In a historic leap for global medical science, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has introduced a world-first technique for the precise management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. This pioneering innovation utilizes Fluorine-18 Sodium Fluoride (¹⁸F-NaF) PET-CT guided steroid injections to accurately target the source of pain that conventional imaging often misses. During a media conference, PGIMER Director Prof. Vivek Lal lauded the breakthrough as a reflection of the institute’s commitment to clinical excellence, noting that it has the potential to transform pain management globally while remaining accessible to the common man.
The breakthrough is the result of a collaborative effort between the Department of Nuclear Medicine and the Department of Orthopaedics. Dr. Anish Bhattacharya explained that unlike traditional X-rays or MRIs, NaF PET-CT identifies metabolically active disease sites, allowing doctors to locate the true pain generator. This ensures that treatment is directed exactly where it is needed, significantly improving patient outcomes for conditions like lumbar facet joint arthropathy, sacroiliitis, and Achilles tendinitis. To ensure unmatched precision, the technique also utilizes robotic assistance for the delivery of highly targeted steroid injections under real-time guidance.
The clinical success of this innovation is backed by robust evidence recently published in the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. Research conducted by the multidisciplinary team showed that approximately 84% of patients experienced significant pain relief within three months of the procedure. Beyond its medical efficacy, the treatment is remarkably affordable, costing only about ₹1,000 for the procedure plus ₹500 for consumables. With appointments currently available within one to two weeks of referral, this paradigm shift toward personalized pain therapy offers renewed hope to millions of patients suffering from chronic pain who have not responded to conventional treatments.
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