The effectiveness of cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections for the treatment of cervical radicular pain: A prospective cohort study reporting 12-month outcomes.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection (CTFESI) for the treatment of unilateral cervical radicular pain.

Design: Single-group prospective cohort study.

Methods: Outcomes included ≥50% reductions in Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for arm pain, ≥30% Neck Disability Index (NDI-5) improvement, health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), global improvement (PGIC), personal goal achievement (COMBI), Chronic Pain Sleep Index (CPSI), and healthcare utilization at one, three, six, and 12 months.

One-year results from a randomized comparative trial of targeted steroid injection via epidural catheter versus standard transforaminal epidural injection for the treatment of unilateral cervical radicular pain.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of catheter-directed cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injection with triamcinolone compared with cervical transforaminal steroid injection with dexamethasone for the treatment of refractory unilateral radicular pain.

Design: Prospective, randomized, comparative trial.

Methods: The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with ≥50% Numeric Rating Scale 'dominant pain' (the greater of arm vs neck) reduction from baseline.

Changes in Interventional Pain Physician Decision-Making, Practice Patterns, and Mental Health During the Early Phase of the SARS-CoV-2 Global Pandemic.

Background And Objectives: The novel coronavirus outbreak (SARS-CoV-2) began in late 2019 and dramatically impacted health care systems. This study aimed to describe the impact of the early phase of the pandemic on physician decision-making, practice patterns, and mental health.

Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed to physician members of the Spine Intervention Society (SIS) on March 24 and April 7, 2020.

Effect of low-dose lidocaine on objective upper extremity strength and immediate pain relief following cervical interlaminar epidural injections: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Background: Low-dose lidocaine is a common diluent for analgesia following cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injection (CIESI). Concerns with this practice exist. A single-arm cohort reported that 20% of patients develop postprocedural upper extremity weakness when using lidocaine as a diluent.

Psychometric properties of the PROMIS physical function item bank in patients with spinal disorders.

Study Design: Patient-reported outcomes provide vital information when assessing effectiveness of clinical care. Yet, most patient-reported outcome instruments are limited by lack of validation and reliability to measure PF adequately. As part of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), a PF item bank consisting of 124 items has been developed.

Clinical impression versus standardized questionnaire: the spinal surgeon's ability to assess psychological distress.

Background: Psychological distress can affect spine surgery outcomes. A majority of spinal surgeons do not use standardized questionnaires to assess for psychological distress and instead rely on their clinical impressions. The ability of spinal surgeons to properly assess patients with psychological distress has not been adequately evaluated.

Lumbar facet syndromes.

Low back pain is a common presenting complaint to sports medicine providers. The lumbar spine is a complex anatomic structure with multiple potential pain generators. Epidemiologic studies have shown that the intervertebral disc is the most common pain generator in all patients with low back pain.

Creatine supplementation for weak muscles in persons with chronic tetraplegia: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial.

Background And Objectives: Creatine supplementation improves muscle strength in some patient populations with neurologic disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine whether creatine supplementation improves muscle strength and endurance in weak upper limb muscles in persons with tetraplegia, and whether it improves function.

Methods: Outpatients with tetraplegia and mild wrist extensor weakness were randomized to receive either creatine or placebo in a double-blind crossover design.