Pre-operative intra-articular hip injection as a predictor of short-term outcome following arthroscopic management of femoroacetabular impingement

Purpose

Diagnostic hip injections are often used to confirm intra-articular pathology prior to arthroscopic treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). However, little is known whether the type of response correlates with the post-operative functional outcomes. The purpose of this study is to document the ability of a diagnostic hip injection to predict short-term functional outcomes following arthroscopic surgical management.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 52 patients diagnosed with FAI who had an intra-articular hip injection prior to arthroscopic surgery was evaluated. A pain diary was used during the 2 weeks after hip injection to document response. In addition, the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) was administered preoperatively and 6 months post-operatively to assess functional outcomes. The relationship between response to an intra-articular hip injection and mHHS scores 6 months after FAI surgery was evaluated.

Results

Overall, 42 of 52 (81 %) patients diagnosed with FAI achieved pain relief from the hip injection. Outcomes according to mHHS scores improved significantly at the 6-month follow-up visit (19 points, 95 % CI 15–24, p = 0.001). The therapeutic utility of the hip injection suggested that lack of pain relief predicted a lack of functional improvement following arthroscopic surgery.

Conclusion

In this study, the data suggests that a positive response from an intra-articular hip injection is not a strong predictor of short-term functional outcomes following arthroscopic management of FAI. However, a negative response from an intra-articular hip injection may predict a higher likelihood of having a negative result from surgery.

Level of evidence

Level II.     

The short- and medium-term effectiveness of CT-guided selective cervical nerve root injection for pain and disability

Introduction

CT-guided cervical nerve root injection with corticosteroid and/or local anesthetic is a recognized technique in the evaluation and treatment of cervical radiculopathy. There are few prospective studies on the efficacy of the various techniques employed in cervical nerve root injection. We present our results from a 1-year prospective series using a CT-guided anterolateral transforaminal approach for cervical nerve root injection of bupivacaine and dexamethasone.

Methods

Pain using a numeric rating scale was assessed at pre-injection, 15 min post-injection, 1 month, and 3 months. Disability was assessed using the Oswestry Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire at pre-injection, 1 month post-injection, and 3 months.

Results

In total, 50 patients were followed for 3 months. The mean reductions in pain were: 15 min (77 %), 1 month (39 %), and 3 months (33 %). The mean reductions in NDI were: 1 month (26 %) and 3 months (also 26 %). Results were statistically significant.

Conclusions

CT-guided selective cervical nerve root injection in the treatment of cervical radicular pain and related disability produces statistically significant reductions in pain and disability to at least 3 months post-procedure.     

Results of the PeRception of femOroaCetabular impingEment by Surgeons Survey (PROCESS)

Purpose

Currently, there is a lack of high-level evidence addressing the variety of treatment options available for patients diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The objective was to determine the current state of practice for FAI in Canada.

Methods

A questionnaire was developed and pretested to address the current state of knowledge among orthopaedic surgeons regarding FAI treatment using a focus group of experts, reviewing prior surveys, and reviewing online guidelines addressing surgical interventions for FAI. The membership of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association (COA) was surveyed through email and mail in both French and English.

Results

Two hundred and two surveys were obtained (20 % response rate), of which 74.3 % of respondents manage patients under age 40 with hip pain. Most surgeons (62 %) considered failure of non-operative management as the most important indication for the surgical management of FAI, usually by treating both bony and soft tissue damage (54.4 %). The majority of surgeons were unsure of the existence of evidence supporting the best clinical test for FAI, the use of a diagnostic intra-articular injection for diagnosis of FAI, and for non-operative management of FAI. One in four respondents supported a sham surgery (24.8 %) control arm for a trial evaluating the impact of surgical intervention on FAI.

Conclusions

This survey elucidates areas of research for future studies relevant to FAI and highlights controversial areas of treatment. The results suggest that the current management of FAI by members of the COA is limited by a lack of awareness of high-level evidence.

Level of evidence

III.     

