complete wrist arthrodesis.

A prospective evaluation of bone marrow aspirate concentrate and microfracture in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus

BackgroundThe term osteochondral lesion (OCL) refers to a defect involving the chondral surface and or subchondral bone. These lesions are associated with ankle injuries with bony and soft tissue and cause pain, decreased range of motion, swelling and impact adversely on quality of life. To date the standard treatment has been isolated microfracture (BMS). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of BMS alone to BMS augmented with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in the treatment of ankle OCLs. MethodsThis study was a prospective cohort study carried out from 2010–2015 in a single surgeon’s practice. Patients from 2010–2012 were treated with microfracture alone while patients from 2013–2015 were treated with micro fracture augmented with bone marrow aspirate concentrate and fibrin glue. Self-reported patient outcome measures were measured. Complications, revision rates, and visual analogue pain scores were compared. Results101 patients were included in the study. 52 patients were in the microfracture group while 49 patients were in the microfracture/BMAC group. The minimum follow-up for both groups was 36 months. Both groups had a statistically significant improvement in pain scores, quality of life scores, participation in sport and activities of daily living. The revision rate was 28.8% in the microfracture group versus 12.2% in the microfracture/BMAC group, which was statistically significant, p=0.0145. The majority of the lesions were less than 1.5cm2 in diameter in both cohorts. ConclusionsMicrofracture and bone marrow aspirate concentrate appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for osteochondral lesions of the talus. The addition of bone marrow aspirate concentrate does not result in any increase in ankle or donor site morbidity. It is a well-tolerated therapy which decreases revision rates for treatment of the osteochondral lesions when compared to microfracture alone. Level of evidenceLevel III.

Efficacy of Pain Relief in Different Postherpetic Neuralgia Therapies: A Network Meta-Analysis

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a nerve pain disease usually controlled by different therapies, i.e., topical therapies, antiepileptics, analgesics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, anti-dementia drugs, antivirals, amitriptyline, fluphenazine, and magnesium sulfate. It is believed that different therapies may lead to different levels of pain relief. We proposed this study to compare the efficacy of PHN treatments. We conducted a systematic review of the current literature. All relevant studies were retrieved from online databases. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used for pain relief measurement in different PHN therapies. A conventional meta-analysis and a network meta-analysis (NMA) were carried out together with the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) for each therapy calculated regarding their efficacy. A pairwise meta-analysis suggested that 4 treatment classes, including topical therapies, antiepileptics, analgesics, and antidepressants, exhibited better pain relief results than placebo. Likewise, a NMA suggested that patients with 4 treatment classes exhibited significant improvements in pain scores compared to those with placebo. There is a lack of direct head-to-head comparisons of some treatments, especially for antivirals, anti-dementia drugs, and magnesium sulfate. Secondly, the specific agents belonging to the same class of therapies might exhibit different effects (gabapentin and carisbamate) with different mechanisms (opioids and ketamine) on reducing pain, and some agents were hard to find in literatures and were not involved in our study, which may influence our results. Analgesics were preferable to other treatments with respect to pain relief for PHN, while antivirals appeared to be less effective than other therapies. Postherpetic neuralgia, topical agents, antiepileptics, analgesics, antipsychotics, antidepressants.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty With Proximal Humeral Replacement for the Management of Massive Proximal Humeral Bone Loss

Background Substantial proximal humeral bone loss may compromise reverse shoulder arthroplasty secondary to limited implant support, insufficient soft tissue tension due to shortening, lack of attachment sites for the posterosuperior cuff when present, and lack of lateral offset of the deltoid. In these circumstances, use of a proximal humeral replacement may be considered. Patients/Methods Between 2012 and 2014, 34 consecutive reverse shoulder arthroplasties were performed using a proximal humeral replacement system. The indications were failed shoulder arthroplasty (15), oncology reconstruction (9), humeral malunion/nonunion (7), prior resection arthroplasty (2), and intraoperative fracture (1). All patients were included in the survival analysis. Twenty-two patients with minimum 2-year follow-up were included in analysis of clinical results. Results Among the cohort of 34 patients, there were 8 additional reoperations: humeral loosening (3), periprosthetic fracture (2), irrigation and debridement (2), and glenoid loosening (1). Humeral component loosening occurred exclusively in patients undergoing revision shoulder arthroplasty. The 4 patients had an average 3.75 prior procedures before the proximal humeral replacement. Two of the revisions were from cemented to uncemented stems. Among the 23 patients with minimum 2-year follow-up, there was significant improvement in pain scores (4.1 vs 0.6), forward elevation (31 vs 109) degrees, and 81% were satisfied. Conclusion Use of a proximal humeral replacement when performing a reverse shoulder arthroplasty in the complex setting of substantial proximal humerus bone loss provides good clinical results and a particularly low dislocation rate. However, the rate of loosening of the humeral component in the revision setting suggests that proximal humeral replacement components should be cemented when revising a previously cemented stem. IRB 16-006966.

