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PubMed2026

Surgical treatment of schwannomas around the tarsal tunnel: a case series of 40 patients and systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Schwannomas in the tibial, plantar, or medial calcaneal nerves around the ankle can mimic symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Outcomes after resection of schwannomas from these nerves have mainly been reported in case reports. The objectives of this study were to investigate the presentation and results for resection of schwannomas around the tarsal tunnel in a large case series and systematically review the currently available literature. METHODS: Data from 40 patients (27 sporadic and 13 schwannomatosis cases) treated at 2 centers were retrospectively analyzed for preoperative type and duration of symptoms, schwannoma size at presentation, and outcome after resection. The following different locations around the ankle were compared: proximal to the tarsal tunnel (PTT), at the tarsal tunnel (ATT), and distal to the tarsal tunnel (DTT). The severity of symptoms was categorized in increasing order for pain only on touch, during load-bearing activities, and symptoms also at rest. Surgical outcome was assessed based on pain relief and occurrence of complications. The systematic literature review was performed using a PubMed and Embase search. RESULTS: All but 1 patient presented with pain, local at the ankle, or neuropathic pain during weight-bearing activities (13/40, 32.5%). More than half of the patients also experienced symptoms at rest (52.5%). In 14 cases, the schwannoma was located PTT, in 17 cases ATT, and in 9 cases DTT in the plantar nerves. There were no significant differences in size and symptom duration at presentation for the different locations. Tumor size did not correlate with symptom severity. Outcomes after resection were excellent, with complete pain relief in all but 1 patient (97.0%). Complications included wound infection (5%) and temporary decreased sensation on the heel (7.5%). A review of 44 previously reported cases also frequently showed complete pain relief after resection. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that schwannomas around the tarsal tunnel often present with severe pain symptoms, even if the lesion is still relatively small. Resection frequently results in excellent pain relief. During surgery, it may not be necessary to open the entire length of the tarsal tunnel, thereby limiting the size of the incision, especially in schwannomas located proximally or distally to the tarsal tunnel.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The incidence and descriptive factors of calcaneal malunion after surgical fixation of intra-articular calcaneal fractures using the sinus tarsi approach: A retrospective cohort study with binary logistic regression analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the incidence of calcaneal malunion after minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach (MIS-STA) in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (I-ACFs) and identified related descriptive factors of calcaneal malunion. METHODS: A retrospective review of 99 displaced I-ACFs treated with MIS-STA was conducted. Demographic data, pre-operative radiographs, and operative details were analyzed. Outcomes included numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores at rest and during activities of daily living (ADL), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) for ADL and radiographic parameters. Logistic regression was used to identify descriptive factors associated with malunion. RESULTS: Malunion occurred in 33/99 cases (33.3%). The significant descriptive factors were the initial Böhler angle < 0.5 °, time to surgery > 12.5 days, and Sanders type ≥ III. Malunion patients had significantly worse NRS and FAAM scores (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Calcaneal malunion after MIS-STA occurred in one-third of cases, with three descriptive factors identified and poorer outcomes observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Comparative retrospective study with binary logistic regression analysis.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Orthoplastic management of open calcaneal fractures: A systematic review of flap selection and complications.