Intra-articular hylastan versus steroid for knee osteoarthritis

Purpose

To assess the efficacy and safety of one and two intra-articular (IA) injections of the new viscosupplement, hylastan, compared with a single IA corticosteroid injection for pain due to knee osteoarthritis (OA). Hylastan is a high-molecular-weight hyaluronan derivative prepared from bacterial fermented sodium hyaluronate that was developed to remain in the joint for longer than most other viscosupplements.

Methods

This 6-month, double-blind, randomized, parallel group, multicenter trial enrolled patients aged ≥40 years who met American College of Rheumatology criteria for knee OA and had continued pain despite conservative treatment. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to one of three arms: 2 × 4 mL hylastan (n = 129; arthrocentesis then IA hylastan Day 0, same treatment Week 2); 1 × 4 mL hylastan (n = 130; arthrocentesis then IA hylastan Day 0, arthrocentesis only Week 2); steroid (n = 132; arthrocentesis then IA methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg Day 0, arthrocentesis only Week 2). Participants and evaluators were blinded to treatment. The primary clinical outcome measure was change from baseline in WOMAC A pain score over all postbaseline visits to Week 26.

Results

Statistically significant pain reduction was observed in all three arms, with similar mean (95 % CI) changes in WOMAC A: 2 × 4 mL hylastan ?0.9 (?1.0, ?0.7); 1 × 4 mL hylastan ?0.8 (?0.9, ?0.7); steroid ?0.9 (?1.0, ?0.8); all P < 0.0001 versus baseline. Changes in secondary outcomes (OMERACT-OARSI and WOMAC A responder rates, patient/clinical observer global assessments, and WOMAC A1 walking pain) were similar in all three arms. Target knee adverse events were comparable for all treatments.

Conclusions

Both IA hylastan injection regimens were effective in relieving pain with an acceptable safety profile. IA hylastan did not show a difference versus IA corticosteroid; therefore, the hypothesis of superior pain relief was not met. Further research is needed to compare the efficacy and safety of hylastan with other viscosupplements.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic study, Level I.     

Hip arthroscopy with labral repair for femoroacetabular impingement: short-term outcomes

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the progression of clinical outcomes 3, 6 and 12 months after hip arthroscopy with labral repair for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Methods

From May 2009 to December 2011, 87 consecutive patients [55 females (median age 38, range 17–63) and 32 males (median age 38, range 15–59)] underwent hip arthroscopy and labral repair, by the same experienced surgeon. Standardised, but unstructured, post-operative rehabilitation instructions were provided. Function and pain were evaluated using modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) pre-operatively and post-operatively at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

A main effect of time was seen for mHHS and pain (VAS) at 3, 6, and 12 months (p < 0.001). Mean (SE) mHHS improved significantly from 59.9 (1.9) pre-operatively to 74.5 (1.9) after 3 months (p < 0.001), and again from 3 to 6 months from 74.5 (1.9) to 80.1 (1.9) (p = 0.004), with no additional changes from 6 to 12 months [80.1 (1.9)–78.7 (1.9), (n.s.)]. Also, the mean (SE) VAS improved significantly from pre-operative 57.9 (2.6) to 30.0 (2.6) after 3 months (p < 0.001), and from 30.0 (2.6) to 22.6 (2.6) (p = 0.017), after 6 months with no additional changes from 6 to 12 months [22.6 (2.6)–27.9 (2.6), (n.s.)].

Conclusions

Improvements in function (mHHS) and pain (VAS) were seen in patients after hip arthroscopy with labral repair for FAI at 3, 6, and 12 months. While significant improvements occurred from 3 to 6 months, no further improvements were seen from 6 to 12 months.

Level of evidence

Prospective case series, Level IV.     

Modest mid-term outcomes after isolated arthroscopic debridement of acetabular labral tears

Purpose

Currently, there is a paucity of literature regarding outcomes after isolated labral debridement. The purpose of this study was to (1) report the reoperation rate following isolated labral debridement, (2) report clinical and functional outcomes after labral debridement with a minimum 2-year follow-up and (3) identify risk factors for worse clinical and functional outcomes. It was hypothesized that inferior outcomes are associated with an increasing Tönnis grade and those with untreated femoral acetabular impingement (FAI).