Effectiveness of Intra Articular Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Patients with Anterior Disc Displacement with Reduction

Background: Anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDWR) is the most common form of the internal derangement (ID) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is a painful progressive dysfunction and clinically characterized by reciprocal clicking due to shift in the disc anteriorly in relation to the condyle and fossa during mandible elevation. Minimally invasive therapy such as intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used. PRP is a natural autologous product with a high platelet concentration obtained by centrifugation process to enhance tissue healing through several growth factors (GFs), which are released after endogenous activation. The aim of this study is to assess this technique which is increasingly used today as a safe, simple modality. Materials and Methods: sixty patients with ADDWR were participated (Females 41, males 19; age 20-39 years). Patients were divided into two groups; PRP was used as study group and conservative therapy was used as control group. 1 ml of PRP was obtained by a single step centrifugation. Pain, joint sounds and maximum mouth opening were clinically evaluated before and two months after therapy. Results: There was statistically significant improvement in pain score, clicking and maximum mouth opening in patients treated with PRP. No complications were recorded immediately and two months after therapy. Conclusion: This study support the effectiveness of PRP injection in treatment of ADDWR as a safe modality in reducing pain, clicking and increase mouth opening.

The Vascular Factor Plays the Main Role in the Cause of Pain in Men with Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: The Results of Clinical Trial on Thermobalancing Therapy.

Chronic pain in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), NIH category III is difficult to treat without understanding its cause. The main symptom of chronic prostatitis is pain. In this study, we would like to explain the origin of pain in men with CP/CPPS and its therapy. Forty-five patients with CP/CPPS have received thermobalancing therapy (TT) enabled by Dr Allen’s therapeutic device (DATD) for six months as mono-therapy. The control group comprised 45 men with CP/CPPS did not receive TT. Before and after six months the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) scores, prostatic volume (PV) by ultrasound measurement and uroflowmetry (Qmax) were compared between the groups. Baseline characteristics have shown no difference. After TT, significant improvements in pain score (p < 0.001), quality of life index (QoL) (p < 0.001), decrease of PV (p < 0.001), and increase Qmax (p < 0.001) were determined. There were not noteworthy changes in the control group. Chronic pain due to CP/CPPS happens as a consequence and challenges at the capillary level, namely pathological capillary activity. In response to initial triggers—such as inflammation, cold, psychological and other factors—constriction and spontaneous expansion of capillaries follows, creating a continuous secondary trigger—i.e., the micro-focus of hypothermia—which in turn provokes expansion of capillaries. The additional tissue due to vascular changes into the prostate increases pressure on nociceptors causing pain. TT relieves chronic pelvic pain by eliminating the lasting focus of hypothermia in the affected prostate tissue.

Anteromedializing Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy for Patellofemoral Instability: Occupational and Functional Outcomes in U.S. Military Service Members.

