Background Intra-articular corticosteroid (IACS) injection and peri-articular corticosteroid injection are commonly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Results vary by musculoskeletal region, but most studies report short-term benefit with mixed results on long-term relief. Publications showed adverse events from single corticosteroid injections. Recommended effective doses were lower than those currently used by clinicians. Methods Development of the practice guideline for joint injections was approved by the Board of Directors of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine and the participating societies. A Corticosteroid Safety Work Group coordinated the development of three guidelines: peripheral nerve blocks and trigger points; joints; and neuraxial, facet, and sacroiliac joint injections. The topics included safety of the technique in relation to landmark-guided, ultrasound-guided, or radiology-aided injections; effect of the addition of the corticosteroid on the efficacy of the injectate; and adverse events related to the injection. Experts on the topics were assigned to extensively review the literature and initially develop consensus statements and recommendations. A modified version of the US Preventive Services Task Force grading of evidence and strength of recommendation was followed. A modified Delphi process was adhered to in arriving at a consensus. Results This guideline focuses on the safety and efficacy of corticosteroid joint injections for managing joint chronic pain in adults. The joints that were addressed included the shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, hip, knee, and small joints of the hands and feet. All the statements and recommendations were approved by all participants and the Board of Directors of the participating societies after four rounds of discussion. There is little evidence to guide the selection of one corticosteroid over another. Ultrasound guidance increases the accuracy of injections and reduces procedural pain. A dose of 20 mg triamcinolone is as effective as 40 mg for both shoulder IACS and subacromial subdeltoid bursa corticosteroid injections. The commonly used dose for hip IACS is 40 mg triamcinolone or methylprednisolone. Triamcinolone 40 mg is as effective as 80 mg for knee IACS. Overall, IACS injections result in short-term pain relief from a few weeks to a few months. The adverse events include an increase in blood glucose, adrenal suppression, detrimental effect on cartilage lining the joint, reduction of bone mineral density, and postoperative joint infection. Conclusions In this practice guideline, we provided specific recommendations on the role of corticosteroids in joint, bursa, and peritendon injections for musculoskeletal pain.

BACKGROUND:Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) are widely employed for chronic pain. These injections include peripheral nerve blocks and trigger point injections, injections of large appendicular joints, the axial facet and sacroiliac joints, and the epidural space. These injections may be performed in patients who have been recently vaccinated or plan to be vaccinated. This multisociety multispecialty position statement aims to develop evidence-based statements and recommendations (SRs) on the safe interval between CSIs and COVID-19 and influenza vaccine administration. METHODS:Development of the position statement was approved by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Board of Directors and several other societies that agreed to participate. The scope of the SRs was agreed on to include the efficacy of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, adverse events related to the CSIs, specifically the effect of CSIs on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, incidence of COVID-19 in patients who had CSIs during the pandemic, incidence of influenza in patients who had CSIs during the influenza season, and recommend a reasonable interval between CSIs and COVID-19 and influenza vaccination 20 mg/day of prednisone s. Experts were assigned topics to perform a comprehensive literature review and draft SRs, which were refined and voted for consensus (≥75% agreement) using a modified Delphi process. A modified version of the US Preventive Services Task Force grading of evidence and strength of recommendation was followed. RESULTS:All SRs were approved by all participants after four rounds of discussion. The Practice Guidelines Committees and Boards of Directors of the participating societies also approved all SRs. If a vaccine has been recently administered or planned, then for non-urgent indications, the CSI should be offered at least 1 week before or after vaccine administration. For healthy patient(s), CSI, or vaccine administration may be performed without a 7-day interval after informed discussion with the patient and consent regarding the risk of blunted vaccine efficacy. For non-healthy patients, shared decision-making should include discussion of diminished vaccine effectiveness and the possibility of influenza or COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS:In this position statement, we provide recommendations on the optimal timing between CSIs and COVID-19 or influenza vaccine.

