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BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis, yet some patients still experience postoperative pain. Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (GNRFA) has become a potential modality to address pain in TKA. This systematic review aims to critically analyze the applicability of GNRFA in perioperative pain control prior to TKA, as well as a treatment modality for chronic painful well-appearing TKA. METHODS: PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and COCHRANE databases, as well as the ClinicalTrials.gov register, were reviewed. The search included randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. The sample population focused on two cohorts; those who underwent TKA and utilized intentional GNRFA as a perioperative pain control modality, and those utilizing the treatment modality for chronic pain in well-appearing TKA. GNRFA was the intervention studied, and postoperative outcomes were compared with the control group, which consisted of those not receiving GNRFA. RESULT: Eight total publications were identified as relevant to this search. Among the pre-TKA studies, there was variability in results; these inconsistencies were attributed to a lack of standardization, especially with regard to type, timing, and targeted nerves with ablation. Likewise, while the results were improved among the population with chronic painful TKA receiving GNRFA, these inconsistencies still existed. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests GNRFA as a possible pre-TKA intervention to potentially minimize opioid consumption, patient-reported pain, length of stay, and increased range of motion and activity. However, the short-lived duration in the setting of chronically painful well-appearing TKA represents a major barrier that warrants further investigation. Limitations include small sample size, heterogeneity, lack of standardization of techniques among studies, and lack of direct comparison and meta-analysis. Further research should focus on the standardization of technique as well as analyzing various patient and health-system-related factors that correlate with sustained positive outcomes.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Severe scoliosis can affect thoracic organs, potentially leading to cardiovascular abnormalities. Thus, echocardiograms have been suggested for use in preoperative screening in patients with significant scoliosis. However, the utility of preoperative heart screenings in patients without known or suspected heart problems is not well understood. This study aims to find the incidence of cardiac findings in patients with severe scoliosis ≥90° without cardiac history. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective chart review was performed. Inclusion criteria were scoliosis patients with curves ≥90 degrees and a screening echocardiogram performed within 6 months of spine surgery. Patients with a previous cardiac history, diagnosis associated with cardiac comorbidities (eg, connective tissue disease), or major coronal curves <90 degrees were excluded. Echocardiogram reports and perioperative clinical notes from involved services (including orthopaedics, cardiology, and anesthesia) were reviewed. Any postoperative use of vasopressors and reasons for their use were recorded. RESULTS: Overall, 50 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery was 14.0 ± 4.9 years old (range: 2 to 33). The mean major curve was 108 ± 19 degrees (range: 90 to 160 degrees). A normal echocardiogram was seen in 38 (76%), whereas 6 patients (12%) had mild dilation of the aortic sinus or root, 4 (8%) had mild valvular regurgitation, 1 patient had a small atrial septal defect, and 1 had a trace pericardial effusion. No patient had any changes made to their perioperative plan and one patient was advised to see a cardiologist postoperatively. Postoperatively, 8 patients (16%) received vasopressors to raise blood pressure to meet preset goal MAP, but only one of these 8 had a positive echocardiogram (mild valvular insufficiency), which was not seen as a contributing factor to the use of pressors. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that screening echocardiograms for patients without a cardiac history or related symptoms does not contribute to the evaluation of perioperative risk or anesthetic management. Creating clear, evidence-based guidelines for the utilization of perioperative testing, like echocardiograms, can reduce the social, time, and financial burdens on families. Such guidelines are vital for appropriate risk assessment and proper utilization of health care resources. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.
