Rating Spinal Stenosis: AMA Guides Sixth Edition Case Example

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 12-13
Author(s):  
Marjorie Eskay-Auerbach
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Spinal Nerve ◽  
Neurogenic Claudication ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Sixth Edition ◽  
Whole Person ◽  
Class 1

Abstract Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal that may result in compression of the spinal cord, or cauda equina. The most common type of spinal stenosis is degenerative stenosis associated with the natural process of aging. In the lumbar spine, the narrowing may result in compression of spinal nerve roots, causing a constellation of symptoms that may include lower pack pain, neurogenic claudication, and lower extremity pain. This case illustrates the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides), Sixth Edition process of assessing impairment for spinal stenosis. The case involves a 54-year-old male truck driver whose lumbar spine was injured when he unloaded and lifted a tire; he underwent lumbar decompression at L3-4 and L4-5, and fourteen months after surgery was evaluated as being at maximum medical improvement, was able to walk, and could void spontaneously. In a one-page final medical report, the patient's physician hand wrote a note assigning 29% whole person impairment without a medical rationale to support the rating. The author of this case example first notes that the medical reporting does not support placing this patient in class 4, and the examinee's condition is most consistent with a class 1 rating for spinal stenosis. Using Section 17.3, Adjustment Grids and Grade Modifiers: Non-Key Factors, an evaluator would conclude a grade B, 6% whole person impairment for the lumbar spine.

Nonspecific Chronic Back Pain: Sixth Edition Approaches

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 14-15
Author(s):  
Jay Blaisdell ◽  
James B. Talmage
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Chronic Back Pain ◽  
Intervertebral Disk ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Sixth Edition ◽  
Whole Person ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Intervertebral Disk Herniation ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Ratings for “non-specific chronic, or chronic reoccurring, back pain” are based on the diagnosis-based impairment method whereby an impairment class, usually representing a range of impairment values within a cell of a grid, is selected by diagnosis and “specific criteria” (key factors). Within the impairment class, the default impairment value then can be modified using non-key factors or “grade modifiers” such as functional history, physical examination, and clinical studies using the net adjustment formula. The diagnosis of “nonspecific chronic, or chronic reoccurring, back pain” can be rated in class 0 and 1; the former has a default value of 0%, and the latter has a default value of 2% before any modifications. The key concept here is that the physician believes that the patient is experiencing pain, yet there are no related objective findings, most notably radiculopathy as distinguished from “nonverifiable radicular complaints.” If the individual is found not to have radiculopathy and the medical record shows that the patient has never had clinically verifiable radiculopathy, then the diagnosis of “intervertebral disk herniation and/or AOMSI [alteration of motion segment integrity] cannot be used.” If the patient is asymptomatic at maximum medical improvement, then impairment Class 0 should be chosen, not Class 1; a final whole person impairment rating of 1% indicates incorrect use of the methodology.

Vascular and neural pathology of lumbosacral spinal stenosis

1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryo Watanabe ◽  
Wesley W. Parke
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Neuronal Plasticity ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Nerve Impulse ◽  
Spinal Nerve ◽  
Typical Case ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rapid Changes ◽  
Fine Print

✓ During a study of the intrinsic vasculature of the lumbosacral spinal nerve roots in cadavers, a typical case of spinal stenosis was encountered. A review of the antemortem anamnesis revealed that this patient had had an intermittent claudication of the cauda equina. Investigation of the concomitant vascular and histopathological alterations of the affected nerve roots suggested that the claudication may have resulted from ectopic nerve impulse discharges elicited by rapid changes in the blood supply following exertion. The unexpectedly slight apparent neural deficit relative to observed root damage may be attributed to a neuronal plasticity within the spinal cord that permitted functional compensations to develop during the slow acquisition of the chronic nerve root pathology.

scholarly journals Cauda equina redundant nerve roots are associated to the degree of spinal stenosis and to spondylolisthesis

2014 ◽  
Vol 72 (10) ◽  
pp. 782-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonor Garbin Savarese ◽  
Geraldo Dias Ferreira-Neto ◽  
Carlos Fernando Pereira da Silva Herrero ◽  
Helton Luiz Aparecido Defino ◽  
Marcello H. Nogueira-Barbosa
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Intervertebral Discs ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dural Sac ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Lumbar Spinal