BACKGROUND: Open calcaneal fractures are rare, high-energy injuries involving extensive soft-tissue loss and comminuted bone disruption. Successful management depends on coordinated orthoplastic reconstruction to achieve stable fixation and durable coverage. Multiple flap types have been described, yet comparative outcomes remain poorly defined. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420251138394). MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus were searched from January 2000 to July 2025. Studies reporting flap-based reconstruction for open calcaneal fractures in adults were included. Extracted data included flap type, fixation method, follow-up duration, and complications such as infection, necrosis, vascular crises, flap loss, and amputation. RESULTS: Thirteen studies comprising 88 major flap reconstructions were analysed. Overall flap survival was 97.7%, with two failures (both muscle/myocutaneous). Fasciocutaneous flaps showed the lowest complication rates (8.3%) with no reported cases of infection, while muscle/myocutaneous flaps demonstrated cases of infection (20%) and accounted for both flap failures and the only reported amputation. Chimeric flaps were increasingly used in recent series (n = 32), achieving reliable survival but higher vascular compromise (6.3%). Osteocutaneous flaps were rare (n = 4) and primarily used for defects with bone loss, showing infection in 50% of cases. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity and small sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS: Fasciocutaneous flaps provide reliable, low-complication coverage for clean wounds, while muscle flaps remain valuable for contamination or complex cases with extensive tissue loss. Chimeric, and osteocutaneous flaps show promise, but larger, standardised studies are needed to clarify their roles in hindfoot reconstruction.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Individual differences in brain dynamics across a social cognition network induced by cortico-cerebellar tDCS in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with core diagnostic domains of social communication impairments, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Idiosyncratic brain organization is a potential hallmark of ASD. Previous transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) studies often targeted dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, with changes oin brain dynamics averaged across the cohort. We utilized a magnetoencephalographic (MEG) array to characterize individual differences in brain dynamics induced by cortico-cerebellar tDCS across nodes of a social cognition network. A randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, within-subject clinical trial was conducted in a cohort of 24 young adults with ASD or high autistic traits. Two separate sessions of computerized social learning activities were combined with verum/sham tDCS, with anodal electrode over right temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and cathode on right deltoid. Following stimulation, theta- and alpha-band activity were evaluated within nodes of a social cognition network: bilateral TPJ, fusiform, medial prefrontal cortex and Crus I/II of cerebellum. Idiosyncratic participant-specific up- and down-regulation of theta- and alpha-band activity occurred across the network. Activity in right Crus I/II, a region inundated by the stimulation current, strongly correlated with the change of activity summed across all cerebral cortical nodes in theta- but not alpha-band. Intrinsic theta-band activity is believed to mediate input/output relationships in cerebellar cortex and to drive synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that theta-band stimulation of cerebellar cortex might be an effective therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum who present with cerebellar hyperactivity.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Targeting cortico-striatal-amygdalar networks via theta-band frontoparietal synchronization in opioid use disorder: a randomized tACS-fMRI Trial.

Theta-band oscillation is integral to fronto-parietal connectivity in the executive control network and its top-down regulation on subcortical areas. External frontoparietal synchronization using theta-frequency transcranial alternating current (tACS) is a technology to potentially engage this network. In this pre-registered, triple-blind, sham-controlled trial (NCT03907644), we tested this intervention targeting the right frontoparietal network in people with opioid use disorder (OUD) to measure network engagement and behavioral outcomes. Sixty male participants with OUD were randomized to receive 20 min of active or sham 6 Hz tACS (HD electrodes over F4 and P4). Structural, resting-state, task-based fMRI drug cue reactivity, and repeated cue-induced craving assessments were collected immediately before and after stimulation. Pre-registered outcome measures were analyzed using time × group interaction models to examine (1) modulation of drug cue-related brain activity, (2) changes in craving, (3) alterations in functional connectivity, and (4) relationship between electric field, neural responses, and craving behavior. (1) A significant Time × Group interaction revealed decreased post-stimulation opioid cue-related activity in the active group relative to sham, involving key nodes in reward processing (ventral striatum, amygdala and ventral tegmental area) (FWE corrected α = 0.05) (2) subjective craving did not differ significantly between groups (3) Group by time generalized psychophysiological interaction analyses showed increased right frontoparietal network engagement (β = 2.63, p= 0.0308) following stimulation, and increased top-down inhibitory regulation of frontoparietal network on right ventral striatum (β = 1.99, p= 0.037) and left medial amygdala (β = 1.97, p= 0.039) (4) Electric field strength in the right frontal/parietal node predicted frontoparietal network engagement in the active group (r = 0.43, p= 0.02). Together, these findings demonstrate that theta-band frontoparietal tACS can modulate activity and task-dependent coupling within cortical-subcortical circuits in OUD, supporting network-targeted neuromodulation as a potential intervention for addiction.

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PubMed2026

All-inside repair is an effective treatment for medial meniscus posterior root tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis of biomechanical and clinical evidence.

