Advocating for Transparency and Oversight in Pain Management

Introduction:

• Welcome back to Painexam, where we delve into the latest advancements and challenges in pain management.
• Today's episode highlights a significant advocacy effort made by leading Interventional Pain Physicians and industry experts.

Summary of Lobbying Effort:

• On March 20, 2024, a group of widely known and respected pain physicians and industry leaders, including Drs. Sean Li, Peter Staats, Mehul J. Desai, David Reece, Hemant Kalia, and David Rosenblum, alongside industry figures Mark Stultz, Christopher Conrad, and Cecelia Ruble, visited Capitol Hill to advocate for greater oversight and transparency in independent review organizations.
• Despite their busy schedules, they recognized the critical need to address the 0% turnover rate in appeals for denied treatments, which disproportionately affects patients seeking alternatives to surgery and opioid medication.

Importance of Transparency:

• The issue extends beyond pain management, impacting patients across various medical fields.
• While opioid therapy may seem economically favorable initially, the long-term consequences, including delayed care and medication side effects, often outweigh the costs.
• The group emphasized the importance of an unbiased review for  accessible, cutting-edge treatments to improve patient outcomes and reduce overall healthcare expenses.

Purpose of the Lobbying Effort: Contrary to pushing any specific company agenda, the initiative aims to highlight the challenges patients and physicians encounter in securing optimal treatment outcomes.

 

For Board Prep, Ultrasound Training and more, visit:

Dr. David Rosenblum, a pioneer in interventional pain medicine, particularly in ultrasound-

guided procedures and regenerative pain medicine, underscores the necessity of addressing these issues for the benefit of countless patients suffering from chronic pain.

Conclusion and Actionable Steps:

• To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosenblum, patients can visit www.AABPpain.com or contact the Brooklyn Office at 718-436-7246 or the Garden City Office at 516-482-7246.
• Stay tuned for more updates on advancements and advocacy efforts in pain management.

Outro:

• Thank you for joining us on this episode of Painexam. Be sure to subscribe for future discussions on navigating the complexities of pain management.

Dr. Rosenblum interviews West Viriginia Society of Interventional Pain Physician's President Rudy Malayil, MD and discusses the upcoming WVSIPP meeting in April 2024 as well as Dr. Rosenblum's upcoming ultrasound course. 

Rudy Mathew Malayil, M.D., completed his internship in General Surgery at New York Presbyterian/Cornell Hospital in New York City, followed by residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at New York University Medical School. Dr. Malayil further completed a Pain Medicine Fellowship at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine at the Beth Israel Medical Center Campus in New York City. 

After training he went settled in West Virginia and eventually became the president of West Virginia Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and started private practice Pain Management 360.

https://pain360.org https://www.malayilmd.com   Ultrasound Interventional Pain Course Registration      For Anesthesia Board Prep Click Here!   References https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2023.1293358/full

In this episode, Garden City (long island) based Pain Physician, Dr. David Rosenblum explores Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, Biologics and Ablations for hip pain.

He reviews a case report of a 67-year-old female with a history of a mechanical fall causing injury to her lumbar spine and pelvis resulting in hip and pelvic pain is presented. The patient had hypertrophic non-union of the right iliac wing fracture and displacement of the pubic symphysis and right sacroiliac joint. Medications were not effectively managing her pain, so she sought treatment at a pain management clinic.

The patient underwent diagnostic obturator and femoral articular nerve branch injections, as well as a middle cluneal nerve steroid injection, all guided by fluoroscopy and ultrasound. She experienced improvement in her pain following these procedures. Subsequently, she had a peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) trial and underwent implantation of leads targeting the right middle cluneal nerve and right obturator and femoral articular nerve branches.

The patient reported significant relief in both the posterior and anterior distribution of her pain. Her activities of daily living improved, and she was able to sleep without pain after the PNS implantation. The successful use of combined fluoroscopy and ultrasound in targeting the specific nerves and replicating the patient's pain distribution before permanent PNS implantation is highlighted in this case.

