Pain MedicinePub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaf066
Debra K Weiner, Angela Gentili, Edward Garay, Meika Fang, Lenore Joseph, Laura Lawson, Cathy C Lee, Michelle Rossi, Yanlin He, Subashan Perera
{"title":"Correlates of pain-related disability in older veterans with chronic low back pain.","authors":"Debra K Weiner, Angela Gentili, Edward Garay, Meika Fang, Lenore Joseph, Laura Lawson, Cathy C Lee, Michelle Rossi, Yanlin He, Subashan Perera","doi":"10.1093/pm/pnaf066","DOIUrl":"10.1093/pm/pnaf066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a potentially disabling condition that affects an estimated one third of older adults. Treatments recommended by existing guidelines result in modest improvements. Identification of modifiable factors that contribute to CLBP-associated disability in older adults is needed to optimize outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Baseline data were analyzed from 275 participants in the Aging Back Clinics trial, which was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a personalized approach to treating CLBP in older veterans. Participants had low back pain of moderate severity on half the days for 6 months or worse, a negative dementia screen, no red flags or history of lumbar surgery, and no communication impairment. Measures included demographics, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI; main outcome), the NIH Minimal Data Set for CLBP research, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-29, medical comorbidity, pain medications, the Medical Outcomes Study social support scale, the Prescribed Opioids Difficulties Scale, and the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. No disability to minimal disability was defined as ODI ≤ 20, moderate disability as 20 < ODI ≤ 40, and severe to crippling disability as ODI > 40, to which we fitted a multinomial logistic regression model with a generalized logit link and forward selection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants' average age was 73.5 years, 93% were male, 67% were white, and 28% were black. Approximately 24% reported no disability to mild disability, 50% moderate disability, and 26% severe to crippling disability. Among the 3 modifiable risk factors identified, for each 5-point increase in self-efficacy, there was an ∼50% lower risk of moderate disability (OR 0.54 [0.42-0.69]; P < .0001) and an ∼60% lower risk of severe/crippling disability (OR 0.39 [0.29-0.52]; P < .0001). Difficulty falling asleep was associated with more than double the risk of moderate disability (OR 2.48 [1.06-5.81]; P = .0367) and a nearly 6-fold greater risk of severe/crippling disability (OR 5.77 [2.09-15.96]); P = .0007). Each 1-point increase in pain severity was associated with an ∼1.5-fold increased risk of moderate and severe disability.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Low self-efficacy, difficulty falling asleep, and pain severity were identified as independent and potentially modifiable factors associated with CLBP-associated disability risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":19744,"journal":{"name":"Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"694-701"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144143250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain MedicinePub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaf043
Paula Jiaojia Yu, Eldon Loh, Anne M R Agur, John Tran
{"title":"A comparative 3D anatomical simulation study of four techniques to ablate the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve.","authors":"Paula Jiaojia Yu, Eldon Loh, Anne M R Agur, John Tran","doi":"10.1093/pm/pnaf043","DOIUrl":"10.1093/pm/pnaf043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Image-guided radiofrequency ablation of the superior and inferior medial genicular nerves is used to treat medial knee pain. The infrapatellar branch (saphenous nerve) has been suggested as an additional nerve target. No studies have assessed nerve capture rates of the techniques.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To simulate four radiofrequency ablation techniques (cooled/long-axis/conventional bipolar strip lesion/dual-tined techniques) to (1) visualize the lesions in 3D relative to the treatment line and compare their extent; (2) determine and compare capture rates of the infrapatellar branch and inferior medial genicular nerve; and (3) assess which technique(s) would be most effective.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Anatomical simulation study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>3D models were reconstructed, based on previously collected data of the dissection/digitization of 7 specimens. Four techniques were simulated with lesion sizes obtained from previously published data or manufacturer's specifications. Capture rates of the infrapatellar branch and inferior medial genicular nerve were compared and the extent of the lesion relative to the treatment line was visualized.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cooled monopolar technique resulted in over 50% capture rate of the superior infrapatellar branch and anterior branch of inferior medial genicular nerve. This was followed by the dual-tined monopolar technique, capturing 42.9% of superior infrapatellar branch and 57.1% of anterior branch of inferior medial genicular nerve. The simulated lesions did not always encompass the treatment line inferiorly, sparing the inferior infrapatellar branch. All techniques resulted in complete sparing of the infrapatellar branch in some specimens.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>High-fidelity lesion simulation of radiofrequency ablation techniques provides a robust anatomical foundation to inform image-guided interventions for medial knee pain.</p>","PeriodicalId":19744,"journal":{"name":"Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"673-680"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12491859/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144024023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain MedicinePub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaf054