BACKGROUND: Medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) reproduce the biomechanics of subtotal meniscectomy. Repair is favored, but the role of all-inside repair (AR) remains unclear relative to transtibial pull-out (TP). This study aimed to review the biomechanical and clinical evidence on AR for MMPRTs. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched. Outcomes included patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biomechanical performance. When available, random-effects meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included. AR restored contact mechanics and showed load to failure comparable to TP, with lower stiffness. Meta-analysis showed lower conversion to total knee arthroplasty with AR versus non-repair (RR 0.18, 95% CI 0.05-0.58), and no significant PROM differences between AR and TP. CONCLUSIONS: AR showed favorable biomechanical properties and improved outcomes versus non-repair. Compared with TP, no significant clinical differences were observed. AR may represent a reasonable option in selected scenarios.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Fyn signaling in the medial prefrontal cortex regulates resistance to stress-induced object recognition impairments in male rats.

Genome-wide association studies on patients with depression have identified FYN and FYB, an FYN-binding protein, as being linked to depression. We have reported that experimental manipulations in gene expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) alter stress-induced object recognition impairments in animals. Therefore, we examined the impact of alterations in FYN and FYB expression in the mPFC of adult male rats on resistance to stress-induced impairments in object recognition. Animals with virus-mediated knockdown or overexpression of Fyn in the mPFC were subjected to either a brief 20-min restraint with 20 intermittent tail shocks, which does not induce object recognition impairment, or a prolonged 60-min restraint with 60 intermittent tail shocks, which does. In an object recognition task, control rats maintained intact object recognition following a brief stress, whereas rats with Fyn knockdown or overexpression in the mPFC showed impaired object recognition. Prolonged stress impaired object recognition in both control rats and rats with Fyn knockdown or overexpression. Additionally, rats with Fyn knockdown in the mPFC exhibited fewer c-Fos-positive cells in the mPFC in response to brief stress, accompanied by a trend toward increased c-Fos in the amygdala compared with control rats. Fyn knockdown also reduced Fyb expression in the mPFC. Furthermore, Fyb knockdown in the mPFC impaired object recognition following brief stress, suggesting that the observed effects are consistent with involvement of a coupled Fyn-Fyb signaling axis rather than Fyn alone. These findings suggest that altered Fyn-related signaling in the mPFC may underlie the resistance to stress-induced object recognition impairments.

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PubMed2026

Evidence-based insights into medial pedicle reduction mammaplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast reduction relieves the physical and psychosocial burden of macromastia. Medial pedicle reduction mammaplasty may enhance vascular reliability, preserve nipple-areola complex (NAC) sensation, and sustain upper pole fullness, even in large-volume reductions. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of medial pedicle breast reduction. METHODS: A search across ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and PubMed was conducted. Included studies reported on perioperative outcomes and complications of medial pedicle breast reduction. Data on demographics, surgical variables, complications, sensory recovery, volumetric changes, and patient satisfaction were extracted. Proportion meta-analysis was performed, and odds ratios were calculated for comparison with inferior pedicle breast reduction. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies comprising 1033 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean BMI ranged from 27 to 42 kg/m2, with mean resection weights between 412 and 3828 g. Mean surgical times ranged from 104 to 204 min. Pooled complication rates were low: infection 1%, seroma 1%, hematoma 1%, fat necrosis 2%, NAC necrosis 1%, dehiscence 8%, and reintervention 5%. Odds of complications did not differ significantly from inferior pedicle reductions. NAC sensation typically recovered by 6-12 months, with no long-term deficits. Volumetric analyses demonstrated stable breast shape after the first postoperative year, with superior upper pole tissue maintained. Patient satisfaction ranged 75-100%, with higher ratings for scar appearance and overall aesthetics in medial pedicle reductions. CONCLUSION: Medial pedicle breast reduction is a well-established and reproducible technique, preserving NAC sensation, achieving stable long-term shape, and enhancing upper pole fullness. It offers satisfactory aesthetic outcomes compared to other traditional methods, even in large-volume reductions.