Additionally, the show notes mention an events calendar located at this link: https://www.nrappain.org/pages/ultrasound-course-calendar.

Upcoming Course schedule for NRAP Academy includes the following events:

1. Ultrasound Guided Pain & Regional Anesthesia Course in New York City on February 10, 2024. This course will cover nerve blocks, joint injections, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to scan live models after the didactic session.

2. MSK Pain & Regional Anesthesia Course in Miami, Florida on February 18, 2024. This course will focus on ultrasound-guided nerve blocks and MSK (musculoskeletal) pain management.

3. Ultrasound Guided Pain Course in Key West, Florida on February 23, 2024. This 4 CME (Continuing Medical Education) course will cover ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, MSK, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate) targets, and regional anesthesia.

4. Regional Anesthesia and US Guided Pain Management Course in New York City on March 9, 2024. This course will provide training in ultrasound-guided interventional pain management and regional anesthesia.

5. Ultrasound Guided IPM (Interventional Pain Management) Course in West Virginia on April 14, 2024. This course is part of the Appalachian Regional Spine and Pain Meeting and will be conducted by NRAP Academy. It will focus on interventional pain management using ultrasound guidance.

6. Regenerative Pain Medicine Course in New York City on May 4, 2024. This course will cover PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and other regenerative pain medicine techniques.

In addition to the live training, attendees will receive bonus material including access to the On Demand Ultrasound Guided MSK Interventional Pain Management Course, a course workbook and certificate, post-course guidance and discounts, and the opportunity to join the mailing list for calendar updates.

Please note that these course details are subject to change, so it's recommended to visit the NRAP Academy website for the most up-to-date information.

Reference

Fu E, Elsharkawy H #35977 Peripheral nerve stimulation implant for chronic post-traumatic hip and pelvic pain Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine 2023;48:A193.

Painexam Podcast Show Notes: Journal Club on "Ventricular Infusion and Nanoprobes Identify Cerebrospinal Fluid and Glymphatic Circulation in Human Nerves"

Special Thanks to Robert Stall, MD

Introduction:

• Welcome to another episode of the Painexam Podcast! In today's journal club edition, we delve into a fascinating study by Dr. Joel E. Pessa on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation in human nerves.

Background:

• The study addresses the growing evidence of CSF circulation in human nerves and its implications in various conditions encountered by plastic surgeons.
• Conditions such as nerve transection, stretch injuries, and peripheral neuropathy may be related to dysregulation of the CSF system.

Methods:

• Dr. Pessa and his team developed the ventricular infusion technique using buffered saline in 2017.
• The technique was applied to eight fresh cadavers before dissecting the median nerve.
• Fluorescent imaging and nanoprobe injections were combined with ventricular infusion in selected specimens.

Results:

• The eight cadaver specimens (six female, two male) aged 46–97 underwent successful ventricular infusion.
• Ventricular cannulation was performed successfully using specific coordinates.
• Results suggest that CSF flows in neural sheaths, including pia meninges, epineurial channels, perineurium, and myelin sheaths (neurolemma).

Conclusions:

• Ventricular infusion and nanoprobes effectively identify CSF flow in neural sheaths of human nerves.
• CSF flow in nerves is described as an open circulatory system occurring via channels, intracellular flow, and cell-to-cell transport associated with glial cells.
• Neural sheaths, including neurolemma, may play a role in glucose and solute transport to axons.
• The techniques showcased in this study can be utilized in anatomic dissection and live animal models and have been extended to the central nervous system to identify direct ventricle-to-pia meninges CSF pathways.

Significance:

• This study opens new avenues for understanding the intricate mechanisms of CSF circulation in neural tissues.
• Plastic surgeons and researchers can benefit from these techniques in studying and addressing conditions related to CSF dysregulation in nerves.
• The findings have implications not only for nerve-related conditions but also for broader applications in the central nervous system.

