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Objective Chemical neurolysis of the genicular nerves is a treatment option for intractable non-cancer knee pain. This scoping review synthesizes the available literature on the effectiveness, adverse events, and procedural techniques of chemical neurolysis of genicular nerves for the management of knee pain. Design Scoping review. Setting All clinical and research settings. Subjects Adult participants with chronic non-cancer knee pain undergoing chemical neurolysis of genicular nerves. Methods A literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was conducted up to September 4, 2023. Articles were searched via terms and keywords relating to "knee," "pain," "knee osteoarthritis," "ablation," "alcohol," "phenol," and "chemical neurolysis." Included articles were full-text primary studies and in English. Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers using an electronic database. Results Eight studies were included in this review (including 1 randomized controlled trial), comprising 192 patients. Of the 8 studies, 4 used phenol, 3 used alcohol, and 1 used either alcohol or phenol for chemical neurolysis. Fluoroscopy, ultrasound guidance, or both were used for nerve target identification. All studies demonstrated that chemical neurolysis resulted in improved pain or functional outcomes, with no serious adverse events reported. Conclusions Chemical neurolysis of the genicular nerves is a promising treatment strategy for chronic knee pain. Interpretation of the available studies is limited by study heterogeneity and small sample sizes. High-quality randomized controlled trials are required to clarify the selection of appropriate nerve targets and choice of image guidance and to compare with other ablative modalities. Study registration Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/jg8wh). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Proximal hamstring tears may present with neurological dysfunction due to compression or stretching of the sciatic nerve. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of hamstring repair with concurrent sciatic nerve neurolysis for clinical outcomes and patient symptoms. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who were diagnosed with hamstring injury at a large tertiary care institution was conducted. Patients with chronic tears (> 6 weeks from injury to surgery) who underwent hamstring repair were reviewed for demographics, clinical variables including symptoms of sciatic neuritis, sciatic nerve abnormalities on MRI, and postoperative outcomes. Chi-square tests were used for categorical variables, t test for continuous variables. Pairwise t tests were used to compare average pre- and postoperative strength for patients with and without symptoms of sciatic neuritis. Results: Thirty-two patients with chronic hamstring tears were included in the analysis. Patients were 59.4% female with an average age of 51.4 years (SD 13.1). Preoperatively, 27 patients (84.4%) were noted to have symptoms of sciatic neuritis. These patients did not differ in age (p =.677) or sex (p =.374) from patients without preoperative symptoms. Sciatic nerve abnormalities were noted on MRI report in 7 patients who had sciatic nerve symptoms and 0 patients who did not have sciatic nerve symptoms. Symptomatic improvement was seen in 21/26 (81%) of patients who had preoperative neurological symptoms, and in 6/7 (86%) of patients with MRI findings. All patients had equivalent or improved strength postoperatively. Conclusion: A sciatic nerve neurolysis is a safe and effective procedure to perform on patients with preoperative sciatic nerve symptoms and chronic hamstring tears that leads to improvement in neurological symptoms and strength. In neurologically asymptomatic patients with chronic hamstring injuries and MRI findings indicating possible nerve damage, a discussion should be held about the risks and benefits of performing a sciatic nerve neurolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate complication rate and functional outcomes of nerve‐sparing parametrectomy for deep endometriosis in relation to the extension of the surgical procedure, based on recognizable anatomical landmarks. Methods: This was a prospective single‐center study including all patients undergoing parametrectomy for deep endometriosis from September 2020 to June 2023 at our tertiary center. Dorsolateral parametrectomies were divided into parametrectomies medial to the presacral fascia and cranial to the medial rectal artery (superficial parametrectomy), and parametrectomies in which one of the two landmarks was overcome during the surgical procedure, leading to the excision of tissue lateral to the presacral fascia (deep parametrectomy type 1, or DP1) or caudal to the medial rectal artery (DP2). Finally, we used the hypogastric fascia as landmark to define type 3 deep parametrectomy (DP3), when the procedure was deeply lateral to the fascia. Results: Bladder voiding deficit occurred in 9.7% of cases, with higher rates in DP2 (20.8%) and DP3 (30%) groups. Regarding postoperative gastrointestinal function, our data showed a significant improvement over time in all groups, with the exception of DP2; instead an improvement in postoperative bladder function was only shown in DP3. Parametrectomy was not associated with a simultaneous improvement in sexual function expressed with the female sexual function index, in any of the four groups. Conclusion: Our classification constitutes a concrete approach for comparing, in a standardized way, the complications and functional outcomes of parametrectomy, which, even if carried out by expert surgeons, demonstrates a non‐negligible rate of bladder voiding deficit. Synopsis: Parametrectomy demonstrates a non‐negligible rate of post‐voiding bladder retention, and despite a generic improvement in dyspareunia, is not associated with a simultaneous improvement in sexual function [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This single-center study aimed to determine whether surgical neurolysis influences muscle power recovery in sciatic nerve palsy following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: Among 1912 THAs performed between 2007 and 2019, a total of 1575 THAs using a posterolateral approach (primary THA, 1483 cases; revision THA, 92 cases) were retrospectively reviewed. Subjects who showed sciatic nerve palsy with motor disturbance were extracted. Demographic data, muscle power, and sensory disturbance at the onset of palsy and at final follow-up were examined. Subjects were divided into two groups (conservative treatment group and surgical treatment group) and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Positive recovery was defined as muscle power greater than Manual Muscle Test grade 3. Results: Thirteen cases (0.8%), including eight in the conservative treatment group and five in the surgical treatment group, showed post-operative sciatic nerve palsy. Four cases (80.0%) in the surgical treatment group achieved full muscle power recovery. All three subjects who received surgical treatment on the day of onset of palsy achieved full muscle power and sensory recovery. More patients recovered muscle power in the surgical treatment group than in the conservative treatment group. Conclusion: Muscle power recovery was found in 80.0% of cases in the surgical treatment group and 12.5% of the conservative treatment group. All cases that received surgical intervention on the onset day of palsy achieved full muscle power and sensory recovery, whereas no cases achieved full muscle power recovery in the conservative treatment group. Immediate surgical intervention should be considered for sciatic nerve palsy following THA using a posterolateral approach.

