A novel approach to the temporary control of intractable bone pain

When treating patients with intractable bone pain secondary to bone metastasis from cancer, we have found that the injection of 2% lidocaine directly into the metastatic bone lesion will give prompt pain relief to some patients. Those who respond will then get prolonged pain relief lasting from 24 to 72 hours when reinjected with a mixture of 2% lidocaine and penicillin G procaine, 600,000 units/mL. Lesions of the spine should not be treated with this method.