Background There is potential for adverse events from corticosteroid injections, including increase in blood glucose, decrease in bone mineral density and suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Published studies note that doses lower than those commonly injected provide similar benefit.Methods Development of the practice guideline was approved by the Board of Directors of American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine with several other societies agreeing to participate. The scope of guidelines was agreed on to include safety of the injection technique (landmark-guided, ultrasound or radiology-aided injections); effect of the addition of the corticosteroid on the efficacy of the injectate (local anesthetic or saline); and adverse events related to the injection. Based on preliminary discussions, it was decided to structure the topics into three separate guidelines as follows: (1) sympathetic, peripheral nerve blocks and trigger point injections; (2) joints; and (3) neuraxial, facet, sacroiliac joints and related topics (vaccine and anticoagulants). Experts were assigned topics to perform a comprehensive review of the literature and to draft statements and recommendations, which were refined and voted for consensus (>= 75% agreement) using a modified Delphi process. The United States Preventive Services Task Force grading of evidence and strength of recommendation was followed.Results This guideline deals with the use and safety of corticosteroid injections for sympathetic, peripheral nerve blocks and trigger point injections for adult chronic pain conditions. All the statements and recommendations were approved by all participants after four rounds of discussion. The Practice Guidelines Committees and Board of Directors of the participating societies also approved all the statements and recommendations. The safety of some procedures, including stellate blocks, lower extremity peripheral nerve blocks and some sites of trigger point injections, is improved by imaging guidance. The addition of non-particulate corticosteroid to the local anesthetic is beneficial in cluster headaches but not in other types of headaches. Corticosteroid may provide additional benefit in transverse abdominal plane blocks and ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve blocks in postherniorrhaphy pain but there is no evidence for pudendal nerve blocks. There is minimal benefit for the use of corticosteroids in trigger point injections.Conclusions In this practice guideline, we provided recommendations on the use of corticosteroids in sympathetic blocks, peripheral nerve blocks, and trigger point injections to assist clinicians in making informed decisions.

BACKGROUND:Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) are widely employed in facet and sacroiliac joint pain. Similar to CSIs at other sites (peripheral nerve blocks, joints, epidural), these injections are associated with potential adverse events. These multisociety consensus recommendations aim to develop evidence-based statements and recommendations on the safe use of CSIs in facet joint and sacroiliac joint injections. METHODS:Development of the consensus recommendations was approved by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Board of Directors and several other societies that agreed to participate. The scope of statements and recommendations was agreed on to include safety of the injection technique (landmark-guided, ultrasound, or radiology-aided injections); effect of the addition of the corticosteroid on effectiveness (vs local anesthetic or saline); and adverse events related to the injection. Experts were assigned topics to perform a comprehensive literature review and draft statements and recommendations, which were refined and voted for consensus (>75% agreement) using a modified Delphi process. A modified version of the US Preventive Services Task Force grading of evidence and strength of recommendation was followed. RESULTS:All statements and recommendations were approved by all participants after four rounds of discussion. The Practice Guidelines Committees and Boards of Directors of the participating societies also approved all statements and recommendations. Injection of corticosteroid into the facet joint in patients with joint inflammation may relieve pain and improves function. Intra-articular, extra-articular (periarticular), and combined administration are effective for sacroiliac joint injections. No dose-response studies exist, but CSIs containing 10 mg of methylprednisolone or triamcinolone per facet joint and 40 mg per sacroiliac joint (SIJ) (or their respective pharmacologic equivalents) are reasonable. CONCLUSIONS:In this practice recommendation, we provide statements and recommendations on facet and sacroiliac joint CSIs, the optimal doses, and intervals and criteria for repeating the CSIs in patients with facet joint and sacroiliac joint pain.

