Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pain Management for December 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Effect Sizes Uncertain for Meds Versus Placebo in Knee OA
FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with knee osteoarthritis and at least 12 months of follow-up, there is uncertainty around estimates of effect size for the change in pain in association with medications versus placebo, according to a meta-analysis published in the Dec. 25 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Can Reduce Phantom Limb Pain
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of primary targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) can prevent or reduce pain in below-the-knee amputees, according to a report published online Dec. 27 in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
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Low-Priced Generic Drugs Most Likely to Have Shortages
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The lowest-priced generic drugs are more likely to experience shortages, according to a study published in the November issue of Value in Health.
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Opioid Prescribing Patterns Vary for Pediatric Patients
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variation in opioid prescribing among pediatric patients, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in JAMA Network Open.
Initiative Can Cut Gender Gap in Medical School Faculty Salaries
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An institutional gender equity initiative (GEI) can reduce gender-based salary gaps among medical school faculty, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in JAMA Network Open.
Most Nurses Unsatisfied With Hospitals’ End-of-Life Care
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The majority of nurses have an unfavorable opinion of their hospital’s end-of-life care, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
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Massage Offers Short-Term Relief of Knee Pain in Arthritis Patients
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Weekly massage sessions may provide short-term symptom relief for knee osteoarthritis patients, but the benefit is not maintained over one year of follow-up, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
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Growth in Use of Telemedicine Seen From 2005 to 2017
First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Eases Painful Hallux Rigidus 
Botox Helpful in Alleviating Chronic Migraine in Pediatric Patients 
Platelet-Rich Plasma, Shockwave Therapy Show Therapeutic Efficacy in Interstitial Cystitis 
Review Reveals Limited Effects of Exercise on Hip Osteoarthritis 
2005 to 2023 Saw Decrease in DXA Testing for Osteoporosis Screening 
Stair Climbing Associated With Reduction in Cardiovascular, All-Cause Mortality 
Physical Activity Reduces Stroke, Mortality, Regardless of A-Fib 
Swimming Program May Provide Short-Term Relief From Chronic Low Back Pain 