This article sought to determine rates for return to work, pain relief, and recurrent patellofemoral instability for military service members undergoing tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) for persistent lateral patellar subluxation or dislocation. Patient demographic and surgical variables were isolated from the medical records of active duty service members with at least 2 years of postoperative follow-up, and correlated with return to work, pain improvement, recurrent patellofemoral instability, and perioperative complications. There were 51 service members (58 primary TTOs) with an average follow-up of 3.3 (range, 2.0-6.7) years. Service members had an average of 2.8 (1-12) instability events preoperatively. At a minimum of 2 years postoperatively, 41 (80%) military service members returned to full active duty service. Among the 58 TTOs, there was a 46% improvement in the patient-reported visual analog score from 4.1 to 2.2 (p < 0001). The postoperative recurrent instability rates were patellar dislocation (5.1%) and patellar subluxation (15.5%). Concomitant proximal realignment was performed in 48% of cases, which did not affect return to service, postoperative patellar instability events, or pain improvement (p > 0.05). The overall complication rate was 10%. Postoperative tibial fractures occurred in 6.9% of TTOs. At short- to mid-term follow-up, 80% of service members undergoing TTO for patellofemoral instability returned to military duty with significant improvement in pain scores and a moderate perioperative complication and postoperative instability rate. This study is a level IV therapeutic case series.

Chordee and Penile Shortening Rather Than Voiding Function Are Associated With Patient Dissatisfaction After Urethroplasty

To identify factors that predict patient satisfaction after urethroplasty by prospectively examining patient-reported quality of life scores using 3 validated instruments. A 3-part prospective survey consisting of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score, and a urethroplasty quality of life survey was completed by patients who underwent urethroplasty preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. The quality of life score included questions on genitourinary pain, urinary tract infection (UTI), postvoid dribbling, chordee, shortening, overall satisfaction, and overall health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and Wilcoxon signed-rank analysis. Patients were enrolled in the study from February 2011 to December 2014, and a total of 94 patients who underwent a total of 102 urethroplasties completed the study. Patients reported statistically significant improvements in IPSS (P < .001). Ordinal linear regression analysis revealed no association between age, IPSS, or IIEF score and patient satisfaction. Wilcoxon signed-rank analysis revealed significant improvements in pain scores (P = .02), UTI (P < .001), perceived overall health (P = .01), and satisfaction (P < .001). Univariate logistic regression identified a length >4 cm and the absence of UTI, pain, shortening, and chordee as predictors of patient satisfaction. Multivariate analysis of quality of life domain scores identified absence of shortening and absence of chordee as independent predictors of patient satisfaction following urethroplasty (P < .01). Patient voiding function and quality of life improve significantly following urethroplasty, but improvement in voiding function is not associated with patient satisfaction. Chordee status and perceived penile shortening impact patient satisfaction, and should be included in patient-reported outcome measures.

Thoracic Paravertebral Analgesia for Treatment Blunt Chest Trauma with Multiple Rib Fractures

Multiple rib fracture (MRF) causes severe pain that compromise respiratory mechanics. We evaluated the efficacy of thoracic paravertebral block with bupivacaine -fentanyl mixture in patients with unilateral MRF. The study was carried out on 172 blunt chest trauma patients in prospective nonrandomized case series. An initial bolus dose of 0.3 ml/kg of bupivacaine 0.25% plus fentanyl 2 μg/ml was used following by continuous infusion with 0.1 ml/kg/h of bupivacaine 0.125% plus fentanyl 2 μg/ml. Pain severity was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and during coughing; bedside spirometry was measured 5 times in 3 consecutive days after paravertebral block. Traffic accidents (69.1%) was major reason for blunt chest trauma; the number of ribs fracture ranged from 3-5 (76.1%) and 6-8 (23.9%). The rate of hemothorax, pneumothorax and the combination hemothorax-pneumothorax were 64.5%, 7.6% and 27.9% respectively. There was significant improvement in pain score at rest and during coughing, respiratory rate, FVC and FEV1 (p<0.05) 30 min after initial bolus dose, which were sustained during continuous thoracic paravertebral infusion 72 h (p<0.05). The rate of analgesic rescue by paracetamol infusion was 6.4%. No patient had respiratory depression or respiratory failure or signs of local anesthetic toxicity. The result shows that thoracic paravertebral analgesia with bupivacaine and fentanyl provided a good efficacy for pain management in patients with unilateral MRF.

Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junctions Obstruction in Adults: 6 Years' Experience in One Center.

