Predicting outcomes of total joint arthroplasty using the distress and risk assessment method.

Background: Psychological distress is presumed to be an important factor that can adversely impact the outcome of orthopaedic procedures. The Distress and Risk Assessment Method (DRAM) is an evaluation tool which assesses psychological distress in patients with low back pain. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the influence of preoperative psychological distress, as determined by the DRAM score, on the functional outcomes of total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

Topical Ketamine 10% for Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury Patients: An Open-Label Trial.

Topical ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist, has been shown to be effective in certain neuropathic pain syndromes. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of topical ketamine in spinal cord injury patients with neuropathic pain. An open label trial enrolled five subjects at an outpatient rehabilitation hospital with traumatic spinal cord injuries who had neuropathic pain at or below the level of injury.