Closing:

• Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through Dr. Joel E. Pessa's study. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions on pain management and neurology in future Painexam Podcast episodes!

Reference

Pessa JE. Ventricular Infusion and Nanoprobes Identify Cerebrospinal Fluid and Glymphatic Circulation in Human Nerves. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022 Feb 17;10(2):e4126. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000004126. PMID: 35198353; PMCID: PMC8856590.

 

Exploring the Role of Ultrasound in Headache Evaluation and Treatment

A Journal Club based on Dr. Andrea Trescott's article: 

 Ultrasound for evaluation and treatment of headaches. Anaesth Pain & Intensive Care 2017;21(2):241-253.

Click Here to Claim CME for reflecting on content presented in this journal club.

David Rosenblum, MD

Accepting New Patients

Patients Interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. David Rosenblum can call 

516 482 7246 (Garden City) or 718 436 7246 (Brooklyn)

In this Podcast, Dr. Rosenblum discusses patient's in his practice who responsed to ultrasound guided nerve blocks in the treatment of headaches.  He discusses the use of ultrasound injections as opposed to medication to manage the pain and references Dr. Trescott's comprehensive article on the various nerves and clinical presentations of headaches related to terminal nerve entrapment or irritation. 

Dr. Rosenblum discusses

• Supraorbital Neuralgia
• Auriculotemproal Nerve
• Anatomy
• Clinical presentation
• Interventional Pain Therapies

Summary of Dr. Trescott's Article and Key Points:

• Headaches, affecting 28 million people in the US, pose a significant burden on society in terms of medical costs and lost labor. They are complex neurologic disorders with diverse origins and causes.
• Headaches are often viewed as the primary pathology, but they are fundamentally a symptom. Understanding them is an evolving science, and their patterns can be recognized for effective diagnosis and treatment.
• In 2003, Pareja et al proposed the term "epicrania" for headaches triggered by extracranial causes, suggesting a link between intracranial components and extracranial nerves.

Peripheral Triggers and Plastic Surgery:

• Plastic surgeons noted relief of migraines through corrugator muscle resection and botulinum toxin injection, indicating peripheral headache triggers.
• Severe migraines post-head or neck injury may have an extracranial origin, suggesting peripheral nerve irritation. Traditional migraine medications may offer modest relief.
• Primary treatment involves inhibiting nerve irritation through interventional pain techniques, turning off the pain origin and associated migraine centers.

Ultrasound Advantages:

• Evaluation and injection of nerves have traditionally used landmarks and fluoroscopic images, but ultrasound offers unique advantages.
• Nerves often travel with arteries, potentially contributing to "throbbing" pain. Ultrasound provides a more precise and dynamic visualization of these structures.

Exploring Extracranial Causes:

• The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) categorizes headaches as primary or secondary. While valuable, it broadly defines peripheral nerve contributions as "Other Terminal Branch Neuralgias."
• The study of extracranial peripheral nerve entrapments and dysfunction reveals overlap between ICHD-defined headaches and potential nerve entrapments causing these pain patterns.
• Collaboration with disciplines like pain management enriches the understanding and treatment options for headaches.

Conclusion:

• Headaches, often seen as isolated intracranial phenomena, may have extracranial triggers. Understanding and treating these triggers, especially through ultrasound-guided techniques, present a promising avenue in headache management.

NRAP Academy also offers:

• Board Review
• Anesthesiology
• Pain Management
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Regenerative Medicine Training 
• Live Workshops
• Online Training
• The Virtual Pain Fellowship (online training program with discount to live workshops)

 

Private Ultrasound Training Available

Email [email protected]

Reference:

• Trescot A. Ultrasound for evaluation and treatment of headaches. Anaesth Pain & Intensive Care 2017;21(2):241-253.

Publication Details:

• Received: 15 Aug 2015, Reviewed: 2 Jun 2016, Accepted: 28 Jun 2016.