Shelby E Meier, Michael B Orr, Matthew S Shotwell, Rebecca N Jerome, Jana K Shirey-Rice, Jill M Pulley, David A Edwards, Amanda D Toye, Puneet Mishra, Tigran Kesayan
{"title":"Enhanced pain relief with guanfacine as an adjuvant for trigeminal nerve blocks: insights from a PheWAS-guided randomized controlled study.","authors":"Shelby E Meier, Michael B Orr, Matthew S Shotwell, Rebecca N Jerome, Jana K Shirey-Rice, Jill M Pulley, David A Edwards, Amanda D Toye, Puneet Mishra, Tigran Kesayan","doi":"10.1093/pm/pnaf054","DOIUrl":"10.1093/pm/pnaf054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Trigeminal neuralgia and painful trigeminal neuropathy are severely painful conditions which are often difficult to treat with medications. A Phenome-Wide Association Study (PheWAS) analysis identified an association between single-nucleotide variants in the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRA2) subtype B, a G protein-coupled receptor expressed on peripheral and central presynaptic terminals, and an increased risk for trigeminal nerve disorders. We hypothesized that adding the ADRA2 agonist guanfacine to routine care trigeminal nerve injections would provide enhanced pain relief in trigeminal neuralgia than routine care alone.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>PheWAS analysis identified the drug target/indication pair. The trial was a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded, 2-way crossover trial for patients with pain attributed to the trigeminal nerve. Injections of lidocaine alone or lidocaine + 250 µg guanfacine were delivered to the V2 and V3 branches of the trigeminal nerve by experienced clinicians. Patients reported pain using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and quality of life measures (using the PROMIS Global Physical Health, Mental Health, and Pain Interference surveys).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>NRS pain scores over the first 8 h post-injection were significantly lower in the interventional group (guanfacine + lidocaine) compared to active control (P < .001), but not from day 1 through day 14. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in time to recovery of baseline pain intensity (primary outcome), PROMIS outcomes, or adverse events (AEs). No serious AEs were reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The addition of 250 µg guanfacine to lidocaine for a nerve block procedure enhanced analgesia compared to lidocaine alone within the first 8 h post-injection.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>NCT03865940, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03865940.</p>","PeriodicalId":19744,"journal":{"name":"Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"643-654"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12491861/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144008618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain MedicinePub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaf135
Lucas Rovira Soriano, Ferran Marques Peiro, Carlos Delgado Navarro, Francisco Bautista, Guido Mazzinari, Pablo Kot Baixauli, Jose De Andres
{"title":"Perioperative Neuromodulation of the Femoral Nerve Increases Quadriceps Strength and Reduces Pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty: pilot randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Lucas Rovira Soriano, Ferran Marques Peiro, Carlos Delgado Navarro, Francisco Bautista, Guido Mazzinari, Pablo Kot Baixauli, Jose De Andres","doi":"10.1093/pm/pnaf135","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnaf135","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19744,"journal":{"name":"Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145200068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain MedicinePub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaf120
S Isabelle McLeod Daphnis, Ke Wu, Qinyue Yu, Hal Rives, Angel Hsing-Chi Hwang, Mehrnaz Sabet, Andrea Stevenson Won
{"title":"The effects of companionship from strangers and companions on pain thresholds in immersive virtual reality: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"S Isabelle McLeod Daphnis, Ke Wu, Qinyue Yu, Hal Rives, Angel Hsing-Chi Hwang, Mehrnaz Sabet, Andrea Stevenson Won","doi":"10.1093/pm/pnaf120","DOIUrl":"10.1093/pm/pnaf120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Virtual reality (VR) has been used to treat pain for decades, but improvements in the cost and accessibility of consumer devices open up new opportunities for increasing its efficacy; for example, by adding a social element to virtual experiences. Previous research on the effects of social interaction on pain thresholds in induced pain tasks indicates that even social interaction with a stranger has the potential to increase the effectiveness of VR for pain. In addition, interacting with friends or family members through media can offer social support, and conducting these interactions in immersive virtual reality may have an additive effect.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Pre-registered, within-participants experiment examining effects of 4 conditions on pain threshold.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Academic research laboratory.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants (N = 70) completed a series of induced pain tasks under four conditions: (1) connecting with a companion (friend or family member) in VR, (2) connecting with a companion via Zoom, (3) connecting with a stranger in VR, and (4) alone in VR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Social interaction increased participants' pain thresholds in VR. Participants preferred interacting with their companions in social virtual reality to all other conditions. No statistically significant difference in pain thresholds was found between interacting with a stranger or a companion in VR.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that social interaction, especially in VR, can enhance pain thresholds, with a preference for interacting with companions and demonstrate the potential for social VR to improve pain management.</p>","PeriodicalId":19744,"journal":{"name":"Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"702-711"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144964159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain MedicinePub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaf042