Methods

The records of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy between 1998 and 2005 were reviewed. Patients with labral tears who underwent isolated arthroscopic labral debridement were identified. Kaplan–Meier estimate of failure (defined as subsequent surgery) was performed for all patients. Patients with minimum 2-year follow-up were assessed with Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) and Hip Outcome Score (HOS). Univariate analysis was then performed to assess which factors were associated with worse clinical and functional outcomes.

Results

Fifty-nine hips in 57 patients met our inclusion criteria (39 females, 18 males) with a mean age of 46 ± 14 years and mean follow-up of 5 (range 2–14) years. Overall, 45 % of the hips failed for repeat surgery (20 %) or rating for hip function as abnormal or severely abnormal (25 %). Twelve hips (20 %) required subsequent surgical intervention at a mean 23 (range 6–60) months (7 total hip arthroplasties, 2 open revisions, 3 arthroscopic revisions). Of the remaining hips, mean MHHS was 83.4 ± 19.7, mean HOS ADL score was 83.8 ± 21.3 and mean HOS sport score was 70.6 ± 32.9, with 33 of 41 (75 %) reporting normal or nearly normal current level of function. Univariate analysis revealed that hips with untreated bony impingement (p = 0.01) or requiring concomitant chondroplasty (p = 0.03) had inferior clinical outcome scores.

Conclusions

Isolated arthroscopic labral debridement for hip labral tears had 45 % combined poor results when strictly defining failure as repeat surgery or abnormal hip rating. Untreated FAI and concomitant chondroplasty were risk factors for inferior outcome. We recommend concomitant treatment for bony impingement lesions and preservation of the labrum whenever possible.

Level of evidence

Retrospective case series, Level IV.     

Utility of multimodal analgesia with fascia iliaca blockade for acute pain management following hip arthroscopy

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of multimodal analgesia with fascia iliaca blockade and for acute pain control in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.

Methods

Thirty consecutive patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy were prospectively studied. All patients were treated preoperatively with ultrasound-guided single injection fascia iliaca blockade and multimodal analgesia. Data collected included post-operative nausea, numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores during rest and activity, opioid consumption during the first five days (recorded as tablets of 5 mg hydrocodone/500 mg acetaminophen) and overall patient satisfaction with analgesia.

Results

This study included 23 female and 7 male patients with a median age of 35 years (range 14–58). No patient required medication for post-operative nausea. The overall NRS scores were an average of 3.9 on day 0, 3.6 on day 1, 3.4 on day 2, 2.9 on day 3, 3.0 on day 4 and 2.7 on day 5. The average tablets of opioid taken were 1.5 on day 0, 1.2 on day 1, 1.3 on day 2, 1.0 on day 3, 1.1 on day 4 and 0.9 on day 5. Overall, 20 patients rated their post-operative pain control as very satisfied (67 %), and 10 patients as satisfied (33 %). There were no complications or side effects from the fascia iliaca blockade.

Conclusion

In this prospective study, multimodal analgesia with fascia iliaca blockade following hip arthroscopy was safe and effective. The quality of early post-operative analgesia provided by the fascia iliaca blockade was excellent and resulted in low opioid consumption, high quality of pain relief and high overall patient satisfaction.

Level of evidence

Prospective case series, Level II.     

Lumbar nerve root injections: a prospective cohort outcomes study comparing age- and gender-matched patients who returned an outcomes-based postal questionnaire with patients who did not return the postal questionnaire

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate if relying on postal questionnaires returned by patients provides an accurate representation of reported outcomes from patients receiving imaging-guided lumbar nerve root injections (NRIs).