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the ganglia of the head and neck and their role in the interventional management of chronic headaches and facial pain disorders. Interventions targeting the sphenopalatine, stellate and gasserian ganglia are well described in the literature for headaches and facial pain disorders. There is a growing body of evidence supporting use of these techniques for clinical conditions outside of pain such as post-traumatic stress disorder and Long COVID symptoms. These findings increase the potential applications of such procedures, making them more relevant to the interventional physician tasked with managing symptoms in difficult to treat medical conditions. Nerve blocks of the head and neck are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the management of headaches and facial pain disorders. Headaches, whether acute or chronic, are common pain conditions with a wide-range of etiologies and are often difficult to treat. Chronic facial pain can have a variety of underlying causes, including direct or indirect nerve damage, infection, inflammation, and muscle dysfunction. Traditional pain management strategies such as medications and physical therapy often fail or are associated with significant adverse effects. Interventions such as nerve blocks and neuroablative procedures have shown promise in managing headaches and facial pain by directly targeting the underlying causes. This review article summarizes the most recent evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, applications and limitations of these interventional pain management techniques.

OBJECTIVES:Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective surgery for end-stage knee osteoarthritis, but chronic postoperative pain and reduced function affect up to 20% of patients who undergo such surgery. There are limited treatment options, but percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a promising nonopioid treatment option for chronic, persistent postoperative pain. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a 60-day percutaneous PNS treatment in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for treating persistent postoperative pain after TKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Patients with postoperative pain after knee replacement were screened for this postmarket, institutional review board-approved, prospectively registered (NCT04341948) trial. Subjects were randomized to receive either active PNS or placebo (sham) stimulation. Subjects and a designated evaluator were blinded to group assignments. Subjects in both groups underwent ultrasound-guided placement of percutaneous fine-wire coiled leads targeting the femoral and sciatic nerves on the leg with postoperative pain. Leads were indwelling for eight weeks, and the primary efficacy outcome compared the proportion of subjects in each group reporting ≥50% reduction in average pain relative to baseline during weeks five to eight. Functional outcomes (6-minute walk test; 6MWT and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) and quality of life (Patient Global Impression of Change) also were evaluated at end of treatment (EOT). RESULTS:A greater proportion of subjects in the PNS groups (60%; 12/20) than in the placebo (sham) group (24%; 5/21) responded with ≥50% pain relief relative to baseline (p = 0.028) during the primary endpoint (weeks 5-8). Subjects in the PNS group also walked a significantly greater distance at EOT than did those in the placebo (sham) group (6MWT; +47% vs -9% change from baseline; p = 0.048, n = 18 vs n = 20 completed the test, respectively). Prospective follow-up to 12 months is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS:This study provides evidence that percutaneous PNS decreases persistent pain, which leads to improved functional outcomes after TKA at EOT.

Introduction Preclinical research demonstrated water-cooled radiofrequency (CRF) ablations have a significant impact on structural and functional changes compared to standard radiofrequency (SRF) ablations. Clinical procedures utilizing RF to treat chronic pain conditions also show sustained functional outcomes. We hypothesize that the design of the RF probes plays an important role in interventional procedure success, but it remains unclear which specific design features. Methods RF ablations were performed in male Lewis rats (n=51) using multiple-sized probes for CRF (17 Ga/2 mm and 17Ga/4 mm) and SRF (22Ga/5 mm, 18Ga/10 mm and 16Ga/10 mm) to evaluate generator energy output, lesion length, axon damage by histology and nerve function analysis via electromyography. To exclude probe design variables beyond size and remain objective, we tested cooled probes with and without water circulation, which resulted in the CRF probe performing like an SRF probe. Results Consistent with our previous findings in smaller probes, CRF large probes delivered more energy (p<0.01) and generated multiple zones of thermal damage in sciatic nerves. When the water-circulating feature was turned off, however, energy output (p<0.001) and lesion length (p<0.05) was significantly reduced. CRF probes with the water circulation also featured significantly more axonal disruption, than larger sized SRF probes (p<0.0001). Conclusions Overall, this data confirms that CRF’s water-circulating technology has a greater impact on energy deposition, lesion length and axon damage compared with SRF ablations. Moreover, results suggest that the structural differences between RF modalities cannot be solely attributed to probe size, and it may shed light on its differences in clinical outcomes.