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PubMed2026

Nerve injury in revision total elbow arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is technically demanding and carries a substantial risk of postoperative neurological complications because of scarring, altered anatomy, implant removal, and repeated humeral and ulnar exposure. The incidence, nerve distribution, and recovery profile of nerve injury after revision TEA remain incompletely defined. This study aimed to systematically review the literature to define the incidence, recovery profile, and risk factors for nerve injury after revision TEA. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance. Thirteen retrospective case series were included, comprising 282 revision TEAs in 271 patients. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was undertaken where the data permitted. The primary outcome was postoperative nerve injury following revision TEA. Secondary outcomes included nerve type, recovery, secondary nerve-related procedures, infection, triceps insufficiency, metallosis, periprosthetic fracture, and re-revision. RESULTS: The pooled incidence of postoperative nerve injury was 22.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.3 to 29.6; I2 = 34.6%). The crude incidence was 60 of 282 revisions (21.3%, 95% CI 16.6 to 26.5). The ulnar nerve was involved in 66.7% of all nerve injuries, the radial nerve in 31.7%, and the median nerve in 1.7%. No significant difference in pooled nerve-injury incidence was identified between studies published before 2010 and those published from 2010 onwards (22.9% vs. 21.4%, P = .837). Recovery reporting was heterogeneous; among injuries with numerically extractable outcomes, 85.4% improved partially or completely (95% CI 72.2 to 93.9). Secondary nerve-related procedures were reported in 7 studies. Pooled complication estimates were 10.2% for infection, 13.6% for triceps insufficiency, 25.5% for metallosis, 15.9% for periprosthetic fracture, and 14.0% for re-revision. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative nerve injury is a common and clinically important complication of revision TEA, affecting approximately 1 in 5 cases. The ulnar nerve is most frequently involved, although radial nerve injury accounts for a substantial proportion of cases. Many neuropathies improve during follow-up, but persistent deficits and the need for secondary nerve-related procedures are not uncommon. Future studies should adopt standardized neurological definitions and reporting to improve comparability and guide preventive surgical strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation influences sleep quality and insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Impairments in sleep quality, timing, or duration disrupt normal sleep patterns. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) protocols on sleep outcomes. Thirteen randomized controlled trials with parallel or crossover designs that applied tVNS intervention and assessed sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and insomnia severity (Athens Insomnia Scale and Insomnia Severity Index) were included. Effect sizes were calculated by comparing changes between the active tVNS and control groups. Moderator analyses examined whether stimulation of different targeted regions influences sleep outcomes. Meta-regression analyses examined potential relationships between the effects of tVNS protocols on sleep quality and demographic characteristics and multiple tVNS parameters, respectively. The random-effects meta-analysis indicated that tVNS protocols influenced better sleep quality and lower insomnia severity. Moderator variable analysis revealed that tVNS targeting the concha region induced better sleep quality. Meta-regression analysis revealed that better sleep quality was associated with lower ages of participants. These findings suggest that tVNS protocols, particularly those targeting the concha, were associated with favorable changes in sleep quality and insomnia severity, with age potentially moderating the treatment response.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on postoperative pain in patients undergoing thoracoscopic partial lung resection: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain after thoracic surgery remains common and challenging. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique with potential analgesic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of taVNS for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing thoracoscopic partial lung resection. METHODS: Adults undergoing thoracoscopic partial lung resection were randomized to active or sham taVNS. The primary outcome was cough pain intensity at 48h post-surgery, assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included cough pain at 24h and 72h, resting pain, moderate-to-severe pain incidence, opioid consumption, quality of recovery, postoperative pulmonary complications , chest tube duration, hospital stay, postoperative nausea/vomiting, and adverse events. RESULTS: Among 119 analyzed patients (active n = 60, sham n = 59), active taVNS reduced cough pain scores at 24h, 48h, and 72h postoperatively, as well as resting pain (p < 0.05). It also lowered the incidence of moderate-to-severe cough pain at 24h and 48h, reduced cumulative postoperative opioid use at 24h and 72h, and decreased rescue analgesia on postoperative day 3 (p < 0.05). Active taVNS was associated with a lower incidence of postoperative pneumothorax (p < 0.05). No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Perioperative taVNS was associated with a modest analgesic benefit and reduced postoperative opioid requirements after thoracoscopic partial lung resection. The observed reduction in postoperative pneumothorax requires cautious interpretation, and further multicenter trials are needed to determine its clinical utility.