Jui-Hsu Tsai, Ka-Wai Tam, Jheng-Dao Yang, Tzu-Herng Hsu
{"title":"Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma for treating temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Jui-Hsu Tsai, Ka-Wai Tam, Jheng-Dao Yang, Tzu-Herng Hsu","doi":"10.1093/pm/pnaf042","DOIUrl":"10.1093/pm/pnaf042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the therapeutic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on pain and mandibular movement in patients with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD).</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective controlled trials. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies published before August 31, 2024.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Not applicable (systematic review and meta-analysis).</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder included in the eligible studies.</p><p><strong>Intervention(s) or exposure(s): </strong>PRP injection compared with arthrocentesis, hyaluronic acid, or corticosteroids.</p><p><strong>Main outcome(s) and measure(s): </strong>Pain intensity and maximal mandibular opening (MMO) were the primary outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool for randomized trials and ROBINS-I for nonrandomized studies. Mean difference (MD) or standardized MD with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to evaluate effect size.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This meta-analysis included 31 studies involving 1359 patients. Compared to arthrocentesis, PRP significantly reduced pain at 6 months (MD, -1.56; 95% CI, -2.68 to -0.44) and improved mandibular movement at 3 months (MD, 2.16; 95% CI, 0.30 to 4.02) and 6 months (MD, 2.56; 95% CI, 0.76 to 4.35). Compared to hyaluronic acid, PRP significantly reduced pain at 3 months (MD, -2.18; 95% CI, -3.70 to -0.66) and improved mandibular movement at 6 months (MD, 3.67; 95% CI, 1.26 to 6.07). Compared to corticosteroids, PRP reduced pain at 1 month (MD, -0.41; 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.02), 3 months (MD, -2.18; 95% CI, -3.70 to -0.66), and 6 months (MD, -1.25; 95% CI, -1.52 to -0.97), and improved mandibular movement at 6 months (MD, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.27 to 2.64).</p><p><strong>Conclusions and relevance: </strong>PRP injection may be an effective and safe treatment for patients with TMJD. These findings suggest that PRP could serve as a promising minimally invasive option for improving pain and mandibular function in clinical settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":19744,"journal":{"name":"Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"655-672"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144010890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain MedicinePub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaf044
Shu Huang, Tianze Jiao, Serena Jingchuan Guo, Jill A Star, Jiang Bian, Debbie L Wilson, Amie J Goodin
{"title":"Suicide risk after abrupt discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy: an observational cohort study.","authors":"Shu Huang, Tianze Jiao, Serena Jingchuan Guo, Jill A Star, Jiang Bian, Debbie L Wilson, Amie J Goodin","doi":"10.1093/pm/pnaf044","DOIUrl":"10.1093/pm/pnaf044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines highlight the increased suicide risk associated with abrupt discontinuations of long-term opioid therapy (LTOT). However, evidence on specific dose and duration \"thresholds\" of LTOT for suicide risk is limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We aimed to identify opioid dose trajectories before abrupt LTOT discontinuations and their association with 6-month suicide risk.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>This retrospective cohort study analyzed 2016-2021 Florida Medicaid claims for adult non-cancer beneficiaries with abrupt LTOT discontinuation, defined as having a > 15-day gap in opioid supply after ≥90 consecutive days of use. We assessed prescription opioid doses as the mean weekly morphine-milligram equivalent (MME) 6 months preceding the first abrupt LTOT discontinuation. Group-based trajectory modeling identified distinct opioid trajectory patterns, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models examined associations between trajectory groups and a composite outcome of suicidal ideation, non-fatal suicide attempts, and suicide death 6 months following the abrupt LTOT discontinuation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 15 680 beneficiaries (mean age: 46.2 ± 11.1 years; 60.8% female), 4 trajectory groups based on weekly MMEs: Low (<25: n = 8814, 56.2%), moderate (25-50: n = 4313, 27.5%), high (51-150: n = 1452, 9.3%), and very-high (>150: n = 1101, 7.0%) were identified. Compared with the low-dose group, the very-high dose group had a significantly higher risk of suicide-related outcomes [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 2.2, 95% confidence interval (95%CI):1.3-3.6], while the moderate and high dose groups had similar risks (moderate: aHR = 1.3, 95%CI: 0.9-1.8, high: aHR = 0.7, 95%CI: 0.4-1.3).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Among Florida Medicaid beneficiaries with LTOT, very-high opioid doses (>150 weekly MME) in the 6 months preceding an abrupt LTOT discontinuation were associated with an increased risk of suicide-related outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19744,"journal":{"name":"Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"631-642"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144008467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain MedicinePub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaf051