Materials and methods

Patients who received imaging-guided transforaminal lumbar NRIs were given short questionnaires inquiring about pain level [numerical rating scale (NRS)] and overall improvement [Patient’s Global Impression of Change (PGIC)]. Those who did not return the questionnaires (non-responders) were telephoned and asked about pain level and overall change in condition. Age and gender matching of responders and non-responders resulted in 97 patients in each group. The proportion of patients reporting clinically relevant “improvement” or “worsening” in each group was calculated and the Chi-square test was used to detect differences. NRS and PGIC scores for responders and non-responders were compared using Student’s t test and the Mann–Whitney U test, respectively.

Results

A higher proportion of non-responders reported clinically relevant improvement (53.6 %) compared to responders (42.6 %) and responders reported significantly higher levels of worsening of condition (p?=?0.01). Both responders and non-responders had significant (p?≤?0.05) improvement on the 20–30-min and 1-month NRS scores compared to their pre-injection baseline scores. Non-responders had significantly higher baseline NRS scores but no significant difference at the 20–30-min and 1-month NRS scores compared to responders.

Conclusions

Patients returning postal questionnaires reported less favorable outcomes compared to those who did not return their questionnaires.     

Surgical management of labral tears during femoroacetabular impingement surgery: a systematic review

Purpose

This systematic review explored reported outcomes addressing femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), specifically those comparing labral debridement to labral repair. In addition, the quality of the evidence was evaluated for the purposes of making treatment recommendations.

Methods

Three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed) were searched for comparative studies involving labral repair and debridement during FAI surgery. Two reviewers conducted a title, abstract, and full-text review of eligible studies and the references of these studies. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the searched studies, data were extracted, and a quality assessment was completed for included studies.

Results

Six eligible studies involving 490 patients were identified. The most commonly reported outcome measure was the modified Harris hip score (MHHS) (50 %). All studies reported that labral repair had greater postoperative improvements in functional scores (modified Harris hip, non-arthritic hip, hip outcome, and Merle d’Aubigne scores) compared to labral debridement. Five studies reported statistically significant improvements with labral repair. MHHS were pooled to demonstrate a clinically important difference in favor of labral repair by 7.4 points in three studies. The mean individual study quality can be considered fair. However, the overall quality of the body of evidence in this review is rated as low according to GRADE guidelines.

Conclusions

This review demonstrates a reporting of better clinical outcomes with labral repair compared to labral debridement in all studies with five of six studies reporting statistically significant improvements (of repair over debridement). However, given the lack of high quality evidence and associated limitations in study design, these results should be interpreted with caution. Consequently, definitive treatment recommendations require further investigation with well-conducted clinical trials. This systematic review enables the discussion of best evidence practice for the surgical managing of a labral tear associated with FAI.

Level of evidence

III.     

The development and implementation of an outcomes database for imaging-guided therapeutic musculoskeletal injections

Objectives

To present the process of creating an imaging-guided injections outcomes database and to reflect on how this database has affected the scientific activities of the radiology department.

Materials and methods

The literature was searched to identify studies on the effectiveness of musculoskeletal therapeutic injections, areas where research is lacking, and relevant outcome measures. Validated outcome measures were chosen and tested in a pilot study. Data collection time points of 1 day, 1 week and 1 month post-injection were determined and the post-pilot study postal questionnaires were created. The data collection process began and has been ongoing for over 4 years. Critical reflection on the process and outcomes from the database occurred.

Results

The 9 steps to creating this outcomes database are presented. The numerical rating scale for pain (NRS) and the Patient’s Global Impression of Change (PGIC) were identified as the most valid, reliable, and time-effective outcome measures. At most, 50 % of patients return their postal questionnaire. The database has facilitated the publication of numerous research projects.

Conclusions

Setting up an outcomes database is straightforward and productive. The NRS and PGIC were considered the most useful outcome measures. This database facilitated critical reflection on current practice and provides the foundation for several research studies.     

A painful squat test provides limited diagnostic utility in CAM-type femoroacetabular impingement

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between a symptomatic maximal squat and the presence of radiographic CAM-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a maximal squat test for the presence of radiographic CAM-type femoral deformity in an adult population.