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a debilitating sequela of varicella zoster reactivation that usually is preceded by herpes zoster (“shingles”) infection. As the virus resides in sensory neuronal ganglia, the distribution of the zoster rash, and the subsequent neuralgia, occurs in the distribution of that sensory ganglion or one of its distal afferent fibers. This makes it a potential target for peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for patients who have chronic PHN that is inadequately managed with more conservative approaches. PNS provides a minimally invasive treatment option for durable pain relief in PHN.

The superior gluteal nerve (SGN) is a motor nerve originating from the sacral plexus that arises from the posterior divisions of the lumbosacral plexus (ventral rami of L4, L5, and S1). The SGN may be compressed with prolonged internal rotation of the hip, from trauma, or by anterior-superior tendinous fibers on the piriformis muscle. SGN entrapment causes symptoms of gluteal pain, tenderness, and weakness with hip abduction. If conservative management fails, and symptoms respond to therapeutic blocks of the SGN, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) may be considered. This chapter will review the technique, indications, and complications of PNS of the SGN.

Background and ObjectivesPatients taking opioids are at risk of developing dependence and possibly abuse. Given the role of the mesolimbic dopamine system in opioid reward, blocking dopamine D2 receptors should limit the abuse liability of opioid analgesics. This pilot study evaluates the analgesic efficacy of oxycodone combined with an atypical antipsychotic (dopamine D2 receptor antagonist). MethodsA randomized, double-blind, within-subjects, controlled trial in healthy volunteers was conducted at UT Health SA Pain Clinic. Fifteen volunteers with previous medical exposure to opioids were enrolled. Risperidone (2 mg) or ziprasidone (80 mg) in combination with oxycodone (5, 10, 15 mg) was administered. Pain intensity using the cold pressor test, Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM), Addiction Research Center Inventory (ARCI, opioid subscale), Drug likability with drug effects questionnaire (DEQ) were assessed. ResultsOxycodone produced dose dependent increases in thermal analgesia on the cold pressor test that was significant at 10 and 15 mg (t = 3.087, P = 0.017). The combination did not significantly alter thermal analgesia. There was no significant effect of the combination on the ARCI or the POMS. Discussion and ConclusionThe combination of an atypical antipsychotic with oxycodone does not alter analgesic response or increase the incidence of adverse effects when compared to oxycodone alone. Such information is critical for the development of drug combinations for the treatment of pain and provide the foundation for future studies of abuse potential in drug users. Scientific SignificanceThis intervention in chronic pain patients is unique because it utilizes FDA approved drugs in combination to reduce abuse liability. The first step, and aim of this study, is to confirm the drug combination does not interfere with analgesic efficacy. The next step is to examine the combination in recreational drug users to assess the potential to block the euphoric effects of oxycodone. Ultimately, if this combination is effective, this approach could be beneficial in management of chronic pain.

Objective Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is a common cause of lateral hip pain. Corticosteroid injections are commonly utilized as nonsurgical interventions; however, they are not effective for all patients. This technical case report describes a method for treating greater trochanteric pain syndrome by utilizing cooled radiofrequency ablation. Methods The trochanteric branch of the nervus femoralis is identified as providing sensory innervation to the greater trochanter and its surrounding structures. We have identified fluoroscopic targets to block the nerve and perform cooled radiofrequency ablation. We present two patient cases which demonstrated significant pain relief of greater trochanteric pain syndrome with this treatment. Conclusions Cooled radiofrequency ablation of the trochanteric branch of the nervus femoralis is a potential treatment for greater trochanteric pain syndrome. This procedure provides a potential steroid-sparing interventional treatment based on reproducible fluoroscopic landmarks.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:Neuropathic pain is a prevalent and burdensome condition. While oral medical therapies are the first-line treatment for refractory neuropathic pain, in some cases, infusion therapy may be employed. This article is a systematic review of recent publications regarding epidemiologic, pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic advancements in the treatment of neuropathic pain using intravenous infusion therapy. Special consideration will be given to relevant and practically used agents and available information on outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS:Individuals with neuropathic pain from various etiologies (e.g. trigeminal neuralgia, post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy) often find short-term relief from infusion therapies. However, it is difficult to generalize the findings of these studies to form a standard treatment regimen. The purpose of this paper is to provide clinicians an up-to-date summary of recent literature regarding several infusion therapies in treating neuropathic pain.

