Long-term clinical outcomes of genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation for chronic knee pain using a three-tined electrode for expanded nerve capture.

Objective: Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (GNRFA) is an effective treatment option for chronic knee pain in native knee osteoarthritis and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. Recent dissections have revealed significant variability in typical genicular nerve targets and other sensory nerves not included in previous studies. Early, short-term results suggest that more complete sensory denervation with GNRFA may result in more significant pain reduction; however, no long-term clinical outcome exists.

Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Knee Pain Using a Three-Tined Electrode: A Technical Description and Case Series.

Background: Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of chronic knee pain has traditionally targeted the superomedial, superolateral, and inferomedial genicular nerves. However, recent cadaveric studies of knee neuroanatomy demonstrate varied locations of these specific nerves as well as additional articular nerves. This work suggests that traditional genicular nerve RFA lesion locations may be inadequate.

Placebo theory and its implications for research and clinical practice: a review of the recent literature.

Although placebo effect is a common phenomenon in medicine and research, its mechanisms are not well understood. With the advent of modern medicine, placebo became a symbol for an outdated, morally questionable practice implying deceit and paternalism. However, in recent years, there has been an increasing amount of rigorous research into the mechanisms of placebo response and placebo analgesia with most studies coming from the field of pain medicine.

Breast reconstruction in Nova Scotia: Rate, trends and influencing factors.

Background: During their lifetime, approximately 10% of Canadian women will develop breast cancer. An increased awareness of breast reconstruction in patients undergoing mastectomy appears to have increased the demand for breast reconstructive surgery.

Objectives: To study the rate of breast reconstructive surgeries performed in the province of Nova Scotia to determine whether the breast reconstructive services now offered are adequate to meet the needs of the population of this area.