This podcast explores the dynamic relationship between intracranial and extracranial factors in headaches, shedding light on potential breakthroughs in their evaluation and treatment.

  #interventionalpain #painboards #painfellowship #painexam  #regionalanesthesia #ultrasoundguidedpain #ultrasoundpain #ultrasoundmsk   #paincme #paincmecourse

Phenol in the treatment of Hip Pain   Bonus CME Available ($15 Processing Fee) The CE experience for this Podcast is powered by CMEfy - click here to reflect and earn credits: https://earnc.me/wo9gDI   Dr. Rosenblum discusses the use of phenol injected into the pericapsular nerve group, hip joint and outcome a isolated case reports.  Also discussed, phenol, its mechanism of action and a refractory case of neuralgia paresthetica.  Pain from hip cancer, pain from DVT and IPACK or articular branch of the tibial nerve block discussed for knee pain.    Dr. Rosenblum discusses his ultrasound training programs, the migration of the PainExam platform to the new NRAPpain.org website and offers a testimonial from a previous ultrasound course from the student who inspired this podcast.   Patients interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Rosenblum can call 516 482 7246 or 718 436 7246 For our Live Course Calendar, Click here     Board Prep for PM&R, Pain and Anesthesiology Boards  

References

Monagle, John; Ee, Joanne1. Treatment of chronic hip osteoarthritic pain with intra-articular phenol. Indian Journal of Pain 27(1):p 41-43, Jan–Apr 2013. | DOI: 10.4103/0970-5333.114866  Marcio V. Pimenta, Amanda T. Nakamura, Hazem A. Ashmawi, Joaquim E. Vieira, Hermann dos Santos Fernandes, Ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group and obturator nerve phenol neurolysis for refractory inpatient hip cancer metastasis pain: a case report, Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology (English Edition), 2021, Rocha Romero, A., Carvajal Valdy, G. & Lemus, A.J. Ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) hip joint phenol neurolysis for palliative pain. Can J Anesth/J Can Anesth 66, 1270–1271 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-019-01448-y

PainExam Podcast Show Notes: Exploring Traumeel as an Alternative for Back Pain Relief

 Claim CME The CE experience for this Podcast is powered by CMEfy - click here to reflect and earn credits: https://earnc.me/HoEWFd  

Board Prep and Continuing Education 

 

Introduction:

• Today, Long Island Based Pain Physician David Rosenblum, MD  delves into the latest advancements and alternative treatments for pain management.
• In today's episode, we shine a spotlight on Traumeel®, a homeopathic alternative gaining traction for its anti-inflammatory properties, with fewer reported side effects compared to corticosteroids.

Understanding Traumeel:

• Traumeel, a fixed combination of diluted plant and mineral extracts, has been available over-the-counter in Europe for over 60 years.
• Contrary to corticosteroids, Traumeel's popularity has surged due to its limited side effect profile, with reported contraindications primarily linked to allergies [9].

View Full Calendar

Scientific Insights:

• A study by Lussignoli et al. demonstrated Traumeel's efficacy in decreasing systemic interleukin-6 production and reducing edema, countering an unregulated inflammatory response [10].
• In vitro studies revealed Traumeel's inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNFα, IL-8) in immune cells, suggesting its potential in stabilizing the immune system [8].
• Notably, Traumeel's effectiveness seems to surpass the sum of its individual components, indicating a synergistic interaction [9-10].

Clinical Applications:

• Traumeel has shown efficacy comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in treating various inflammatory conditions.
• It is available in oral, topical, and injectable preparations, making it a versatile option for pain relief [8-9].

Research Gaps and Potential:

• Despite its established use, current research lacks information on Traumeel's efficacy in epidural injections for short-term back pain relief.
• No studies have compared Traumeel to corticosteroid injections, although the TRARO study protocol proposes a potential avenue for comparison in rotator cuff syndrome patients [11].