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PubMed2025

Effect of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) has shown potential in neurological, autoimmune, and cardiovascular disorders, but its effects on HD patients remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tVNS in HD patients. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial on patients receiving HD ≥6 months. The tVNS group received stimulation for 1 h during the first 2 h of HD sessions, three times weekly for 8 weeks, while the control group received standard care. The primary outcomes were dialysis efficiency (Single-pool Kt/V, Sp Kt/V) and dialysis-related symptoms (Dialysis Symptom Index, DSI), assessed every 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes included pain and fatigue scores, physical performance, Hemodialysis Comfort Scale, hemoglobin levels, Mini-Mental State Examination, and anxiety and depression scores, measured at baseline and 8 weeks after intervention. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients were enrolled in the study, with 32 patients assigned to the tVNS group and 31 patients to the control group. At 8 weeks, the tVNS group showed significant improvements in Sp Kt/V (1.31 ± 0.11 vs. 1.25 ± 0.10, p = 0.02), and DSI (12.09 ± 5.84 vs. 16.26 ± 5.27, p = 0.004), as well as reductions in pain and fatigue, and increases in physical function, comfort, and hemoglobin. However, there were no statistically significant changes observed in cognitive function, anxiety, or depression. CONCLUSIONS: tVNS could improve dialysis efficiency, symptoms, and physical function in HD patients, indicating it may have a role as a complementary therapy.

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PubMed2026

Long-term outcomes after a randomized phase II trial of nerve growth factor eye drops for optic pathway gliomas: four-year follow-up findings in children.

PURPOSE: A previous double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial reported beneficial effects of a short-term treatment (10 days) with murine nerve growth factor (mNGF) eye drops on visual function in children with optic pathway gliomas (OPG). The present study aimed to evaluate long-term changes in clinical and neuroradiological parameters in the cohort of OPG patients who had previously participated in the phase II mNGF trial. METHODS: Fifteen of the 18 patients originally enrolled in the phase II mNGF trial agreed to undergo clinical and neuroradiological monitoring over a 48-month follow-up period. Of these, 9 had originally been randomized to mNGF and 6 to placebo; no additional treatment (mNGF, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy) was administered during the extended follow-up. Every 6 months, patients underwent general clinical and neuro-ophthalmological examination, visual evoked potentials (VEP), and photopic negative response of the electroretinogram (PhNR). Brain MRI was performed every 12 months. RESULTS: Comparison of initial and final follow-up median values revealed no statistically significant changes in visual acuity, VEP amplitude, PhNR amplitude, or visual field radius. No significant differences were observed in any parameter relative to baseline values of the mNGF trial. Brain MRI demonstrated stable disease in all patients throughout the observation period. CONCLUSION: These findings, obtained in an observational extension of the original randomized cohort, indicate favorable long-term safety and tolerability of a short-term course of topical mNGF in children with OPG, with sustained visual and neuroradiological stability over four years, rather than evidence of persistent treatment efficacy. Further prospective, adequately powered and randomized clinical studies are needed to confirm both the short- and long-term clinical efficacy of NGF treatment in preventing OPG-induced visual loss.

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PubMed2026

Ameliorating Effects and Autonomic Mechanisms of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Abdominal Pain in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often experience abdominal pain and reduced quality of life and need effective treatments. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate whether transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) could improve abdominal pain and quality of life in patients with FD and IBS, and whether the effects were mediated via the autonomic mechanisms. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with abdominal pain (43 FD and 21 IBS) with a pain score of 3 out of 10 or higher were randomized to receive 2 weeks of taVNS or sham-taVNS treatment. The primary outcome was numeric rating scale (NRS) for abdominal pain. The dyspeptic symptom scales (DSS), IBS symptom severity scale score (IBS-SSS), anxiety and depression scores, and the SF36 quality of life scale were assessed before and after the treatment. The electrocardiogram was also recorded for the assessment of autonomic function at baseline and after the treatment. KEY RESULTS: (1) taVNS reduced the abdominal pain score (p < 0.001 for both FD and IBS), the frequency of abdominal pain (p < 0.001 for both FD and IBS), and overall symptom scores in both FD patients and IBS patients (p < 0.001 for FD and IBS). There was no significant difference in the effect of taVNS on abdominal pain between FD and IBS patients. (2) taVNS improved quality of life compared with baseline in both FD and IBS patients. (3) taVNS decreased anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression (p < 0.001). (4) taVNS increased vagal activity. At the end of the taVNS treatment, the vagal activity was negatively correlated with the pain score (r = -0.491, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive taVNS improves abdominal pain, quality of life, and anxiety and depression in patients with FD and patients with IBS, possibly attributed to the enhancement of vagal activity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2400085697.