Miguel Ángel Fernández-Gualda, Paula Postigo-Martin, Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Lydia Martin-Martin, Pilar Vargas-Arrabal, Mario Lozano-Lozano, Carolina Fernández-Lao
{"title":"Prevalence and characteristics of persistent pain among head and neck cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Miguel Ángel Fernández-Gualda, Paula Postigo-Martin, Maria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Lydia Martin-Martin, Pilar Vargas-Arrabal, Mario Lozano-Lozano, Carolina Fernández-Lao","doi":"10.1093/pm/pnaf051","DOIUrl":"10.1093/pm/pnaf051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>There are no updated systematic reviews examining the prevalence of persistent pain among head and neck cancer survivors.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This systematic review aims to identify the prevalence and characteristics of persistent pain across locations among head and neck cancer survivors.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A systematic review and meta-analysis.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Head and neck cancer survivors with persistent pain.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>It was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines on December 14th, 2023 (PROSPERO reference CRD42024494926). The MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Ovid and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Studies had to report prevalence data on persistent pain in head and neck cancer survivors who completed cancer treatment at least 3 months ago. Quality of the included studies was assessed using the critical appraisal tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed prior to perform the meta-analysis using τ2, I2, and Q. Univariate meta-regression analyses were used to examine sources of heterogeneity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>1713 records were retrieved. After removing duplicates 1385 articles were screened. Ultimately, 182 articles were assessed for full-text screening, of which 17 manuscripts were included for review. The prevalence of the studies was 31% (95% CI, 20 to 42). The meta-regression explained approximately 40% of the observed heterogeneity (R2 = 40.57).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This systematic review highlights that almost third of head and neck cancer survivors are under persistent pain after finishing cancer treatment. No final conclusions can be drawn as to which extent cancer location, cancer treatment, pain measurement method and timing of pain assessments could modify this prevalence. Results should be interpreted with caution since there is considerable variability in the methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":19744,"journal":{"name":"Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"712-721"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12491860/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144030647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Radiofrequency ablation of the first carpometacarpal joint for osteoarthritis: a technical report.","authors":"Jimmy Wen, Burhaan Syed, Shannon Dwyer, Ramy Khalil, Sugamjot Badhan, Foad Elahi","doi":"10.1093/pm/pnaf052","DOIUrl":"10.1093/pm/pnaf052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic pain associated with the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint can significantly impair thumb mobility and grip strength. Radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFA) offers a promising minimally invasive intervention for managing refractory pain when resistant to conventional treatments. We report a novel approach of targeting articular branches supplying the CMC joint utilizing RFA, leading to prompt pain relief.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>Radiofrequency nerve ablation was performed on a patient with a medical history of chronic CMC joint pain refractory to traditional interventions. The procedure involved ultrasound guidance in conjunction with fluoroscopy, facilitating precise needle placement at the articular branches supplying the CMC joint while avoiding surrounding structures. After surrounding structures were identified and the position of interest was confirmed, ablation was achieved by delivering controlled thermal energy through a 22-gauge RF needle. The intraoperative course proceeded without any blood loss or complications, providing immediate pain relief. Following the procedure, a combination of Depo-Medrol (80 mg) and 0.25% Marcaine was injected to enhance pain management further.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This unique approach highlights using RFA as a safe, minimally invasive alternative for refractory CMC joint pain. With ultrasound guidance and fluoroscopy confirmation, RFA may offer a valuable option for patients who have exhausted traditional treatments with little to no improvement in functionality.</p>","PeriodicalId":19744,"journal":{"name":"Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"689-693"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143993584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pain MedicinePub Date : 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaf050
Erin Solis, Meredith Barad, Sayed Emal Wahezi
{"title":"Chronic pain fellowships and emergency medicine residency: similarities and synergy.","authors":"Erin Solis, Meredith Barad, Sayed Emal Wahezi","doi":"10.1093/pm/pnaf050","DOIUrl":"10.1093/pm/pnaf050","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19744,"journal":{"name":"Pain Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"629-630"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143985963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}