Methods

In this pilot study, 76 consecutive patients were recruited from an outpatient clinic at McMaster University. All patients presented with pre-arthritic hip pain and were asked to perform a maximal squat. The results of this test were compared to magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiographic (MRI and MRA) findings evaluating and characterizing CAM-type FAI deformity.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of the maximal squat test were 75 % (56.6–88.5 %) and 41 % (27.0–56.8 %), respectively, for CAM-type FAI deformity. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were modest at 1.3 (0.9–1.7) and 0.6 (0.3–1.2), respectively. This means that a 30 % pre-test probability is improved to 36 % following a positive squat test and reduced to 20 % with a negative squat test.

Conclusion

The maximal squat test was found to have marginal incremental diagnostic ability for CAM-type FAI. Its utility in the diagnostic evaluation of FAI remains limited. This survey elucidates areas of research for future studies relevant to the clinical diagnosis of FAI.

Level of evidence

III.     

Evaluation of ultrasound-guided diagnostic local anaesthetic hip joint injection for osteoarthritis

Purpose

The diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis is often complicated by co-existing pathology in the knee and spine, and mismatch between clinical and radiological signs. Temporary pain relief from a local anaesthetic injection into the hip joint has been reported to help localise symptoms, reducing the risk of unnecessary surgery being performed. We hypothesize that good surgical outcome is predicted by good analgesia following diagnostic injection, and that alternative pathology is present when there is no response to injection.

Methods

Data were analysed from a prospective database of 163 consecutive patients who underwent diagnostic hip injection for possible osteoarthritis. We recorded result of injection and whether hip arthroplasty was performed. A good outcome to surgery was defined as subsequent pain relief without significant residual symptoms.

Results

A total of 138 patients were suitable for inclusion in the study. Fifty-eight patients had hip arthroplasty following a good response to diagnostic injection. Of these 54 had a good outcome following surgery (93%). There was also a quantitative improvement in pain and function in these patients as measured by 1?year post-operative and pre-operative Harris hip scores (P?Conclusion Diagnostic ultrasound-guided local anaesthetic injection of the hip joint is a useful test in confirming hip pathology. Complete relief of hip pain following intracapsular injection of local anaesthetic is associated with good surgical outcome following joint replacement.     

The posterolateral fluoroscopy-guided injection technique into the posterior subtalar joint: description of the procedure and pilot study on patient outcomes

Objective

To describe a posterolateral fluoroscopy-guided injection technique into the posterior subtalar joint and to report patient outcomes 1?month post-injection.

Materials and methods

Twenty-three consecutive adult patients who underwent fluoroscopy-guided injection into the posterior subtalar joint using a direct posterolateral approach and who returned an outcomes-based postal questionnaire after receiving this injection were included. Numerical pain rating scale (NRS) data were collected prior to injection. NRS and Patient’s Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scales were completed 1?day, 1?week, and 1?month after injection. The proportion of patients who improved was calculated for each time period. Baseline NRS data were compared to each time point using the Wilcoxon test to assess differences. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to compare the 20?min NRS score with all follow-up NRS scores. All available images were reviewed for the presence of subtalar osteoarthritis (OA). Patient charts were reviewed to identify characteristics of patients referred for subtalar injections. Risk ratios were calculated comparing presence of OA or other abnormalities with improvement.

Results

A posterolateral approach for fluoroscopy-guided injections into the subtalar joint is described. There was a significant reduction in the mean NRS score at all time periods compared to baseline (p ≤ 0.004). One-third of patients (7/21) reported clinically relevant improvement at 1?month.

Conclusions

Fluoroscopy-guided puncture of the posterior subtalar joint using a posterolateral approach is possible. Clinically significant improvement is reported in 33% of patients after 1?month.     

Surgical indications for treatment for femoroacetabular impingement with surgical hip dislocation

Purpose

There is a lack of detailed information about the indications of surgical treatment for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), particularly using open surgical dislocation. The purpose of this review was to systematically review the reported indications for surgical dislocation of the hip for FAI.