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PubMed2026

A Novel Multiple Sensory Nerve Block Combination Using Ultrasound Guidance in Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Combining adductor canal block (ACB), infiltration between the popliteal artery and posterior capsule of the knee (IPACK), and genicular nerve blocks provides motor-sparing analgesia in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Adding nerve blocks targeting the nerve to vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and anterior femoral cutaneous nerve may improve postoperative pain management without affecting mobility. This study evaluated the effect of an eight-nerve block combination for pain relief after TKA versus local infiltration analgesia (LIA). METHODS: Participants were randomized into intervention or standard treatment groups. The intervention group received an eight-nerve block combination using 40 mL ropivacaine, 5 mg/mL, with 75 µg of clonidine. The control group received LIA comprising 150 mL ropivacaine, 2 mg/mL, supplemented with 0.5 mg adrenaline. The primary outcome was postoperative pain intensity, measured by the numeric rating scale (NRS) at postanesthesia care unit (PACU) arrival, 1 hour, 2 hours after PACU arrival, at ward arrival, evening of surgery, morning of postoperative day 1 (POD1), and at 14:00 POD1. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Secondary outcomes included 48-hour oral morphine equivalent (OME) consumption and length of hospital stay (LOS). RESULTS: A total of 217 patients scheduled for TKA were randomized. No significant differences were observed in the primary outcome. NRS at rest, presented as median (IQR), did not differ between groups at any time point. At PACU arrival 0 (0-3) vs 0 (0-4), at 1 hour 2 (0-4) vs 2 (0-5), at 2 hours 2 (0-6) vs 2.5 (0-4), at ward arrival 3 (2-5) vs 3 (2-5), on the evening of POD0 4 (3-5) vs 3.5 (2-6), on the morning of POD1 4 (3-6) vs 4 (2-5), and at 14:00 POD1 3 (2-5) vs 3 (2-5) for nerve block and LIA groups, respectively (all P > .05). Exploratory secondary outcomes indicated reduced 48-hour OME consumption presented as median (IQR), 70 mg (52.5-96.3), vs 96 mg (61.3-148.8); P = .008) and shortened hospital stay, median (IQR), 1 day (1-2), vs 2 days, (1-3); P < .001) in the nerve block group compared to the LIA group. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were observed in pain scores between the eight-nerve block combination and LIA. Secondary outcomes revealed a reduction in 48-hour opioid consumption and a modestly shorter hospital stay with nerve block compared to LIA.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Comparison of analgesic efficacy of pericapsular group of nerve block versus anterior quadratus lumborum block in adult patients undergoing unilateral hip arthroplasty: A comparative randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty is a painful surgical procedure; therefore, it is a challenge to manage effective pain control during the perioperative period. STUDY OBJECTIVES: We compared the analgesic efficacy of the pericapsular nerve group block and the anterior quadratus lumborum block in patients undergoing unilateral hip arthroplasty. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS: Operating room of a tertiary care center. PATIENTS: 92 adult patients of >18 years who underwent elective, unilateral total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were randomized to either Group P (USG guided PENG block with 30 ml 0.25% ropivacaine +4 mg dexamethasone) or Group Q (USG guided QL block with 30 ml 0.25% ropivacaine +4 mg dexamethasone) 20 min before surgery. MEASUREMENTS: We compared the total perioperative fentanyl consumption between the two groups in the first 24 h as the primary outcome. Other outcomes included time to first rescue analgesia in the postoperative period, NRS scores at rest and on movement at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h, incidence of intraoperative hemodynamic changes, and incidence of postoperative PONV. MAIN RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the total fentanyl consumption between the two groups: 237.5 (150-450) μg in the P group and 250 (125-400) μg in the Q group; p = 0.617. The time to first rescue analgesia was similar in both groups: the P group (198 [123-268] minutes) and the Q group (241 [180-318] minutes); p = 0.120. There was also no difference in pain scores, intraoperative hemodynamic changes, or PONV. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the perioperative opioid consumption, pain scores, and adverse event rates between the pericapsular nerve group block and anterior quadratus lumborum block in adult patients undergoing unilateral hip arthroplasty. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI number: CTRI/2023/08/057157).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Impact on analgesia, diaphragmatic function, and recovery between erector spinae plane block versus superior trunk block in arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Effective analgesia and preservation of diaphragmatic function are key considerations in analgesia for shoulder surgery. The superior trunk block provides analgesia with reduced phrenic nerve involvement, while the erector spinae plane block offers minimal impact on diaphragm motion. This randomized controlled trial compared the analgesic efficacy, impact on diaphragmatic motion, and postoperative recovery between the two blocks. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomized to receive either erector spinae plane block or superior trunk block. Primary outcomes were postoperative VAS and changes in diaphragmatic excursion. Secondary outcomes included Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) scores, morphine-equivalent consumption, and the handgrip strength motor blockade. RESULTS: The superior trunk block resulted in significantly lower dynamic VAS at 1-h postoperatively (0.1 [0.0, 0.2] vs. 5.7 [4.0, 7.6]; p < 0.001) and reduced 24-h morphine consumption (7.8 [2.5, 15.0] mg vs. 12.7 [7.5, 17.3] mg; p = 0.038) compared to the erector spinae plane block. However, diaphragmatic excursion was better preserved in the erector spinae plane block group (8.37% ± 20.7% vs. -20.09% ± 22.2%; p < 0.001), with a lower incidence of partial hemidiaphragm paresis (3.3% vs. 46.7%; p < 0.001). At 24 h postoperatively, QoR-15 scores were higher in the superior trunk block group (p = 0.047), and no patient in either group developed handgrip motor blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Superior trunk block offers superior early postoperative analgesia and better overall recovery, while erector spinae plane block minimizes diaphragmatic impairment. However, the erector spinae plane block may represent an option only in carefully selected patients at high respiratory risk, acknowledging its significantly poorer early analgesic profile.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

