Living with pain? PGI has high precision cure

Chandigarh: For millions living with chronic back or joint pain that never seems to show up on an X-ray, relief has finally arrived. Doctors in PGI have unveiled the world's first robotic assisted treatment that pinpoints the exact source of chronic pain and fixes it with a single, high-precision injection.The breakthrough is being hailed as a game-changer for patients who have spent years on painkillers or faced unsuccessful surgeries. By using a specialised pain-tracking scan and a robotic arm, the team has achieved an 84% success rate in providing long-term relief.Traditional scans like X-rays or MRIs often fail to identify the true cause of pain. A patient might have a slipped disc that looks painful but isn't actually causing the ache, while the real culprit — a tiny, inflamed joint — remains invisible.PGI's approach uses a fluoride isotope PET-CT scan. Originally used for cancer detection, doctors have repurposed it to act as a GPS for pain. The scan detects "hot spots" where bones or joints are working overtime to repair themselves. These glowing spots on the screen reveal the true pain generator that other tests miss.Once the hot spot is found, doctors don't just guess where to aim. Using a robotic arm, they guide a needle to the precise millimetre of the inflammation. They then deliver a targeted dose of anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly into the source."We've seen patients who arrived in wheelchairs walk out of the hospital on their own. Our technique is first in the world and thus published in a high-impact international journal," says Dr Aneesh.This high-tech procedure is affordable. The scan: Rs 1,000 The treatment materials: Rs 500 *Total cost roughly Rs 1,500Unlike many specialised treatments that have year-long waiting lists, PGI is currently offering appointments within one to two weeks, making it accessible to everyday citizens.Is This for You? The technique has proven successful for patients aged 15 to 80 and is particularly effective for: Chronic lower back pain: Targeted relief for the spine's tiny jointsStubborn heel pain: For those who find it painful to take their first steps in the morning Old sports injuries: Fixing hidden" ligament issues that haven't healed Knee pain: Providing an alternative for those not yet ready for a full replacement The procedure is intended for chronic pain — the kind that hasn't responded to rest or standard medicine. Patients typically begin with an evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon. If a specific hot spot is suspected, they are referred for the specialised PET scan and subsequent robotic injection.This landmark study, led by Dr Anish Bhattacharya, Dr Rajender, and Dr Vishal, was published in 2026 in the "European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging" Dr Rajender Kumar of the department of Nuclear Medicine, said, "The technique involves identifying the active pain-generating site using NaF PET-CT, followed by highly targeted steroid injection under real-time PET-CT guidance, further enhanced by robotic assistance for unmatched precision."MSID:: 130239628 413 |