A Comparison of Precision and Safety using Three Recognized Ultrasound-Guided Approaches to Cervical Medial Branch Blocks: A Cadaver Study.

Background: Ultrasound (US) guidance is widely used for needle positioning for cervical medial branch blocks (CMBB) and radiofrequency ablation, however, limited research is available comparing different approaches.

Objective: We aimed to assess the accuracy and safety of 3 different US-guided approaches for CMBB.

Study Design: A cadaveric study divided into ultrasound-guided needle placement and fluoroscopy evaluation stages.

Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation for Chronic Back Pain: Therapy Outcome Predictive Factors.

Objective: To identify variables that influence pain reduction following peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) in order to identify a potential responder profile.

Methods: Exploratory univariate and multivariate (random forest) analyses were performed separately on 2 randomized controlled trials and a registry; all included patients with chronic back pain, mainly failed back surgery syndrome. An international expert panel judged the clinical relevance of variables to identify responders by consensus.