Objective Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is a common cause of symptomatic ureteral obstruction. The aim of this study is to assess the outcome of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in patients with UPJO. Patients and Methods Medical reports of 47 UPJO patients treated with laparoscopic pyeloplasty were retrospectively analysed. All patients were recruited from our center in the period 2004–2011. Results We evaluated 47 patients. Mean age was 36 years and mean hospital stay 3.6 days. 42 (79%) of the patients had pain and 46 (98%) were diagnosed with hydronephrosis. 19 patients (40%) had a renal function below 40% of the affected kidney and 49% had impaired renal scan drainage. Postoperative significant improvement in pain score and renal scan drainage was found in 92% and 47% of the patients, respectively. Improvement of renal function > 10% was found in 11 patients (23%); the function remained stable in 31 patients (66%) and deteriorated > 10% in 5 patients (11%). We found no correlation between sex or age and the outcome. Conclusion Laparoscopic pyeloplasty for UPJO leads to relief of pain and preserved or improved renal function in the majority of the patients. Overall laparoscopic pyeloplasty is an efficient treatment for UPJO.

The Evaluation of the Clinical Effects of Botulinum Toxin on Nocturnal Bruxism.

Objectives Nocturnal bruxism can be managed by botulinum toxin (Botox®) in patients who have not responded to conservative treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BTXA) in the treatment of nocturnal bruxism. Material and Methods The retrospective study comprised 25 female patients, aged 23–55 years (mean 35.84 ± 8.41 years). All patients received a single injection of BTXA in the right and left masseters. Evaluation was made by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) values, complaint duration, onset of effect, and duration of effectiveness. Results BTXA produced significant improvements in pain scores. Only 2 adverse events (8%) were recorded. Conclusion BTX-A is effective in the treatment of nocturnal bruxism.

Efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain.

Background:Chronic pelvic pain is prevalent in 2% of women population globally. The etiology is multifactorial. Even in the absence of pelvic pathology, there is a subgroup of women who do not respond to analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy. Chronic pelvic pain can be inhibited by direct inhibition of impulses in the preganglionic afferent neuron by closing the hypothetical gate in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is based on the gate control theory of abolishing the painful stimuli by providing simultaneous inputs in larger myelinated nerve fibers.Aims and Objectives:This study was designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of TENS in idiopathic chronic pelvic pain.Methods:It is a prospective, experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of TENS versus placebo in reducing pain severity in chronic pelvic pain (G1 = 30, G2 = 32, G3 = 30, and G0 = 30). Patients with chronic pelvic pain due to benign lesions of genital tract, gastrointestinal, and renal disorders were excluded from the study after performing an ultrasound study of abdomen and pelvis. Ten treatment sessions (5 sessions/week) of 30 min were conducted.Observations and Results:There was a significant improvement in pain scores in TENS group as compared with control group, and two patients were completely pain free following TENS therapy.Conclusion:In women patients with idiopathic chronic pelvic pain, TENS can be a useful intervention. TENS units are safe, economical, and easily commercially available.

Comparison of treatment effects on lateral epicondylitis between acupuncture and extracorporeal shockwave therapy

BackgroundLateral epicondylitis is one of the most common overuse injuries, and has been reported to reduce function and affect daily activities. There is no standard therapy for lateral epicondylitis. In Hong Kong, acupuncture and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) have been popular in treating lateral epicondylitis in recent years. ObjectiveThis study is to compare the treatment effects of acupuncture and ESWT on lateral epicondylitis. MethodsIn this study, we evaluated 34 patients (34 elbows) with lateral epicondylitis. Seventeen patients were treated by 3-week ESWT, one session per week. Another 17 were treated by 3-week acupuncture therapy, two sessions per week. The outcome measures included pain score by visual analogue scale, maximum grip strength by Jamar dynamometer, and level of functional impairment by disability of arms, shoulders, and hands questionnaire. Participants were assessed at three time points: baseline; after treatment; and 2-week follow-up. ResultsThe two treatments showed no significant difference at any assessment time-point. Both treatment groups had significant improvement in pain score in longitudinal comparisons. No significant difference was found in maximum grip strength and functional impairment in either treatment group, but a trend of improvement could be observed. In addition, improvement in pain relief stopped when treatment ended for either groups. ConclusionsThe treatment effects of acupuncture and ESWT on lateral epicondylitis were similar. The pain relief persisted for at least two weeks after treatment.