title: An Expedited Diagnostic Algorithm for Lumbosacral Pain: "The Best Likelihood Scenario Approach".
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The logic behind diagnostic blocks is very straightforward. What has not been determined is the way diagnostic blocks can be best used.
  
  
  METHODS
  Philosophical essay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The interventional pain management physician would serve as the diagnostic expert by efficiently determining the source of the patient's pain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  "The Best Likelihood Scenario" might improve diagnostic accuracy while decreasing societal costs.
authors.affiliation: Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine Service, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Milan P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Stojanovic
authors.affiliation: Affordable Pain Management, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Engel
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001416:Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
keywords: Block; Chronic Pain; Facet Joints; Medial Branch; Spine; Zygoapophyseal Joint