Pain Management Board Prep

Clinical Cases:

• Five patients seeking back pain relief opted for Traumeel injections due to either a contraindication to or a preference against steroids.
• This real-world scenario lays the groundwork for further exploration into Traumeel's efficacy in epidural injections, providing additional pain-relieving options for patients unable to tolerate corticosteroid injections.

Conclusion:

• Traumeel presents a promising alternative for pain management, particularly in cases where corticosteroids may be unsuitable, however the FDA has yet to approve it and therefore it has failed to gain traction in the US. [14]
• As we wrap up, stay tuned for future developments in the research landscape surrounding Traumeel and its potential role in enhancing pain relief options.

Disclaimer:

• Consult with a healthcare professional before considering any alternative treatments. The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

 

David Rosenblum, MD President, NRAP Academy Clinical Assistant Professor  Department of Anesthesiology SUNY Downstate Medical Center  Director of Pain Management Maimonides Medical Center

  References  1. Cassidy JD, Carroll LJ, Côté P: The Saskatchewan health and back pain survey. The prevalence of low back pain and related disability in Saskatchewan adults. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1998, 23:1860-66. 10.1097/00007632-199809010-00012  2. Rudy TE, Weiner DK, Lieber SJ, Slaboda J, Boston JR: The impact of chronic low back pain on older adults: a comparative study of patients and controls. Pain. 2007, 131:293-301. 10.1016/j.pain.2007.01.012  3. Fyneface-Ogan S: Anatomy and Clinical Importance of the Epidural Space. Epidural Analgesia - Current Views and Approaches. IntechOpen. IntechOpen (ed): IntechOpen, Internet; 2012. 1-14. 10.5772/39091  4. Waldman SD: Complications of cervical epidural nerve blocks with steroids: a prospective study of 790 consecutive blocks. Reg Anesth. 1989, 14:149-51.  5. McGrath JM, Schaefer MP, Malkamaki DM: Incidence and characteristics of complications from epidural steroid injections. Pain Med. 2011, 12:726-31. 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2011.01077.x  6. Watters WC 3rd, Resnick DK, Eck JC, et al.: Guideline update for the performance of fusion procedures for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Part 13: injection therapies, low-back pain, and lumbar fusion. J Neurosurg Spine. 2014, 21:79-90. 10.3171/2014.4.SPINE14281  7. Understanding Potential Complications Of Epidural Steroid Injections . (2011). Accessed: October 1, 2019: https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/interventional/injections/understanding-potentialcomplications-ep….  8. Schneider C: Traumeel - an emerging option to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the management of acute musculoskeletal injuries. Int J Gen Med. 2011, 4:225-34. 10.2147/IJGM.S16709 9. Grech D, Velagala J, Dembek DJ, Tabaac B: Critical literature review of the homeopathic compound Traumeel for treatment of inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy. 2018, 9:67-83. 10. Lussignoli S, Bertani S, Metelmann H, Bellavite P, Conforti A: Effect of Traumeel S®, a homeopathic formulation, on blood-induced inflammation in rats. Complement Ther Med. 1999, 7:225-30.  10.1016/S0965-2299(99)80006-5  11. Vanden Bossche L, Vanderstraeten G: A multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial protocol to assess Traumeel injection vs dexamethasone injection in rotator cuff syndrome: the TRAumeel in ROtator cuff syndrome (TRARO) study protocol. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2015, 16:8. 10.1186/s12891- 015-0471-z  12. Birnesser H, Oberbaum M, Klein P, Weiser M: The homeopathic preparation Traumeel® S compared with NSAIDS for symptomatic treatment of epicondylitis  13. Ehlert, Dianna, and Ariel Majjhoo. "Traumeel® Epidural Injection: A Viable Alternative to Corticosteroids-A Five-Patient Case Study." Cureus 11.11 (2019) 14. https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/medinatura-inc-596269-06112020

Dr. Rosenblum reviews the anatomy of the ilioinguinal nerve and entrapment syndromes related to the nerve and its relationship to the iliohypogastric nerve. He describes cases in which patients have a tender spot (tinel’s) over the lateral iliac crest. Live Regenerative Medicine and Ultrasound Workshops

For  up to date Calendar, Click Here!

