Randomized study assessing the accuracy of cervical facet joint nerve (medial branch) blocks using different injectate volumes.

Background: Neck pain is a frequent cause of disability, with facet joint arthropathy accounting for a large percentage of cases. The diagnosis of cervical facet joint pain is usually made with diagnostic blocks of the nerves that innervate them. Yet, medial branch blocks are associated with a high false-positive rate.

Outcome predictors for sacroiliac joint (lateral branch) radiofrequency denervation.

Background And Objective: Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain is a challenging condition characterized by limited treatment options. Recently, numerous studies have reported excellent intermediate-term outcomes after lateral-branch radiofrequency (RF) denervation, but these studies are characterized by wide variability in technique, selection criteria, and patient characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine whether any demographic or clinical variables can be used to predict SI joint RF denervation outcome.

Retained intrathecal catheter fragment after spinal drain insertion.

Background And Objectives: The placement of lumbar spinal drains is being done with increasing frequency to facilitate high-risk surgical procedures. One risk associated with these procedures is catheter shearing, resulting in a retained foreign body in the intrathecal space. Unlike retained epidural fragments, there are no guidelines on the management of this complication.