Lumbar facet joints have been identified as a potential source of chronic low back pain (LBP) in 15% to 45% of patients, with the prevalence of such pain varying based on specific populations and settings examined. Lumbar facet joint interventions are useful in the diagnosis as well as the therapeutic management of chronic LBP. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of medial branch nerves is recognized as a safe and effective therapy for chronic facet joint pain in the lumbosacral spine, and its efficacy has already been established. The use of RFA is currently widespread in the management of spinal pain, but it is noteworthy that there have been works in the literature reporting complications, albeit at a very low frequency. We present a case of third-degree skin burns following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the management of facet joint syndrome. Postoperatively, the patient\'s skin encircling the needle displayed a pallor and exhibited deterioration in conjunction with the anatomical anomaly. The affected area required approximately 5 months to heal completely. During RFA, heat can induce burns not only at the point of contact with the RF electrode but also along the length of the needle. Vigilant attention is necessary to ensure patient safety and to address any potential complications that may arise during the procedure, including the possibility of minor technical errors.

Background: This prospective, case-series study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) and to identify the features of the responsive patients. Materials & methods: PRGF was injected into the intervertebral disc, epidural space and/or facet and sacroiliac joints of 32 patients with chronic LBP. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed by algo-functional scores after 3 and 6 months. Results: Overall, the patients did not ameliorate after PRGF treatment, although eight patients showed an algo-functional improvement. They were mainly males treated at two sites who were younger, less sedentary and with fewer musculoskeletal co-morbidities than the nonresponders. Conclusion: PRGF is a potential treatment in a specific subpopulation of difficult-to-treat patients affected by chronic LBP.
Plain language summary In this study, 32 patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) were treated with plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) to evaluate its clinical efficacy up to 6 months. The results showed that, analyzing the total cohort, the PRGF did not ameliorate the patients\' conditions. However, eight patients responded to the treatment by showing an algo-functional improvement. They were mainly males, younger than 50 years/old, with active lifestyle habits, and with less musculoskeletal co-morbidities than the patients who did not respond. Best results were obtained when PRGF was injected at one intervertebral disc plus facet joints at the corresponding level. In conclusion, PRGF may be an effective treatment if used in patients with specific characteristics.

UNASSIGNED: Intervertebral disc calcification (IVDC) is a rare cause of acute spinal pain in pediatric patients. The most common symptom is back or neck pain, but muscle spasm, muscle weakness, and sensory loss also occur. Many patients have an alarming presentation and radiological findings concerning for spinal cord compression.
UNASSIGNED: A 10-year-old female presented with 2 weeks of worsening back pain and restricted neck flexion with no history of preceding trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed T4/5 and T5/6 vertebral disc calcification and posterior herniation causing thoracic spinal cord compression. Despite concerning imaging findings, we decided to manage this patient conservatively with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, leading to the improvement of symptoms within 9 days, and resolution of all pain within 1 month after hospital discharge. At 6 months follow-up, MRI showed complete resolution of calcification within the spinal canal.
UNASSIGNED: This case report emphasizes IVDC as an important differential diagnosis of pediatric disc disease that does not require surgical intervention. X-ray imaging with PA and lateral views is an adequate screening for these patients. Majority of cases resolve within 6 months with conservative therapy.

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infectious disease caused by the Coccidioides species endemic to Southwestern United States. Symptomatic patients typically present as community-acquired pneumonia. Uncommonly, in about 1% of infections, hematogenous extra pulmonary systemic dissemination involving skin, musculoskeletal system, and meninges occur. Disseminated spinal infection is treated with antifungal drugs and/or surgical treatment. A retrospective review of medical records at our institution was done between January 2009 to December 2018 and we present three cases of spinal coccidioidomycosis and review the current literature. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis can lead to spondylitis that can present as discitis or a localized spinal or paraspinal abscess. Spinal coccidioidomycosis is typically managed with antifungal treatments but can include surgical treatment in the setting poor response to medical therapy, intractable pain, presence of neurological deficits due to compression, or structural spinal instability.