Methods

Two databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) were screened for clinical studies involving the treatment for FAI with surgical hip dislocation. We conducted a full-text review and the references for each included paper were hand-searched for other eligible studies. Papers published until September 2011 were included in this review. Two individuals reviewed all identified studies independently, and any disagreement was resolved through consensus.

Results

Fifteen studies met the eligibility criteria, which included a total of 822 patients. We identified a lack of consensus for clinical and radiographic indications for surgical hip dislocation to treat FAI. The most common clinical indications reported were clinical symptoms such as hip pain in 10 papers (67 %), a positive impingement sign in 9 papers (60 %), painful/reduced range of motion in 9 papers (60 %), activity-related groin pain in 4 papers (27 %), and non-responsive to non-operative treatment in 4 papers (27 %). The most commonly reported radiographic indicators for surgical hip dislocation were a variety of impingement findings from radiographs in all 15 included papers (100 %), a combination of radiographs and MRA in 5 papers (33 %) or radiographs and MRI in 3 papers (20 %).

Conclusions

These results showed that that there was an inconsistency between the clinical and radiographic indications for surgical hip dislocation as a treatment for femoroacetabular impingement. This review suggests that there is a need for the development of standardized clinical and radiological criteria that serve as guidelines for surgical treatment for FAI.

Level of evidence

Systematic review, Level IV.     

Pain course in conservatively treated patients with back pain and a VCF on the spine radiograph (VERTOS III)

Objective

Little is known about the natural course of pain from vertebral compression fractures (VCF). In this study we evaluated the pain course in conservatively treated patients with back pain and a VCF on the spine radiograph.

Materials and methods

Between May 2007 and November 2008, 169 patients with back pain referred by the general practitioner for spine radiographs and with a VCF were requested to participate in this follow-up study. Base line questionnaires about visual analogue scale (VAS) score, type of treatment and use of osteoporosis medication were filled in by 82 patients. Questionnaires were repeated at 6 weeks, and at 3, 6 and 12 months. Significant pain relief was defined as a decrease in VAS score of 50 % or more from baseline.

Results

At baseline, mean VAS score in 82 patients was 6.9 (SD 2.0). Significant pain relief at 12 months was reported by 44 patients (54 %) while in 38 patients (46 %) pain relief was insufficient. No predictors for pain relief could be identified. Patients with insufficient pain relief at 12 months used significantly more analgesics and in these patients physiotherapy did better than other types of therapy.

Conclusion

More than half of conservatively treated patients with back pain and VCF had sufficient pain relief at 12 months with most pain decrease in the first 3 months. However, a substantial proportion of patients still reported disabling pain. There were no predictors for the development of chronic pain. Patients with continuing pain ≥3 months after diagnosis of VCF may be candidates for vertebroplasty.     

Comparison of intra-articular low-dose sufentanil, ropivacaine, and combined sufentanil and ropivacaine on post-operative analgesia of isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of combined local anaesthetic and opioid in post-operative analgesia, the effect of intra-articular injection of local anaesthetic (ropivacaine), opioid (sufentanil) and combination of these two (ropivacaine combined with sufentanil) after the single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were compared.

Methods

In a prospective randomized double-blind design, 80 patients who underwent isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under epidural analgesia were randomly allocated to 4 groups, group A (n = 20) received 30 mL of 0.9 % saline as the control group, group B (n = 20) received 10 mg ropivacaine and 2 μg sufentanil in 30 mL 0.9 % saline, group C (n = 20) received 10 mg ropivacaine in 30 mL 0.9 % saline, group D (n = 20) received 2 μg sufentanil in 30 mL 0.9 % saline at the end of the operation. Pain was assessed by use of a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) which was evaluated at 6 and 24 h post-operation. The pain VAS score in active straight leg raising exercise, sleep quality and the status of the administered supplementary analgesia drugs during the first 24 h were also collected.

