Moon JY, et al. Korean J Pain. 2016 Apr;29(2):110-118. http://dx.doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2016.29.2.110

Intractable hiccups, although rare, may result in severe morbidity, including sleep deprivation, poor food intake, respiratory muscle fatigue, aspiration pneumonia, and death. Despite these potentially fatal complications, the etiology of intractable hiccups and definitive treatment are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous cervical epidural block in the treatment of intractable hiccups. Records from 28 patients with a history of unsuccessful medical and invasive treatments for hiccups were evaluated. Continuous cervical epidural block was performed with a midline approach at the C7–T1 or T1–T2 intervertebral space with the patient in the prone position. The epidural catheter was advanced through the needle in a cephalad direction to the C3–C5 level. Catheter placement was confirmed using contrast radiography. A 6-mL bolus of 0.25% ropivacaine was injected, and a continuous infusion of 4 mL/h of ropivacaine was administered through the epidural catheter using an infuser containing 0.75% ropivacaine (45 mL ropivacaine and 230 mL normal saline). When the hiccups stopped and did not recur for 48 hours, the catheter was removed. Cumulative complete remission rates were 60.71% after the first cervical epidural block, 92.86% after the second, and 100% after the third. One patient complained of dizziness that subsided. No other adverse effects were reported. Continuous C3–C5 level cervical epidural block has a successful remission rate. We suggest that continuous cervical epidural block is an effective treatment for intractable hiccups.

Kyphoplasty (KP) is an effective method for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Although the bipedicular approach is considered the main treatment approach, the unipedicular approach has also been shown to be effective. This study aimed to retrospectively compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of unipedicular and bipedicular KP in the treatment of single-level OVCFs. In total, 96 patients with single-level OVCF who received KP were divided into 2 groups: the unipedicular group, in which 28 patients underwent KP via the unipedicular approach, and the bipedicular group, in which 68 patients underwent KP via the bipedicular approach. Clinical results, radiological findings, and complications were compared between the groups. The clinical results were evaluated for up to 1 year after surgery using a numerical rating scale score. The radiological findings were compared in terms of recovery of the lowest vertebral body height at the same location on radiographs taken both 1 day and 1 year after surgery. The degrees of recovery of the kyphotic angle (KA) were simultaneously compared. The surgical time, amount of cement used, and any postoperative complications were also compared. Both groups showed significant improvements in all clinical and radiological parameters until 1 year after surgery. The unipedicular group required significantly lower amounts of cement than the bipedicular group (unipedicular: 4.4 ± 0.8 mL, bipedicular: 5.6 ± 1.0 mL, P = .00), but there were no significant differences in the clinical and radiological results for up to 1 year after surgery. There were no significant differences in leakage of intradiscal cement, appearance of adjacent vertebral compression fractures within 1 year of surgery, and surgical time. Unipedicular and bipedicular KP significantly reduced the pain experienced by patients with single-level OVCF, restored vertebral height, and corrected the KA, which remained stable for at least 1 year after treatment. Unipedicular KP required lower amounts of cement than bipedicular KP and was as effective as bipedicular KP in terms of radiological and clinical outcomes. The results of this study have level three evidence and grade B recommendation.

Choi SS, et al. Korean J Pain. 2013 Jan;26(1):94-97. https://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2013.26.1.94