This article provides a detailed description of peripheral joint radiofrequency ablation and its contemporary use in the treatment of chronic knee, hip, and shoulder pain. Special attention is given to anatomy and innervation of the joints discussed, technical approach, selection criteria, contraindications, and patient outcomes.

Shoulder pain is prevalent, burdensome, and functionally limiting, with diverse pathology and associated treatments. This narrative review provides a summary of relevant neuroanatomy, proposed ablation targets, safety and efficacy concerns for ablation targets, and current research gaps. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of peripheral sensory nerves is a well-established treatment for chronic joint and spine pain, but it is relatively nascent for shoulder pain. Cadaveric studies demonstrate the shoulder joint is innervated by articular branches of the suprascapular nerve, axillary nerve, lateral pectoral nerve, and upper and lower subscapular nerves. Shoulder articular branch RFA appears to be a safe and effective treatment for chronic shoulder pain, but there are currently no widely accepted protocols for ablation targets. There are also no randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing safety and efficacy of proposed targets or the prognostic value of articular blocks. Future research studies should prioritize categorical data, use appropriate functional measures as primary endpoints, and would ideally include a large-scale RCT.

Objective. Recent studies of hip anatomy have turned to the posterior hip capsule to better understand the anatomic location of the posterior capsular sensory branches and identify nerves with potential for neural blockade. Current literature has shown the posterior hip capsule is primarily supplied by branches from the sciatic nerve, nerve to quadratus femoris, and superior gluteal nerve (1, 2). This cadaveric study investigated the gross anatomy of the posterior hip, while also identifying potential targets for hip analgesia, with emphasis on the superior gluteal nerve and nerve to quadratus femoris. Design. Cadaveric study. Setting. UT Health San Antonio Anatomy Lab. Methods. In total, 10 total cadavers (18 hips total), were posteriorly dissected identifying nerve to quadratus femoris, superior gluteal nerve, and sciatic nerve. Nerves were labeled with radio-opaque markers. Following the dissections, fluoroscopic images were obtained at sequential angles to identify neural anatomy and help expand anatomic knowledge for interventional pain procedures. Results. The posterior hip capsule was supplied by the sciatic nerve in 1/16 hips, the nerve to quadratus femoris in 15/18 hips, and the superior gluteal nerve in 6/18 hips. Conclusions. The nerve to quadratus femoris reliably innervates the posterior hip joint. Both the sciatic nerve and superior gluteal nerve have small articular branches that may be involved in posterior hip innervation, but this is not seen commonly. The results of this study may elucidate novel therapeutic targets for treatment of chronic refractory hip pain (i.e., the nerve to quadratus femoris).

Purpose of Review This article is a systematic review of data from 2018 to 2020 regarding information from publications on epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic advancements in human immunodeficiency virus-associated peripheral neuropathy. Recent Findings The epidemiology/pathology of HIV neuropathy is discussed. Diagnostics includes skin wrinkling-eutectic mixture of local anesthetic test and neurologic examinations. Therapeutic interventions include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management as well as self-management strategies. Peripheral neuropathy continues to affect the lives of persons living with HIV. First-line treatment with pregabalin or gabapentin for HIV neuropathic pain has limited data on adequate response. Exercise and self-management strategies may provide benefit in pain reduction. Continuing research on risk factors and biomarkers for HIV-related peripheral neuropathy will be critical for future diagnostic and therapeutic agents.