Metro Spinal Clinic

MSC Research Program Update for Patients

Did you know that the patients of Metro Spinal Clinic are contributing to international scientific and clinical research?

2007 has been a very successful year for the Metro Spinal Clinical Research Program….and we couldn't have done it without you!

Article in Spine

MSC had a research article published in Spine, the most prestigious and highest ranked of all peer-reviewed general orthopaedic journals. By publishing our research in international, peer-reviewed journals, we not only ensure that our research is of world-class standard but we also disseminate our research and knowledge to doctors and scientists from all over the world.

Our article demonstrates the very low risks associated with medial branch blocks, especially for the thoracic spine. It also advises doctors performing medial branch blocks around the world which techniques to use to keep these risks as low as possible.

Copies of this article are available. Please speak to our nurses if you are interested. Full details of the article are:

The Incidence of Intravascular Penetration in Medial Branch Blocks: Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spines
Spine. 33(6):E174-E177, March 15, 2008.
Verrills, Paul MD; Mitchell, Bruce MD; Vivian, David MD; Nowesenitz, Gillian; Lovell, Brian MD; Sinclair, Chantelle PhD

Abstract - Spine Journal website »

Research Papers presented at the International Neuromodulation Society

Dr Paul Verrills was invited to present two MSC research papers at the Annual International Neuromodulation Society Conference in Mexico . The research Paul presented has also been submitted for peer-review in Neuromodulation Journal.

These articles:

“Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation: Is Age an Indicator of Outcome?”

and

“Peripheral Nerve Field Stimulation: A novel treatment in chronic low back pain and failed back surgery syndrome ” demonstrate that neuromodulation is a promising treatment option for almost all eligible patients with chronic peripheral nerve pain.

We show that:

pain in the occipital region is reduced by an average of 6 VAS points
pain in the lumbar region can be reduced by an average of 4 VAS points.
the majority of neuromodulation patients reduce their analgesic use
response to nerve stimulation treatment is often age related. Younger patients appear to respond more favourably than older patients but even these patients show successful responses.

For copies of this research, please speak to our nurses.