[Efficacy and safety of thoracic paravertebral block combined with thoracic nerve block for acute herpes zoster neuralgia involving upper thoracic dermatomes in middle-aged and elderly patients].

To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) combined with pectoral nerve block (Pecs) in the treatment of acute herpetic neuralgia (AHN) involving the upper thoracic segments in middle-aged and elderly patients, a prospective study was conducted. A total of 70 middle-aged and elderly patients with upper thoracic AHN who visited the Department of Pain Medicine at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, from June to December 2023, were enrolled and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group using a random number table, with 35 patients in each group. The control group received TPVB once weekly for a total of 3 sessions, while the experimental group received TPVB combined with Pecs block using the same regimen. Outcome measures included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), treatment satisfaction score, incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), rescue analgesia, and adverse events. Assessments were conducted at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment, and between-group differences were compared. Ultimately, 33 patients in the experimental group and 31 in the control group completed the follow-up and were included in the final analysis. The results showed that both groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS scores, PSQI, GAD-7, PHQ-9, and satisfaction scores compared with baseline (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group exhibited significantly lower VAS scores and higher satisfaction scores at 1, 4, and 8 weeks post-treatment (P<0.05), as well as significantly lower PSQI, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scores at 4 and 8 weeks (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of PHN, rescue analgesia, or adverse events (all P>0.05). This study demonstrates that compared with TPVB alone, the combination of TPVB and Pecs block provides better pain relief, improves sleep quality, and alleviates anxiety and depression in middle-aged and elderly patients with upper thoracic AHN, with a favorable safety profile.

Humans↗