Meralgia paresthetica is a compressive neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Surgery is the gold standard for severe cases. However, no high-quality evidence exists on which strategy is best: decompression or neurectomy. Data of a consecutive series of 52 patients treated for meralgia paresthetica over 25 years (1997–2022) were retrospectively collected from medical records and telephone interviews. In total, 27 women and 25 men were operated on; 11 patients had iatrogenic meralgia paresthetica. Decompression was performed on 47 patients, and neurectomy in 8 cases (5 primary neurectomies plus 3 failed neurolysis). Out of the patients who underwent decompression, 41 (87.2%) benefited from the treatment; 3 had pain relief, but no benefit on paresthesia; and 3 reported pain persistence. The latter required neurectomy to resolve symptoms. The eight patients who underwent neurectomy experienced symptom relief but had an obvious anesthetic area persisting over years. Complications were rare (3.8%): a groin hematoma in the post-operative course and an inguinal herniation 6 months after surgery. Surgery, be it neurolysis or neurectomy, offers excellent results with low risks. Decompression has been proven to be adequate in almost all patients, avoiding the side effects of neurectomy. The latter should be confined to failed decompression or to iatrogenic meralgia.

Background: Humeral shaft fractures are relatively common. Complications associated with this type of fracture and its treatment include nonunion and radial nerve palsy. Plate osteosynthesis with autologous bone grafting is considered the gold standard for treating nonunion. However, bone grafts might not always be necessary in cases of hypertrophic nonunion, and treatment should be tailored to the specific type and characteristics of the nonunion. The treatment of radial nerve palsy is debated, with some favoring expectant management based on the nerve’s ability to regenerate, and others preferring early surgical exploration to prevent possible lasting nerve damage. Methods: We present the case of a 46-year-old male patient with a six-year-old humeral shaft fracture resulting in hypertrophic nonunion. We treated the nonunion with anterograde intramedullary nailing without bone grafting. Postoperatively, the patient developed severe radial nerve palsy. After repeated electrophysiological studies, a decision was made to surgically explore the nerve 10 days after the nonunion surgery. The nerve was subsequently found to be intact and treated with neurolysis. Results: Bony union was shown at six months after nonunion surgery. Four months after the nonunion surgery, the patient started to show clinical signs of nerve recovery, and at 12 months he achieved nearly full clinical recovery of radial nerve function. Conclusions: Anterograde intramedullary nailing without autologous bone grafting may be considered an option for treating hypertrophic nonunion. The management of radial nerve palsy requires effective cooperation and communication between patient and physician. Further research is necessary to be able to better predict nerve recovery.