#painboards #painfellowship #abpm #aspn #abipp #Asipp

#nans #painexam #painexampodcast #regionalanesthesia #regemed #regenerativepainmedicine #jointinjections #prppain #bmac #painqbank #uspaininjections #Usjointinjections #interventionalpain

 

References

https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/review_article/pdf/94743/20220610-32009-17da8fm.pdf https://www.bizwan.com/en/index.php?view=article&id=82:proximal-entrapments-of-the-lower-extremity&catid=86&start=1

Hydroxyapatite Deposition Disease   Dr. Rosenblum discusses shoulder pain, and the pathophysiology of Hydroxyapatite Deposition Disease. He discusses personal experience with infraspinatous tendon tear, and treatments such as NSAIDs, Lidocaine patch and steroid injections of the infraspinatous tendon.  Dr. Rosenblum discusses his experience with a failed suprascapular nerve block as well as evidence to support PRP injections and ethical safe care.   Dr. Rosenbum also is the NRAP Academy Course director for Ultrasound, Regenerative Pain Medicine and Regional Anesthesia CME Workshops and developed online PainExam, AnesthesiaExam and PMRExam Board Reviews   Pain Management Board Review  Upcoming Workshops and Events   NYC Regional Anesthesia and  Pain  Ultrasound CME  Workshop Saturday, December 16, 2023 7:30 AM   NYC Regional Anesthesia and  Pain  Ultrasound CME  Workshop Saturday, January 6, 2024 7:30 AM

 

For  up to date Calendar, Click Here!  

References

 

1. Valerio Sansone, Emanuele Maiorano, Alessandro Galluzzo & Valerio Pascale (2018) Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder: clinical perspectives into the mechanisms, pathogenesis, and treatment, Orthopedic Research and Reviews, 10:, 63-72, DOI: 10.2147/ORR.S138225   Seijas R, Ares O, Alvarez P, Cusco X, Garcia-Balletbo M, Cugat R. Platelet-Rich Plasma for Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: A Case Report. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery. 2012;20(1):126-130. doi:10.1177/230949901202000128   Hegazi T. Hydroxyapatite Deposition Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis, Radiological Findings, and Treatment Strategies. Diagnostics (Basel). 2023 Aug 15;13(16):2678. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics13162678. PMID: 37627938; PMCID: PMC10453434.

 

Dr. Rosenblum reviews an ASRA Newsletter article discussing the technique, relevant anatomy and more for performing Shoulder Articular Branch Radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain. 

David Rosenblum, MD practices Interventional Pain Medicine in New York.

To schedule a conusultation call 718 436 7246 for Brooklyn and 516 482 7246 for Garden City locations or go to www.AABPpain.com

The CE experience for this Podcast is powered by CMEfy - click here to reflect and earn credits: https://earnc.me/PFcXGy

Upcoming Workshops and Events

 

NYC Regional Anesthesia and  Pain  Ultrasound CME  Workshop

Saturday, October 28, 2023 8:00 AM

 

NRAP Academy:  Regenerative Pain Medicine Course NYC

Saturday, November 11, 2023 8:00 AM

 

NYC Regional Anesthesia and  Pain  Ultrasound CME  Workshop

Saturday, December 16, 2023 7:30 AM

 

NYC Regional Anesthesia and  Pain  Ultrasound CME  Workshop

Saturday, January 6, 2024 7:30 AM

  

For  up to date Calendar, Click Here!

 

Reference

https://www.asra.com/news-publications/asra-newsletter/newsletter-item/asra-news/2020/11/01/how-i-do-it-shoulder-articular-nerve-blockade-and-radiofrequency-ablation