Lumbar Erector Spinae (ESP) field blocks have become a common postoperative treatment for surgical pain. The use of long-acting medications like liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) has become a major component of multi-modal postsurgical pain control. Traditionally ESP injections have been performed using ultrasound (U/S) guidance by an anesthesiologist. Spine surgeons have begun to utilize these liposomal injections in their procedures for post-operative pain management. Our study describes a fluoroscopic guided ESP field block technique which provides reproducible muscular coverage and pain control for spine surgery. Sixty patients undergoing single level lumbar fusion were treated preoperatively with bilateral fluoroscopically guided lumbar erector spinae ESP field blocks with liposomal bupivacaine. We looked at two different injection locations involving the ESP or multifidus muscle fascial planes. The injections contained Iohexal, which was used to evaluate the coverage area of the injection. The levels of coverage were recorded, and post-operative pain control was measured immediately, postoperatively, and at 24 hours. Fluoroscopic field blocks at the L3-4 level were found to provide at least four levels of vertebral coverage rostral-caudally in both ESP and MF fascial planes. Pain was well controlled in both injection sites. Surgeon-administered fluoroscopic guided ESP field blocks provided a reliable and consistent pattern of coverage with good postoperative pain control. This technique can be easily adopted by spine surgeons.

Background: This study on US adult cancer risk perceptions aims to explore the relationship between an individual’s perceived risk of developing cancer and the extent to which they engage in preventative behaviors, such as nutrition and physical activity. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2025 Health Information National Trends Survey 7 (HINTS 7). Descriptive statistics were generated to explore participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and cancer risk perceptions. Multinomial regression analysis was used to examine associations between cancer beliefs and consumption of alcohol, fruit, and vegetables. Results: Using multinomial logistic regression, significant associations (p < 0.001) were reported across all cancer beliefs and daily intake of 1–5 drinks per day, as well as ≥6 drinks per day. Significant associations (p < 0.001) were also reported across all cancer beliefs and daily intake of fruits and vegetables, which was further broken down into <½ cup per day to 1 cup, 1 to <2 cups, 2 to <4 cups, and greater than 4 cups. Conclusions: Our findings support the need for greater cancer knowledge dissemination and awareness in communities.

Background: Tobacco smoke exposure in the home remains common among U.S. families and has been increasingly associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including anxiety and depression, among children and adolescents. Rising rates of youth anxiety and depression, coupled with evidence that secondhand smoke and related psychosocial stressors may disrupt emotional development, underscore the importance of examining household smoking exposures as a modifiable risk factor for youth mental health. This study examines associations between exposure to smoke in households and the likelihood of caregiver-reported anxiety and depression in US children and adolescents aged 6–17 years, using data from the 2022–2023 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). Methods: A retrospective analysis of NSCH data for two age cohorts, children (6–11 years) and adolescents (12–17 years), for the years 2022–2023 was conducted. Descriptive statistics were generated for the selected sample by frequencies and counts for each of the dependent and independent variables, followed by binary logistic regressions for each measured mental health variable based on current diagnosis, severity levels (not severe, mild, moderate, severe) and household tobacco use. Results: This study found significant associations between parental smoking and increased odds of caregiver-reported anxiety and depression in both children and adolescents. Specifically, children living with parents who smoke had 1.55 times the odds of severe anxiety, while adolescents had 1.38 times the odds of currently experiencing anxiety and 1.31 times the odds of currently experiencing depression. Smoking inside the household was not significantly associated with caregiver-reported anxiety or depression. These findings suggest that parental smoking serves as a marker for broader psychosocial and environmental stressors that contribute to youth mental health outcomes. Conclusions: Parental smoking is a significant, modifiable risk factor for anxiety and depression among US children and adolescents. These results emphasize the need for targeted, evidence-based interventions to reduce parental smoking, improve awareness of associated mental health risks, and address social determinants of health. Policies promoting smoke-free households, integrated cessation support, and culturally tailored education programs are essential to mitigate the impact of parental smoking on child and adolescent mental health.