{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Vertebrplasty, Kyphoplasty and Occipital Neuralgia for the PM&R Boards","description":"PainExam Podcast Show Notes Compression Fractures, Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty & Occipital Neuralgia for the ABA Pain Medicine Boards In this episode of the PainExam Podcast, Dr. David Rosenblum reviews two frequently tested topics on the ABA Pain Medicine Board Examination: Occipital Neuralgia and Vertebral Compression Fractures, including the indications, techniques, complications, and evidence surrounding vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Whether you are preparing for the ABA Pain Medicine Boards, ABPM, ABIPP, FIPP, or simply looking to strengthen your interventional pain knowledge, this episode covers essential board pearls, anatomy, diagnosis, imaging findings, and treatment options. Episode Highlights Occipital Neuralgia Topics discussed include: Anatomy of the greater, lesser, and third occipital nerves C2 dorsal ramus anatomy and clinical relevance Diagnostic criteria for occipital neuralgia Differentiating occipital neuralgia from: Cervicogenic headache Migraine Cluster headache Tension headache Physical examination findings Occipital nerve blocks Pulsed radiofrequency ablation Cryoneurolysis Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) Board Pearl The greater occipital nerve originates from the dorsal ramus of C2 and temporary pain relief following a diagnostic occipital nerve block strongly supports the diagnosis. Vertebral Compression Fractures Topics reviewed include: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures Thoracolumbar fracture patterns MRI findings STIR sequence interpretation Patient selection for vertebral augmentation Conservative treatment versus intervention Vertebroplasty technique Kyphoplasty technique Cement leakage and other complications Evidence supporting vertebral augmentation procedures Board Pearl Bone marrow edema on MRI STIR imaging is one of the most important findings suggesting an acute compression fracture. Kyphoplasty vs Vertebroplasty Vertebroplasty Direct injection of PMMA cement into the vertebral body Stabilizes micro-motion within the fracture Can provide rapid pain relief Kyphoplasty Balloon tamp creates a cavity before cement placement May partially restore vertebral body height May reduce risk of cement extravasation Often preferred in selected patients with significant vertebral collapse Commonly Tested Complications Cement leakage Pulmonary cement embolism Adjacent level fractures Infection Neurologic injury (rare) High-Yield ABA Pain Medicine Keywords Occipital Neuralgia Greater Occipital Nerve C2 Dorsal Ramus Third Occipital Nerve Cervicogenic Headache Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Vertebral Compression Fracture Kyphoplasty Vertebroplasty PMMA Cement STIR MRI Osteoporosis Cement Extravasation Upcoming Educational Meetings & Conferences 2026 ASPN Annual Meeting \u2013 Miami Learn more about the upcoming meeting hosted by the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience: \ud83d\udccd ASPN Annual Conference & Miami Meeting Information PainWeek 2026 \u2013 Las Vegas Join thousands of pain physicians, APPs, nurses, and industry professionals at: \ud83d\udccd PAINWeek Las Vegas 2026 Latin American Pain Society Meeting \u2013 Brazil For information regarding the upcoming regional pain meeting in Brazil: \ud83d\udccd Latin American Pain Federation (FEDELAT) Information CME, Ultrasound & Board Review Resources NRAP Academy CME Courses, Virtual Pain Fellowship, Ultrasound Workshops, Regenerative Medicine Training, and Board Review Programs: \ud83d\udccd NRAP Academy Website CME Calendar Upcoming Ultrasound Workshops, Regenerative Medicine Courses, Board Review Programs, and Conferences: \ud83d\udccd NRAP Academy CME Calendar Virtual Pain Fellowship Comprehensive longitudinal pain management education: \ud83d\udccd Virtual Pain Fellowship Program Pain Management Board Review Prepare for: ABA Pain Medicine Boards ABPM ABIPP FIPP \ud83d\udccd PainExam Board Review Resources Connect With Dr. David Rosenblum Patients Seeking Care Appointments and consultation requests: \ud83d\udccd AABP Integrative Pain Care & Wellness Physician Education CME, Ultrasound Training, Regenerative Medicine, and Board Review: \ud83d\udccd NRAP Academy References Margetis K, Patel A, Petrone B, et al. Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; Updated April 6, 2025. Available at: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK525963\/ Daher M, Kreichati G, Kharrat K, Sebaaly A. Vertebroplasty versus Kyphoplasty in the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Meta-Analysis. World Neurosurgery. 2023;171:65-71. Masala S, Fiori R, Massari F, Simonetti G. Kyphoplasty: Indications, Contraindications and Technique. Radiologia Medica. 2005;110(1-2):97-105. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). Cephalalgia. 2018. Bogduk N. The Clinical Anatomy of the Cervical Dorsal Rami. Spine-related anatomy and occipital nerve pain syndromes. Subscribe to the PainExam Podcast For weekly board review content, ultrasound-guided procedures, regenerative medicine updates, pain medicine literature reviews, and expert interviews, subscribe to the PainExam Podcast and visit: \ud83d\udccd PainExam Podcast & Board Review Resources \ud83c\udf93 Earn CME and advance your skills through the NRAP Academy and Virtual Pain Fellowship. ","author_name":"The PMRExam Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/pmrexampodcast.libsyn.com\/podcast","html":"