To evaluate the association of redundant nerve roots of cauda equina (RNRCE) with the degree of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and with spondylolisthesis. Method After Institutional Board approval, 171 consecutive patients were retrospectively enrolled, 105 LSS patients and 66 patients without stenosis. The dural sac cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured on T2w axial MRI at the level of L2-3, L3-4 and L4-5 intervertebral discs. Two blinded radiologists classified cases as exhibiting or not RNRCE in MRI. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was assessed. Results RNRCE were associated with LSS. RRNCE was more frequent when maximum stenosis<55 mm2. Substantial intra- observer agreement and moderate inter-observer agreement were obtained in the classification of RNRCE. Spondylolisthesis was identified in 27 patients and represented increased risk for RRNCE. Conclusion LSS is a risk factor for RNRCE, especially for dural sac CSA<55 mm2. LSS and spondylolisthesis are independent risk factors for RNRCE.

scholarly journals Stuburo juosmeninės dalies kanalo stenozė: klinikinė anatomija, diagnostika (I dalis)

2003 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Author(s):  
Valentinas Uvarovas ◽  
Giedrius Kvederas ◽  
Igoris Šatkauskas
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Neurogenic Claudication ◽  
Clinical Anatomy ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Pathologic Features ◽  
Lumbar Spinal

Valentinas Uvarovas, Giedrius Kvederas, Igoris ŠatkauskasVilniaus universiteto Ortopedijos, traumatologijos ir plastinės chirurgijos klinikaVilniaus greitosios pagalbos universitetinė ligoninėŠiltnamių g. 29, LT-2043 VilniusEl paštas: [email protected] Pasaulyje ženkliai auga pagyvenusių žmonių populiacija, kartu daugėja ligų, kuriomis dažniausiai sergama perkopus į antrą gyvenimo pusę. Viena iš tokių ligų yra stuburo kanalo stenozė, t. y. susiaurėjimas. Dažniausia stuburo kanalo stenozės priežastis yra su amžiumi progresuojantys stuburo degeneraciniai pokyčiai. Ne visada arklio uodegos ar nervų šaknelių spaudimas sukelia dirginimo simptomus, tačiau progresuojant patologiniams anatominiams ir fiziologiniams pokyčiams gali išryškėti klinika. Kartais rentgenologiniai duomenys neatspindi klinikos, todėl labai svarbu tiksliai įvertinti ligos simptomus, jų eigą bei rentgenologinius duomenis, kad būtų pasirinkta tinkama gydymo taktika. Prasminai žodžiai: stuburo kanalo stenozė, neurogeninė klaudikacija, nervinės šaknelės, arklio uodega Lumbar spinal stenosis: clinical anatomy, diagnostics Valentinas Uvarovas, Giedrius Kvederas, Igoris Šatkauskas Lumbar spinal stenosis remains one of the most frequently encountered clinical important degenerative spinal disorders in the ageing population. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing or stricture of the spinal canal. Cauda equina and nerve root compression are noted in many asymptomatic individuals. The spinal degenerative process associated with ageing leads to pathoanatomical and pathophysiological changes with occasional clinical consequences. With progressive degenerative changes and compression, spinal stenosis may become symptomatic, although the severity of the symptoms is not necessarily associated with the magnitude of the compression seen on imaging studies. A thorough understanding of the etiology, pathologic features and a correlation between the symptoms and the precise location of the thecal sac and nerve root are very important in evaluating the imaging studies and planning appropriate treatment. Keywords: lumbar spinal stenosis, neurogenic claudication, spinal nerve root, cauda equina

scholarly journals Simultaneous Cervical and Lumbar Spine Surgery: Retrospective Analysis of 45 Cases