Objective: This study examines the correlation between MRI findings and difficult dissection during proximal primary hamstring repair and postoperative sciatica. Materials and methods: A total of 32 cases of surgically repaired hamstring tendon tears that underwent preoperative and postoperative MRI were divided into sciatica (n = 12) and control (n = 20) groups based on the presence or absence of postoperative sciatica. Cases were scored by two blinded musculoskeletal radiologists for imaging features associated with difficult surgical dissection and the development of subsequent sciatica. Intra- and interrater agreements, as well as correlation of MRI findings with symptoms (odds ratio, OR), were calculated. Results: On preoperative MRI, diffuse hamstring muscle edema pattern suggestive of active denervation (OR 9.4–13.6), and greater sciatic perineural scar circumference (OR 1.9–2) and length (OR 1.2–1.3) were significantly correlated with both difficult dissection and postoperative sciatica. Preoperatively, a greater number of tendons torn (OR 3.3), greater tear cross-sectional area (CSA, OR 1.03), and increased nerve T2-weighted signal (OR 3.2) and greater perineural scar thickness (OR 1.7) were also associated with difficult dissection, but not postoperative sciatica. On postoperative MRI, hamstring denervation, sciatic nerve tethering to the hamstring tendon, and development of perineural scar and greater perineural scar extent were all significantly correlated with postoperative sciatica. Conclusion: Preoperative hamstring MRI demonstrates findings predictive of difficult sciatic nerve dissection; careful MRI evaluation of the nerve and for the presence and extent of perineural scar is important for preoperative planning. Preoperative and postoperative MRI both depict findings that correlate with postoperative sciatica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Humeral shaft fractures are relatively common. Complications associated with this type of fracture and its treatment include nonunion and radial nerve palsy. Plate osteosynthesis with autologous bone grafting is considered the gold standard for treating nonunion. However, bone grafts might not always be necessary in cases of hypertrophic nonunion, and treatment should be tailored to the specific type and characteristics of the nonunion. The treatment of radial nerve palsy is debated, with some favoring expectant management based on the nerve's ability to regenerate, and others preferring early surgical exploration to prevent possible lasting nerve damage. Methods: We present the case of a 46-year-old male patient with a six-year-old humeral shaft fracture resulting in hypertrophic nonunion. We treated the nonunion with anterograde intramedullary nailing without bone grafting. Postoperatively, the patient developed severe radial nerve palsy. After repeated electrophysiological studies, a decision was made to surgically explore the nerve 10 days after the nonunion surgery. The nerve was subsequently found to be intact and treated with neurolysis. Results: Bony union was shown at six months after nonunion surgery. Four months after the nonunion surgery, the patient started to show clinical signs of nerve recovery, and at 12 months he achieved nearly full clinical recovery of radial nerve function. Conclusions: Anterograde intramedullary nailing without autologous bone grafting may be considered an option for treating hypertrophic nonunion. The management of radial nerve palsy requires effective cooperation and communication between patient and physician. Further research is necessary to be able to better predict nerve recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meralgia paresthetica is a compressive neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Surgery is the gold standard for severe cases. However, no high-quality evidence exists on which strategy is best: decompression or neurectomy. Data of a consecutive series of 52 patients treated for meralgia paresthetica over 25 years (1997–2022) were retrospectively collected from medical records and telephone interviews. In total, 27 women and 25 men were operated on; 11 patients had iatrogenic meralgia paresthetica. Decompression was performed on 47 patients, and neurectomy in 8 cases (5 primary neurectomies plus 3 failed neurolysis). Out of the patients who underwent decompression, 41 (87.2%) benefited from the treatment; 3 had pain relief, but no benefit on paresthesia; and 3 reported pain persistence. The latter required neurectomy to resolve symptoms. The eight patients who underwent neurectomy experienced symptom relief but had an obvious anesthetic area persisting over years. Complications were rare (3.8%): a groin hematoma in the post-operative course and an inguinal herniation 6 months after surgery. Surgery, be it neurolysis or neurectomy, offers excellent results with low risks. Decompression has been proven to be adequate in almost all patients, avoiding the side effects of neurectomy. The latter should be confined to failed decompression or to iatrogenic meralgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE) is an underdiagnosed condition affecting a spectrum of pelvic functions, primarily pain, as outlined by Nantes diagnostic criteria. Although numerous surgical decompression techniques are available for its management, consensus on efficacy and safety is lacking. This study conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and complication rates of the main surgical decompression techniques. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed®, Embase®, Web of Science®, and ClinicalTrails.gov® on 19th of April 2023. Initial screening involved title and abstract evaluation, with subsequent retrieval and assessment of abstracts and full-text articles. Studies assessing pain outcomes before and after surgical release of the pudendal nerve were included. Studies without full-text, focusing on diagnostic methods or with outcomes relating solely to LUTS, digestive symptoms, or sexual dysfunction, were excluded. Risk of bias assessement was conducted using the National Institute of Health (NIH) Study Quality Assessment tool. Studies were categorized based on three surgical techniques: perineal, transgluteal, and laparoscopic transperitoneal. Random-effects meta-analysis with subgroup analysis were used. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to investigate the influence of covariates on the observed outcomes. Results: Nineteen studies, comprising 810 patients, were included. The overall significant pain relief rate across all techniques was estimated at 0.67 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.78) with considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 80.4%). Subgroup analysis revealed success rate for different techniques: laparoscopic (0.91, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.98), perineal (0.69, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.82), and transgluteal (0.50, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.63). The laparoscopic technique exhibited a complication rate of 16.0%. Meta-regression indicated that patient age and median follow-up significantly influenced outcomes. Conclusion: While comparing surgical techniques is challenging, this meta-analysis highlights important outcome differences. The laparoscopic technique appears most promising for pain improvement. However, the study also emphasizes the need for further robust, long-term research due to significant heterogeneity across studies and prevelent risk of bias. PROSPERO database: CRD42023496564. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimally invasive temperature‐controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) ablation of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) demonstrated a significant larger treatment effect on the symptom burden of chronic rhinitis patients than a sham control (no energy delivery) at the 3‐month primary endpoint of this trial. Methods: Two‐year posttreatment outcomes for patients treated in a prospective, multicenter, patient‐blinded randomized controlled trial were determined by combining the index active treatment‐arm and index control‐arm crossover patients into a single group (after the primary endpoint) to evaluate the treatment effect durability and long‐term effects on concomitant chronic rhinitis medication usage. Results: The mean baseline reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) was 8.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.9–8.6; N = 104). At 2 years (N = 79), the mean change in rTNSS was −5.3 (95% CI, −5.8 to −4.8; p < 0.001; 64.6% improvement). The 2‐year responder rate (≥30% improvement in rTNSS) was 87.3% (95% CI, 78.0–93.8). All four components of the rTNSS (rhinorrhea, congestion, sneezing, and nasal itching) showed significant improvement over baseline, with rhinorrhea and congestion showing the most improvement. Postnasal drip and cough symptoms were also significantly improved. At 2 years, 81.0% (95% CI, 70.6–89.0) reported a minimal clinically important difference of ≥0.4‐point improvement in the mini‐rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire score. Of 56 patients using chronic rhinitis medications at baseline, 25 of 56 (44.6%) either stopped all medication use (7/56 [12.5%]) or stopped/decreased (18/56 [32.1%]) use of ≥1 medication class at 2 years. No serious adverse events related to the device/procedure were reported over 2 years. To determine the potential effect of patients who left the trial over 2 years on the responder rate, the responder statuses of the 14 patients with follow‐up data who were lost to follow‐up/withdrew/died were imputed by the last observation carried forward and the responder statuses of all nine patients who had an additional nasal procedure were imputed to nonresponder, resulting in a 2‐year responder rate of 79.4% (95% CI, 70.3–86.8). Conclusion: TCRF ablation of the PNN is safe and resulted in a significant and sustained reduction in chronic rhinitis symptom burden through 2 years and a substantial reduction in concomitant medication burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: An overall healthy 48-year-old man suffered a left foot mangled crush injury resulting in a post-transmetatarsal amputation and subsequently developing a painful neuroma on the plantar surface of the foot. To avoid the zone of injury, targeted muscle reinnervation was used to treat the neuroma by coapting the tibial nerve to the motor point of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle. At 1-year follow-up, the patient reported no pain at rest, returned to work, and could ambulate with an orthosis for 30 minutes. Conclusion: Rare tibial nerve coaptations to the FHL could serve as a treatment option for patients with neuromas in traumatic postmetatarsal amputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction As reported, brachioplexopathy is a relevant polyetiological disease with an annual incidence from 0.17 to 1.6 per 100,000. There are two basic endoscopic methods of brachial plexus decompression: an endoscopically-assisted mini-invasive transaxillary approach and fully endoscopic decompression in association with shoulder arthroscopy. Purpose Compare the two main endoscopic methods of brachial plexus decompression. Material and methods Twenty-two patients diagnosed with post-traumatic brachioplexopathy were included in the study. There were 8 patients in group 1 and 14 patients in group 2. All patients passed clinical and instrumental examination. Statistical analysis was performed with non-parametric U-criteria of Mann – Whitney. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. Patients of group 1 underwent shoulder joint arthroscopy and fully endoscopic brachial plexus decompression. Patients of group 2 had revision and transaxillary mini-invasive decompression of brachial plexus with video endoscopic assistance. Results In the first group, upper limb dysfunction according to DASH scale decreased from 52.3 ± 2.2 to 28.8 ± 3.8 points (p < 0.05). In the second group, upper limb dysfunction according to DASH scale decreased from 47.9 ± 4.4 to 26.6 ± 4.3 points (p < 0.05). Discrepancy according to DASH scale before and after surgery in the first group was 23.5 ± 3.6 points and in the second group it was 19.4 ± 5.4 points; the difference between the groups was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Discussion The results of our study are similar to the results of endoscopic brachial plexus decompression in the previously published studies. Conclusion The methods of endoscopic brachial plexus decompression in association with shoulder joint arthroscopy and isoolated mini-invasive neurolysis and decompression of brachial plexus under videoendoscopic assistance are equally effective in the treatment of brachialplexopathy.

