Stellate ganglion block improves refractory post-traumatic stress disorder and associated memory dysfunction: a case report and systematic literature review.

The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has reached epidemic proportions among U.S. veterans, many of whom also have concurrent alcohol use disorder.

Glenohumeral chondrolysis after arthroscopy: a systematic review of potential contributors and causal pathways.

Purpose: This systematic review provides (1) a synthesis of existing clinical evidence that helps identify factors associated with the development of glenohumeral chondrolysis after arthroscopy (PAGCL), (2) a consolidated conceptualization of potential causal pathways that elucidate proposed mechanisms leading to PAGCL, and (3) a summary of implications for practice, policy, and future research.

Methods: A computerized literature review using an iterative search process identified 245 publications in English between January 1960 and April 2009. After we applied inclusion and exclusion criteria, 35 articles were stratified into 4 categories of factors related to PAGCL: (1) patient factors, (2) surgical factors (preoperative and intraoperative), (3) postoperative factors, and (4) causal pathways.

Profound pain reduction after induction of memantine treatment in two patients with severe phantom limb pain.

We present the cases of two patients who suffered severe lower extremity injuries and subsequently developed phantom limb pain (PLP) that was refractory to high dose opioids and adjunctive pain medications. Both patients were receiving large doses of oral methadone, IV hydromorphone via a patient-controlled analgesia delivery system, and adjunctive medications including tricyclic antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and anti-epileptics. Despite these treatments, the patients had severe PLP.

Ten consecutive cases of complex regional pain syndrome of less than 12 months duration in active duty United States military personnel treated with spinal cord stimulation.

Complex regional pain syndrome describes a constellation of symptoms that may involve the sympathetic nervous system. Emerging consensus recommends early intervention with spinal cord stimulation to facilitate physical therapy. Isolated case reports suggest this may be an effective treatment.

Predictors of mortality in close proximity blast injuries during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Background: Blast injury is an increasingly common problem faced by military surgeons in the field. Because of urban terrorism worldwide, blast injury is becoming more common in the civilian sector as well. Blast injuries are often devastating and can overwhelm medical resources.