Evaluating the effectiveness of interlaminar epidural steroid injections for cervical radiculopathy using PROMIS as an outcome measure.

Background: Cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections (CIESI) are frequently used to treat cervical radiculopathy due to cervical nerve root impingement.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of CIESI for patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive adult patients with cervical radicular pain and corroborative cervical spondylotic foraminal stenosis on MRI that failed at least 6 weeks of conservative management consisting of medication and physical rehabilitation seen at a multidisciplinary, tertiary academic spine center.

Evaluation of Fluoroscopically Guided Transforaminal Selective Nerve Root Sleeve Injections for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With Radiculopathy Utilizing Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System as an Outcome Measure.

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of transforaminal selective nerve root sleeve injections (TFSNRIs) in a specific subset of patients with clinical symptoms and presentation consistent with spinal stenosis.

Design: Retrospective review.

Setting: Tertiary academic spine center.

Evaluation of transforaminal epidural steroid injections for discogenic axial lumbosacral back pain utilizing PROMIS as an outcome measure.

Background Context: Discogenic lumbosacral back pain continues to present a challenging clinical entity with limited, controversial therapeutic options. No study to date has evaluated the efficacy of fluoroscopically guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) in a homogenous patient population with axial lumbosacral back pain from discogenic pathology utilizing strict, explicitly clinical and radiographic criteria. Additionally, there is a paucity of published data utilizing Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores as an outcome measure for interventional spine procedures.

An evidence-based clinical guideline for the use of antithrombotic therapies in spine surgery.

Background Context: The objective of the North American Spine Society (NASS) Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline on antithrombotic therapies in spine surgery was to provide evidence-based recommendations to address key clinical questions surrounding the use of antithrombotic therapies in spine surgery. The guideline is intended to address these questions based on the highest quality clinical literature available on this subject as of February 2008. The goal of the guideline recommendations was to assist in delivering optimum, efficacious treatment with the goal of preventing thromboembolic events.

A systematic literature review of nonsurgical treatment in adult scoliosis.

Study Design: : A formal systematic review of the literature for conservative treatment of adult deformity was performed.

Objective: : To evaluate evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of proposed conservative treatment options in adult deformity.

Summary Of Background Data: : Adult deformity is a major demographic health issue in the geriatric population in both the United States and the world communities.

Informed consent in interventional spine procedures: how much do patients understand?

Background: One of the most important issues that interventional physicians address during treatment is informing patients of their treatment options. Prior to beginning treatment, patients are given this information and allowed the opportunity to ask questions. Minimal qualitative information exists as to how much of this material patients retain and understand.

Etiologies of failed back surgery syndrome.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Objective: To report the epidemiologic data of nonsurgical and surgical etiologies of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) from two outpatient spine practices.

Summary Of Background Data: FBSS has been offered as a diagnosis, but this is an imprecise term encompassing a heterogeneous group of disorders that have in common pain symptoms after lumbar surgery.

Epidemiology of spine tumors presenting to musculoskeletal physiatrists.

Objective: To report the incidence and epidemiologic formation of previously undetected primary and secondary spine tumors presenting as spinal and/or extremity pain to a physiatrist practicing in an academic or private practice multidisciplinary spine center.

Design: Multicenter retrospective chart review.

Setting: Three multidisciplinary spine settings (1 academic, 2 private).