Background: Anal adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy with symptoms including tenesmus, rectal bleeding, and pain during defecation. The pain can significantly reduce a patient's quality of life and there is currently no effective treatment for it. Ganglion impar block and neurolytic are one methods for managing pain in such cases. Case: A 60-year-old woman with anal adenocarcinoma and chronic pain in the anal region for two years despite oral medication underwent ganglion impar block and neurolytic treatment using a mixture of 96% alcohol and levobupivacaine 0.25%. Conclusion: Ganglion impar block with neurolysis using 96% alcohol can be an option for managing perineal pain, especially when previous medication therapy is ineffective. This combination is safe for patients and can reduce pain levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to evaluate and summarize the literature investigating cryoneurolysis in the treatment of various chronic pain pathologies. Recent Findings: There is an increasing amount of interest in the use of cryoneurolysis in chronic pain, and various studies have investigated its use in lumbar facet joint pain, SI joint pain, post-thoracotomy syndrome, temporomandibular joint pain, chronic knee pain, phantom limb pain, neuropathic pain, and abdominal pain. Summary: Numerous retrospective studies and a more limited number of prospective, sham-controlled prospective studies suggest the efficacy of cryoneurolysis in managing these chronic pain pathologies with a low complication rate. However, more blinded, controlled, prospective studies comparing cryoneurolysis to other techniques are needed to clarify its relative risks and advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the long‐term safety and effectiveness of temperature‐controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN), a minimally invasive treatment for chronic rhinitis. Methods: A prospective, single‐arm study of 129 patients at 16 centers (United States, Germany) was conducted. Patient‐reported outcome measures were the 24‐h reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) and mini rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (MiniRQLQ). Postnasal drip and cough symptoms were assessed using a 4‐point scale. Results: The mean pretreatment rTNSS was 7.8 (95% CI, 7.5–8.1). The significant rTNSS treatment effect at 3 months (−4.2 [95% CI, −4.6 to −3.8]; p < 0.001) was sustained through 2 years (−4.5 [95% CI, −5.0 to −3.9]; p < 0.001), a 57.7% improvement. At 2 years, the proportion of patients with a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of ≥30% improvement in rTNSS from baseline was 80.0% (95% CI, 71.4%–86.5%). Individual postnasal drip and cough symptom scores were significantly improved from baseline through 2 years. The proportion of patients who reached the MCID for the MiniRQLQ (≥0.4‐point improvement) at 2 years was 77.4% (95% CI, 68.5%–84.3%). Of 81 patients using chronic rhinitis medications at baseline, 61.7% either stopped all medication use (28.4%) or stopped or decreased (33.3%) use of ≥1 medication class at 2 years. No device/procedure‐related serious adverse events were reported throughout 2 years. Conclusion: TCRF neurolysis of the PNN resulted in sustained improvements in chronic rhinitis symptom burden and quality of life through 2 years, accompanied by a substantial decrease in medication burden. Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:2077–2084, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ewing's sarcoma is a small round blue cell tumor; most commonly found in children and young adults, producing a high burden of symptoms, the most prevalent being pain that is usually severe and has a chronic behavior. Different neurotransmission pathways, channels and receptors propose that analgesic therapy be individualized. We present a case of Ewing sarcoma with severe neuropathic pain refractory to opioids with the aim of presenting an alternative analgesic management in this type of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Remnant vascular grafts may result in significant neurological deficits owing to compression of adjacent neural structures. We report this finding in two cases after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation and removal of an arteriovenous fistula in the upper extremity. In both cases, removal of the graft, patch arteriotomy, and external neurolysis resulted in significant recovery of neurological function. We review the preoperative workup, diagnostic studies, and technical approach to treatment in an effort to increase recognition among vascular and cardiovascular surgeons and to demonstrate a safe and effective management option through a multidisciplinary approach.

Teaching point: Hourglass-like constrictive neuropathy should be considered in patients with unexplained peripheral neuropathy symptoms, as imaging may show nerve constriction without evidence of intrinsic or extrinsic compression.

Abstract Background Based on the lack of literature to support any treatment strategy in patients with foot drop due to peroneal nerve entrapment, a prospective study randomizing patients between surgery and conservative treatment is warranted. Since studies comparing surgery to no surgery are often challenging, we first examined the feasibility of such a randomized controlled trial. Methods/design An internal feasibility pilot study was conducted to assess several aspects of process, resource, management, and scientific feasibility. The main objective was the assessment of the recruitment rate. The criterion to embark on a full study was the recruitment of at least 14 patients in 6 participating centers within 6 months. Cross-over rate, blinding measures, training strategies, and trial assessments were evaluated. The trial was entirely funded by the KCE Trials public funding program of the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (ID KCE19-1232). Results The initial duration was prolonged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Between April 2021 and October 2022, we included 19 patients of which 15 were randomized. Fourteen patients were treated as randomized. One drop-out occurred after randomization, prior to surgery. We did not document any cross-over or accidental unblinding. Training strategies were successful. Patients perceived the quality of life questionnaire as the least relevant assessment. Assessment of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was prone to interobserver variability. All other trial assessments were adequate. Discussion Recruitment of the anticipated 14 patients was feasible although slower than expected. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and assessment of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will no longer be included in the full-scale FOOTDROP trial. Conclusion The FOOTDROP study is feasible. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04695834 . Registered 4 January 2021.