Results

Pain scores of each of the three experiment groups were significantly lower than the control group in every aspect. Group B (ropivacaine with sufentanil) had significant lower pain score than group C (ropivacaine) and group D (sufentanil) both at 6 and 24 h after the operation. Patients in group B, C or D showed significant better sleep qualities than group A. Significantly more patients in group A received supplementary analgesia than group B, C or D. In group B, no patient needed to receive intramuscular dolantin as supplementary analgesia.

Conclusions

Intra-articular injection of opioid (sufentanil), local anaesthetic (ropivacaine) or combination of these two kinds of agents could significantly reduce the pain following the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament. The combined intra-articular injection of opioid and local anaesthetic provided better analgesia effect than using sufentanil or ropivacaine alone.

Level of evidence

Randomized controlled trial, Level I.     

MR Arthrography versus conventional MRI in evaluation of labral and chondral lesions in different types of femoroacetabular impingement

Objective

To detect the value of MR Arthrography over MRI in evaluation of labral and chondral lesions in all types of FAI, and to correlate the findings with arthroscopy as a gold standard.

Alcohol percutaneous neurolysis of the sphenopalatine ganglion in the management of refractory cranio-facial pain

Introduction

The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPN) has been proven to be involved in various types of facial pain syndromes. Management of these cranio-facial pain syndromes can be challenging, and existing specific treatments are sometimes inefficient and may fail. The purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate alcohol SPN in the management of cranio-facial pain.

Methods

Forty-two patients suffering from refractory facial pain who underwent 58 consecutive SPN were included in this study between 2000 and 2013. Patients were divided into three groups: group “cluster headache” (CH), group “persistent idiopathic facial pain” (PFIP), and group “Other”. Pain was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale scores (measured immediately before and after procedure and at regular intervals following the procedure). Alcohol SPN was considered to be effective when pain relief was equal to or greater than 50 % and lasting for at least 1 month. All procedures were realized ambulatory under CT guidance and consisted of an injection of 1 ml of absolute alcohol.

Results

Overall efficacy rate of alcohol SPN was 67.2 %, with mean pain relief duration of 10.3 months. Procedure was graded either not painful or tolerable by patients in 64.2 %. Analysis showed a higher efficacy rate in the groups CH (76.5 %) and PFIP (85.7 %) compared to the group Other (40 %). No difference was found between groups regarding the recurrence rate.

Conclusion

Alcohol SPN under CT guidance appears as a safe and effective treatment of refractory facial pain, especially in cases of cluster headache and persistent idiopathic facial pain.     

Ultrasound-guided injection of triamcinolone and bupivacaine in the management of de Quervain′s disease

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the technique and usefulness of ultrasound-guided intrasynovial injection of triamcinolone and bupivacaine in treatment of de Quervain′s disease.

Materials and methods

A total of 17 patients with symptomatic De Quervain′s disease were included in this study. The procedure involved confirmation of diagnosis with ultrasound followed by guided injection of a mixture of 20 mg of triamcinolone (40 mg/ml) and 1 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine. Ultrasound guidance with a high resolution 15-Mhz footprint probe was used for injection into the first dorsal extensor compartment tendon sheath (E1). The response to ultrasound-guided injection was ascertained at the post procedure outpatient clinic appointment according to the follow-up clinic notes.

Results

There were 14 female and 3 male patients aged 29 to 74 years. Mean duration of symptoms was 8.9 months. One patient had an atypical septum in the first extensor compartment and the extensor pollicis brevis alone was involved. The mean post-injection follow-up was at 6.75 weeks. One patient was lost to follow-up. Fifteen out of 16 patients had significant symptomatic relief (93.75%). There were no immediate or delayed complications. Recurrence of symptoms was seen in 3 (20%) patients.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided injection of triamcinolone and bupivacaine is safe and useful in controlling symptoms of De Quervain′s disease. Correct needle placement with ultrasound guidance avoids intratendinous injection as well as local complications like fat atrophy and depigmentation.