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.

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. Gabor Racz first describes the scarring triangle as a concept. It is scar tissue that is located in-between the L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and the S1 nerve root and above the L5-S1 disc. The scarring triangle poses a problem for catheters and other procedures such as spinal fusions. A case study in pain is discussed, as are other examples of the scarring triangle.

Dr. Juan Carlos Flores discusses two percutaneous techniques for blockade of the celiac plexus and splanchnic nerves. There are several interventional pain procedure indications here for both, as well as contraindications. There are many celiac plexus and splanchnic nerve procedures and approaches. Research in this area is also discussed. Dr. Flores takes questions at the end.