Now that Kyphoplasty has become widespread, these techniques might be outdated. However, there are cases where you cannot do kyphoplasty, and these techniques would apply – they involve caudal or epidural catheter blocks, intercostal nerve blocks, trigger injections, and near infrared radiation with a 9 cm penetration.
Presentation Number: PW 356
TREATMENT OF BACK PAIN DUE TO COMPRESSION FRACTURE OF THE SPINE ASSOCIATED WITH OSTEOPOROSIS
N. Sugai, M. Takahashi, E. Takita, Y. Takahama, Dept. of Anesthesiology and Pain Relief Ctr., Chigasaki Tokushukai MMed. Ctr., Chigasaki, Japan
- 39 cases average age 81.8
- oral acetaminophen, diclofenac suppositories, Actonel oral
- No info on how many blocks were given or how long epidural catheter used.
- Seemed impressed with effect of big expensive looking infrared machine with the 9 cm penetration.
- were able to get patients up after 5 days and discharged by 31 days.
Comment – I would go first for kyphoplasty:
see: Post Vertebral Fracture Pain – Balloon Kyphoplasty Resources – Miraculous Results
and IV pamidronate: see – Is Crushed Vertebrae a RSD? – New RX
The infrared – well, it is helpful in limb Complex Regional Pain for altering sympathetic responses. A laser can be used, but I have got results with a cheap multi-led infrared spot light:
I wonder whether a cheap infrared illuminator could be used instead – I have discussed that here:
Cheap Infrared Treatment of Chronic Regional Pain