2019 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 047-052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Aiwale ◽  
Pankajkumar Patel ◽  
Syed Paspala ◽  
T. Murthy
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Lumbar Spine Surgery ◽  
Neurogenic Claudication ◽  
Cervical Canal ◽  
Canal Stenosis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background The term ‘tandem spinal stenosis’ (TSS) was first introduced by Dagi et al to describe concurrent symptomatic cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis. A typical clinical picture includes intermittent neurogenic claudication, myelopathy, and polyradiculopathy in both the upper and lower extremities. The incidence of TSS ranges from 0.12 to 28%. Methods We studied patients who presented with tandem canal stenosis and operated cervicolumbar decompression with or without fusion procedures by two separate neurosurgical teams simultaneously from June 2015 to 2017 with follow-up period of minimum 6 months. Results We had 30 (66.66%) male and 15 (33.33%) female patients who underwent simultaneous cervical and lumbar spine surgeries. The average age was 57.8 years (male) and 53.9 years (female). Cervical canal stenosis was graded as per magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) morphological grades of stenosis by Kang et al and lumbar grading, was done as per Schizas et al grading system. The mean duration of complaints in cervical and lumbar compression was 29.54 ± 44.99 months and 30.55 ± 38.11 months, respectively. The mean preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score of was 10.46 ± 1.39, whereas the postoperative mean JOA score was 11.93 ± 1.28, and mean preoperative (38.59 ± 16.52) and postoperative (29.22 ± 9.38) Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0001). Conclusion Patients with TSS are elderly and have associated comorbidities, still simultaneous cervical and lumbar surgery is feasible with the good outcome if you have two neurosurgical teams operating simultaneously and having good other super specialty teams’ support. It can be timesaving and cost effective for patients. Also, it avoids patients from undergoing exposure to two separate surgical and anesthetic stress.

scholarly journals Dynamic Changes of Cauda Equina Motion Before and After Decompressive Laminectomy for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With Redundant Nerve Roots: Cauda Equina Activation Sign

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 619-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yosuke Kawasaki ◽  
Atsushi Seichi ◽  
Liuzhe Zhang ◽  
Shoichiro Tani ◽  
Atsushi Kimura
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Decompressive Laminectomy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Lumbar Spinal ◽  
Type 3

Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study (consecutive case series). Objectives: The aim of this study was to define a criterion for achieving successful decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) using intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) and to investigate the pathogenesis of redundant nerve roots (RNRs) based on the ultrasonographic findings. Methods: A total of 100 LSS patients (71 males, 29 females, mean age, 71 ± 8 years) with RNRs were enrolled as subjects in this study. IOUS was performed to evaluate pulsatile motion of the cauda equina (PMCE) just before and after decompressive laminectomy. To determine the decompression status of the cauda equina, the ultrasonographic findings were classified into 3 types on the basis of the presence or absence of PMCE: type 1, predecompression PMCE (−) to postdecompression PMCE (+); type 2, pre- and postdecompression PMCE (+); and type 3, pre- and postdecompression PMCE (−). The pathogenesis of RNRs was also investigated based on the ultrasonographic findings. Results: Around the stenosis, PMCE was almost always absent before decompression and appeared after decompression (type 1 in 94 patients, type 2 in 6, type 3 in 0). IOUS showed that, before decompression, the cauda equina was held at the stenosis and could not pulsate beyond the stenotic site, and after decompression, PMCE recovered in the craniocaudal direction, leading to the resolution of RNRs. Conclusions: The emergence of PMCE can be a sign of successful decompression for LSS. Ultrasonographic findings support the notion that disturbance of PMCE around the stenosis is a basic component of the pathogenesis of RNRs.

AMA Guides, Sixth Edition: Skin Impairment, An Overview

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-4
Author(s):  
Jay Blaisdell ◽  
James B. Talmage
Keyword(s):  
Physical Examination ◽  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Sixth Edition ◽  
Objective Evidence ◽  
Whole Person ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Face ◽  
History Of

Abstract The most common source of occupational skin disease is contact dermatitis, an inflammation caused by exposure to an allergen. Whenever possible, the evaluating physician should rely on objective evidence such as lichenification, excoriation, and hyperpigmentation rather than subjective complaints. Patch testing, biopsy, and sensory discrimination tests are reliable tools at the evaluating physician's disposal. Disfigurements of the face are rated using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides), Sixth Edition, Section 11.3, The Face, and Chapter 8, The Skin, is used for all other skin impairments. The evaluating physician records the history of the injury, evaluates the patient, and, in consultation with Table 8-3, notes any objective clinical studies to diagnose the pathology. The functional history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic test findings values then are assigned using Table 8-2; the functional history acts as the key factor and determines the patient's impairment class, physical examination, and diagnostic test findings, each acting as non-key factors, or modifiers. Finally, the non-key factors are used to modify the impairment rating from its default value within its impairment class, and the result is the final skin impairment rating expressed as whole person impairment. Chapter 8 is used only rarely in impairment rating in workers’ compensation cases, and examiners should study the chapter carefully before using it.

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