Dr. Fabricio Dias Assis presents on transforaminal epidural steroid injections (lumbar and sacral). First, he discusses lumbosacral radicular syndrome. This is also known as nerve root pain and is the most common form of recurring pain. This has many risk factors, including female gender, obesity, smoking, heavy manual labor, and more. He differentiates between radicular pain from radiculopathy. Transforaminal injections do not necessarily need steroid injections. He describes research on this topic and more.

Dr. Athma Thottungal describes ultrasound, diagnosis, and procedures of the peripheral nerves of the upper extremity. She concentrates on the cervical sympathetic trunk as an example. Cervicothoracic ganglion blocks, also known as the stellate ganglion, can be difficult to treat. Knowing your target is important, she says, and this will also influence the tools you use for diagnosing, as well as the procedure performed.

Dr. Bernhard Moriggl discusses anatomy of the nerves in the lower extremities. Understanding anatomy, diagnosis, and procedures of peripheral nerves of the lower extremities is very important in pain management. Dr. Moriggi says to always trace nerves to be sure where they are (are they entrapped?) and where they come from. Landmarks may sometimes be missing, so be careful. Do what makes sense, says Dr Miriggi.

Dr. Vikram Patel discusses ways to optimize radiation protection. Protecting patients, doctors, and staff from radiation is incredibly important. There are many hazards of radiation to the human body. However, there is a need for radiation in pain work, so how can radiation be minimized? Positioning and protection are key. Reducing time of exposure or reducing output can help. It is also to check exposure levels over time, as radiation accumulates. These ideas and more are described.