Patient Experience and Perspective on Medical Cannabis as an Alternative for Musculoskeletal Pain Management.

INTRODUCTION: The current rate of opioid prescription is disquieting because of their high abuse potential, adverse effects, and thousands of overdose deaths. This situation imposes urgency in seeking alternatives for adequate pain management. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the experience and the perceived analgesic efficacy of medical cannabis in managing the pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions. METHODS: A 28-question survey was distributed to patients at a major medical cannabis center in Puerto Rico for 2 months. Demographics, medical history, cannabis usage, cannabis use perspective, and analgesic efficacy were assessed in the questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-four patients completed our survey. The majority (67%) were males, and the participants' average age was 38 years. This study showed an average pain reduction score of 4.02 points on the Numeric Rating Scale among all the participants. Those with musculoskeletal conditions reported a notable average pain reduction score of 4.47 points. In addition, 89% of the participants considered medical cannabis to be more effective than narcotics for adequate pain management. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the use of medical cannabis among patients with musculoskeletal conditions effectively reduced pain levels based on their Numeric Rating Scale reported scores.

Adverse Soft-Tissue Reaction After Ceramic-On-Ceramic Bearing Fracture Mimicking a Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

Prosthetic failure secondary to bearing fracture remains a potential complication in ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty. We report the unusual presentation of a ceramic component fracture of a total hip arthroplasty performed 17 years ago that mimicked a periprosthetic joint infection. This case was managed based on the current guidelines and algorithms recommended for periprosthetic joint infection management. Histologic examination of periprosthetic tissue revealed an adverse inflammatory soft-tissue reaction to the ceramic fragments released from the fracture site. Our case highlights a misleading, inflammatory acute response usually associated with an infectious process corresponding to an adverse soft-tissue reaction. High clinical suspicion and a systematic approach are essential to address these deceiving clinical scenarios.

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the great saphenous vein: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Vascular smooth muscle sarcomas are rare neoplasms that comprise less than 2% of all leiomyosarcomas. These malignancies usually originate in the inferior vena cava, with a limited number of cases affecting the great saphenous vein. Due to the limited reports on these sarcomas, epidemiologic data remains insufficient. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 67-year-old Hispanic female that presented with an asymptomatic growing mass in her right thigh. She was managed with an En bloc resection under the impression of a smooth muscle vascular sarcoma. The diagnosis was confirmed after histopathologic evaluation. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Vascular leiomyosarcomas remain a rare and challenging diagnosis. They usually present as a slowly growing mass that is initially asymptomatic. High clinical suspicion and a comprehensive radiologic evaluation, including magnetic resonance imaging, are crucial. Histopathological evaluation is essential for diagnostic confirmation. Surgical excision remains the treatment of choice, with radiation therapy mostly considered for local disease control. Postsurgical surveillance is necessary every three months to monitor for signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Physicians should remain aware of the nonspecific presentation of leiomyosarcomas and the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach. Early diagnosis and adequate management are fundamental elements in the treatment of these aggressive tumors.