Hourglass-like constrictions (HLCs) of peripheral nerves in the upper extremity were a rare form of neuralgic amyotrophy, often characterized by the sudden onset of pain in the shoulder or arm, followed by muscle weakness and amyotrophy, with limited sensory involvement. We present a case of multiple HLCs of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) in a 22-year-old female with left upper arm pain, finger numbness, and limited activity for 1 month. Physical examination showed weakness of the left index flexor digitorum profundus and flexor pollicis longus, with mild hypoesthesia in the first three fingers and the radial half of the ring finger. Electromyography suggested a median nerve (mainly AIN) lesion. Ultrasonographic imaging of the median nerve shows AIN bundle swelling and multiple HLCs at left upper arm. Despite conservative treatment, which included 15 days of steroid pulse therapy, Etoricoxib, and oral mecobalamin, the patient still complained of extreme pain at night without relief of any symptoms. Operation was recommended for this patient with thorough concerns of surgical advantages and disadvantages. During surgery, a total of 7 HLCs were found in her median nerve along and above the elbow joint. Only Interfascicular neurolysis was performed because the nerve constrictions were still in the early stage. The pain was almost relieved the next day. One month after surgery, she could bend her thumb and index fingers, although they were still weak. 4 months after the surgery, she was able to bend affected fingers, with muscle strength M3 level. At the same time, her fingers had fewer numbness symptoms. There was still controversy regarding treatment strategy; however, early diagnosis and surgical treatment for nerve HLCs might be a better choice to promote nerve recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Craniofacial pain syndromes exhibit a high prevalence in the general population, with a subset of patients developing chronic pain that significantly impacts their quality of life and results in substantial disabilities. Anatomical and functional assessments of the greater occipital nerve (GON) have unveiled its implication in numerous craniofacial pain syndromes, notably through the trigeminal-cervical convergence complex. The pathophysiological involvement of the greater occipital nerve in craniofacial pain syndromes, coupled with its accessibility, designates it as the primary target for various interventional procedures in managing craniofacial pain syndromes. This educational review aims to describe multiple craniofacial pain syndromes, elucidate the role of GON in their pathophysiology, detail the relevant anatomy of the greater occipital nerve (including specific intervention sites), highlight the role of imaging in diagnosing craniofacial pain syndromes, and discuss various interventional procedures such as nerve infiltration, ablation, neuromodulation techniques, and surgeries. Imaging is essential in managing these patients, whether for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The utilization of image guidance has demonstrated an enhancement in reproducibility, as well as technical and clinical outcomes of interventional procedures. Studies have shown that interventional management of craniofacial pain is effective in treating occipital neuralgia, cervicogenic headaches, cluster headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, and chronic migraines, with a reported efficacy of 60–90% over a duration of 1–9 months. Repeated infiltrations, neuromodulation, or ablation may prove effective in selected cases. Therefore, reassessment of treatment response and efficacy during follow-up is imperative to guide further management and explore alternative treatment options. Optimal utilization of imaging, interventional techniques, and a multidisciplinary team, including radiologists, will ensure maximum benefit for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncontrollable cancer pain is a highly feared and debilitating symptom. The effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for osseous metastases with intractable cancer-related pain refractory to pharmacological therapy has been reported previously. This case report is the first to demonstrate the use of RFA to achieve pain relief in a patient suffering severe pain caused by para-aortic lymph node metastasis. A 55-year-old male complained of intractable pain in the left groin and perineum due to malignant psoas syndrome caused by metastatic para-aortic lymph nodes. The pain was refractory to medications including opioids and nerve blocks. Considering the dermatome indicating referred pain and the imaging findings, RFA of the area of invasion was performed at the L3 level. The severe pain was relieved within 24 hours without any complications. Opioids were tapered at each postoperative outpatient visit. We discuss the use of RFA for control of intractable cancer-related pain refractory to medication, including opioids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuralgic amyotrophy, also called Parsonage–Turner syndrome, in its classic presentation is a brachial plexopathy or a multifocal neuropathy, involving mainly motor nerves of the upper limb with a monophasic course. Recently, a new radiological entity was described, the hourglass constriction, which is characterized by a very focal constriction of a nerve, or part of it, usually associated with nerve thickening proximally and distally to the constriction. Another condition, which is similar from a radiological point of view to hourglass constriction, is nerve torsion. The pathophysiology of neuralgic amyotrophy, hourglass constriction and nerve torsion is still poorly understood, and a generic role of inflammation is proposed for all these conditions. It is now widely accepted that nerve imaging is necessary in identifying hourglass constrictions/nerve torsion pre-surgically in patients with an acute mononeuropathy/plexopathy. Ultrasound and MRI are useful tools for diagnosis, and they are consistent with intraoperative findings. The prognosis is generally favorable after surgery, with a high rate of good motor recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Neurolytic splanchnic nerve block (NSNB) is practised in intractable abdominal pain secondary to intra-abdominal malignancies. This review evaluated the efficacy of NSNB. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles published from January 2001 to October 2023. Two independent reviewers extracted the data from the included studies. The quality of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2), and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used for cohort studies. Results: Fourteen articles (4 RCTs, 3 non-randomised prospective, and 7 retrospectives) were included. Ten articles were quantitatively assessed and demonstrated significant pain relief at 1 week (standardised mean difference (SMD): 3.46 [2.09, 4.83], P < 0.001, I2 = 95%), 2 weeks (SMD: 4.45 [2.61, 6.29], P < 0.001, I2 = 95%), 4 weeks (SMD: 3.35 [2.23, 4.47], P < 0.001, I2 = 97%), 8 weeks (SMD: 3.7 [2.71, 4.7], P < 0.001, I2 = 86%), 12 weeks (SMD: 4.01 [2.66, 5.36], P < 0.001, I2 = 95%), and 24 weeks (SMD: 2.54 [1.71,3.37], P < 0.001, I2 = 84%). Daily narcotic consumption and quality of life (QOL) significantly improved post neurolysis, but survival rates showed controversial results. Significant heterogeneity was reported, and sub-group analysis revealed a moderate level of variability [I2 = 47.3%] pertaining to study design as a source of heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Pro GDT recommendation for the primary objective was 'high' for the analysis of RCTs and 'very low' evidence quality for observational studies. Only transient minor complications were reported. Conclusion: NSNB appears to be an efficacious technique that provides substantial pain relief, reduces opioid consumption, and ameliorates QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of meralgia paresthetica (MP), which is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), has been increasing over recent decades. Since guidelines and large-scale studies are lacking, there are substantial regional differences in diagnostics and management in MP care. Our study aims to report on current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies as well as time trends in clinical MP management in Germany. Patients hospitalized in Germany between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2018, with MP as their primary diagnosis were identified using the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) code G57.1 and standardized operations and procedures codes (OPS). A total of 5828 patients with MP were included. The rate of imaging studies increased from 44% in 2005 to 79% in 2018 (p < 0.001) and that of non-imaging diagnostic studies from 70 to 93% (p < 0.001). Among non-imaging diagnostics, the rates of evoked potentials and neurography increased from 20%/16% in 2005 to 36%/23% in 2018 (p < 0.001, respectively). Rates of surgical procedures for MP decreased from 53 to 37% (p < 0.001), while rates of non-surgical procedures increased from 23 to 30% (p < 0.001). The most frequent surgical interventions were decompressive procedures at a mean annual rate of 29% (± 5) throughout the study period, compared to a mean annual rate of 5% (± 2) for nerve transection procedures. Between 2005 and 2018, in-hospital MP care in Germany underwent significant changes. The rates of imaging, evoked potentials, neurography, and non-surgical management increased. The decompression of the LFCN was substantially more frequent than that of the LFCN transection, yet both types of intervention showed a substantial decrease in in-hospital prevalence over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Еndoscopic neurolysis of the sciatic nerve has proven itself as a low traumatic and effective technique of treatment for deep gluteal pain syndrome and sciatic nerve neuropathy. Until now, there have been no publications dedicated to the parietal peritoneum damage after endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression. Clinical case description: A 70-year-old female patient with deep gluteal pain syndrome and sciatic nerve neuropathy on the right side and failure of a conservative treatment. According to the VAS scale, the severity of pain syndrome was 10 cm. The severity of the motor dysfunction, according to the BMRC scale, was 4 points. The severity of the sensitive dysfunction, according to the Seddon scale, was 3 points. The functional activity of the lower limb, according to the LEFS scale, was 48 points. The instrumental investigation of the sciatic nerve included MRI, ultrasound, and ENMG. Endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression was performed in the prone position with saline irrigation using the technique published before. After the surgery, an ultrasound study and a CT scan were performed, which determined the presence of a free fluid in the abdominal cavity, and edema of the right retroperitoneal space. The patient underwent laparoscopy, which revealed the area of the parietal peritoneum damage in the lower floor, with a free saline fluid detected in the abdominal cavity, which was evacuated. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 10th day after the surgery. 6 months after the surgery, the functional activity of the lower extremity, according to the LEFS scale, was 52 points. Pain syndrome, according to the VAS scale, was 8 cm. The severity of the motor dysfunction, according to the BMRC scale, was 4 points. The severity of the sensitive dysfunction, according to the Seddon scale, was 3 points. The performed surgical endoscopic treatment was rendered ineffective. Conclusion: The method of endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression with saline pumping has a risk of the following complication: damaging the parietal peritoneum, saline penetration into the abdominal cavity, edema of the retroperitoneal space. To decrease the risk of this complication, it is necessary to observe the specific surgical conditions such as: controlled hypotension in a patient and a low pressure in the arthroscopic pump, the time of surgery not exceeding 1 hour, and the saline consumption not exceeding 10 liters. It is also crucial not to perform the dissection and neurolysis too proximal to the piriformis area.

Neuromas are a common cause of forefoot pain that can be treated surgically via neurolysis, which entails decompression of the deep transverse metatarsal ligament (DTML). This study details a novel technique in which the Arthrex® NanoScopeTM System is utilized for DTML release to treat a painful neuroma in a minimally invasive fashion. This technique is unique because it allows for a quick and easy percutaneous procedure where the DTML can be visualized by the surgeon both prior to and during transection.

Plantar fibromas anatomically can overlay the medial plantar nerve which lies between the abductor hallucis muscle and flexor digitorum brevis, and entrapment neuromas with significant scarring should be a consideration following initial plantar fibroma resection. There is currently a paucity of literature regarding options to guide treatment of medial plantar nerve entrapment following failed wide fibroma resection complicated by significant scar tissue adhesions and contracture. This report will focus on patient selection including indications, surgical pearls, and postoperative care.

Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a peripheral nerve disorder that has a classical presentation as motor deficit after severe pain, but it is still overlooked or misdiagnosed. Formerly, the diagnosis was based on the clinical picture and electrophysiology; however, sophisticated imaging and surgical modalities showed structural abnormalities such as hourglass-like constrictions of the nerves. In this article, we present a case presenting with drop hand mimicking radial nerve entrapment. The patient was diagnosed with NA and surgery revealed hourglass-like constrictions. The clinical findings were improved after neurorrhaphy and physical therapy. In conclusion, hourglass-like constrictions can be prognostic factors of NA and should be searched carefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Abdominal and back pain is the most frequent symptom in patients with pancreatic cancer, with pain management being extremely challenging. This study aimed to evaluate pain control, opioid consumption, pain-interfered quality of life, and survival after early and delayed computed tomography (CT)-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN). Methods: A retrospective analysis of pancreatic cancer patients receiving CPN for pain (n = 56) between June 2018 and June 2021 was done. The patients were grouped as early group (n = 22) and delayed group (n = 34) on the basis of the presence of persistent refractory pain according to expert consensus on refractory cancer pain. Results: Both groups were comparable in demographic characteristics and baseline pain conditions measured using the numeric rating scale (5.77 ± 1.23 vs. 6.27 ± 1.21; p = 0.141). The pain scores were significantly reduced in both groups; early CPN resulted in significantly lower scores from 3 to 5 months. The opioid consumption gradually decreased to a minimum at 2 weeks but increased at 1 month (35.56 ± 30.14 mg and 50.48 ± 47.90 mg, respectively); significantly larger consumption from 2 to 4 months was seen in the delayed group. The total pain interference was lower than baseline in all patients, with significant improvement after early CPN in sleep, appetite, enjoyment of life, and mood. The average survival time of the two groups was comparable. Conclusion: Early application of CT-guided CPN for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer may help reduce pain exacerbation and opioids consumption, without influencing the survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Based on the lack of literature to support any treatment strategy in patients with foot drop due to peroneal nerve entrapment, a prospective study randomizing patients between surgery and conservative treatment is warranted. Since studies comparing surgery to no surgery are often challenging, we first examined the feasibility of such a randomized controlled trial. Methods/design: An internal feasibility pilot study was conducted to assess several aspects of process, resource, management, and scientific feasibility. The main objective was the assessment of the recruitment rate. The criterion to embark on a full study was the recruitment of at least 14 patients in 6 participating centers within 6 months. Cross-over rate, blinding measures, training strategies, and trial assessments were evaluated. The trial was entirely funded by the KCE Trials public funding program of the Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (ID KCE19-1232). Results: The initial duration was prolonged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Between April 2021 and October 2022, we included 19 patients of which 15 were randomized. Fourteen patients were treated as randomized. One drop-out occurred after randomization, prior to surgery. We did not document any cross-over or accidental unblinding. Training strategies were successful. Patients perceived the quality of life questionnaire as the least relevant assessment. Assessment of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was prone to interobserver variability. All other trial assessments were adequate. Discussion: Recruitment of the anticipated 14 patients was feasible although slower than expected. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and assessment of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will no longer be included in the full-scale FOOTDROP trial. Conclusion: The FOOTDROP study is feasible. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04695834. Registered 4 January 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obturator nerve entrapment or idiopathic obturator neuralgia is an unfamiliar pathology for many physicians which can lead to diagnostic errancy. This study aims to identify the potential compression areas of the obturator nerve to improve therapeutic management. Material and methods: 18 anatomical dissections of lower limbs from 9 anatomical cadavers were performed. Endopelvic and exopelvic surgical approaches were utilized to study the anatomical variations of the nerve and to identify areas of entrapment. Results: On 7 limbs, the posterior branch of the obturator nerve passed through the external obturator muscle. A fascia between the adductor brevis and longus muscles was present in 9 of the 18 limbs. The anterior branch of the obturator nerve was highly adherent to the fascia in 6 cases. In 3 limbs, the medial femoral circumflex artery was in close connection with the posterior branch of the nerve. Conclusion: Idiopathic obturator neuropathy remains a difficult diagnosis. Our cadaveric study did not allow us to formally identify one or more potential anatomical entrapment zones. However, it allowed the identification of zones at risk. A clinical study with staged analgesic blocks would be necessary to identify an anatomical area of compression and would allow targeted surgical neurolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilateral brachial plexus injury is rare following a motor vehicle accident in an adult. We report a 35-year-old man with a bilateral brachial plexus injury. Explaining the mechanism of such an injury is essential to prognosticate the outcome. Fall from the bike, and the position determines the mechanism. The head–shoulder hitting the surface has an avulsion injury (ipsilateral), and the recoiling effect causes traction injury to the contralateral side. Our case had a C5,6 avulsion injury on the right side (ipsilateral) and a C5,6 traction injury (contralateral) to his left side. Surgical exploration and distal nerve transfers were done on the right side. The patient improved his shoulder and elbow function of grade 3, neurolysis of the brachial plexus was done on the left side, and the recovery was complete at 12 months of follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]