Novel Therapies for Centralized Pain: a Brief Review.

Purpose Of Review: Centralized pain presents a complex pathology that many classic pharmacological agents for pain have not been able to sufficiently treat. To date, there are no clear guidelines for preferred treatment methods or comprehensive protocol that addresses confounding factors in this population. We sought to summarize the current field of knowledge around centrally mediated pain and to understand promising novel therapies.

Characterizing an angle of cannula insertion for Lumbar Medial Branch Radiofrequency Neurotomy: A retrospective observational study.

Objective: Evidence characterizing a starting angle of radiofrequency (RF) cannula insertion during radiofrequency neurotomy is lacking. Using computerized tomography (CT), this retrospective observational study attempts to establish a starting angle for RF cannula placement parallel to the transverse process (TP) at the junction of the superior articular process (SAP) near the targeted medial branch.

Methods: This retrospective observational study utilized lumbar spine CT scans performed on adult cancer patients from January 2016 to May 2021 ​at a single center.

Tapentadol, Buprenorphine, and Levorphanol for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: a Systematic Review.

Purpose Of Review: The objective of this systematic review is to present the available evidence for the utilization of the atypical opioids tapentadol, buprenorphine, and levorphanol for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Recent Findings: In total, 1619 articles were retrieved of which 10 studies were included. Of 5 included studies pertaining to tapentadol, 4 studies show tapentadol monotherapy to be effective for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy or chronic, radiating low back pain.

The Regenerative Potential of Therapeutic Ultrasound on Neural Tissue: A Pragmatic Review.

Objectives: Low-intensity ultrasound (LIU)/low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) may influence nerve tissue regeneration and axonal changes in the context of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and in the animal model. The purpose of this pragmatic review is to understand the current knowledge for the effects of low-intensity therapeutic ultrasound in the animal and human model and determine the future directions of this novel field.

Design: Pragmatic review.

Regenerative Techniques for Neuraxial Back Pain: a Systematic Review.

Purpose Of Review: Regenerative modalities have been identified in numerous clinical studies as beneficial in various settings. The focus of this review is to summarize key studies and current concepts for the role of regenerative medicine in the treatment of neuraxial back pain.

Recent Findings: Recent studies have demonstrated the benefit of regenerative therapies for the treatment of neuraxial back pain.