Lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy in New Zealand.

Objective: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) performed by two practitioners trained according to rigorous guidelines.

Design: Prospective, outcome study of consecutive patients with chronic back pain treated in a community setting.

Interventions: A total of 106 patients, selected on the basis of complete relief of pain following controlled, diagnostic, medial branch blocks, were treated with RFN according to the guidelines of the International Spine Intervention Society.

Cervical medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy in New Zealand.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cervical medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) performed by two practitioners trained according to rigorous guidelines.

Design: The study was designed as a prospective, outcome study of consecutive patients with chronic neck pain treated in a community setting.

Interventions: A total of 104 patients, selected on the basis of complete relief of pain following controlled, diagnostic, medial branch blocks, were treated with RFN according to the guidelines of the International Spine Intervention Society.

Maternal death due to extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli: a warning for the future?

We describe a maternal death due to necrotising fasciitis caused by an extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli resistant to routinely used antimicrobial agents. Necrotising fasciitis is a rare complication of septicaemia with a high mortality. Signs of infection were insidious and masked by the use of routine analgesic agents and concurrent preeclampsia.