scholarly journals Lumbar disc extrusions reduce faster than bulging discs due to an active role of macrophages in sciatica

2019 ◽  
Vol 162 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Djuric ◽  
X. Yang ◽  
A. el Barzouhi ◽  
R. Ostelo ◽  
S. G. van Duinen ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective This retrospective observational histological study aims to associate the size and type of disc herniation with the degree of macrophage infiltration in disc material retrieved during disc surgery in patients with sciatica. Methods Disc tissue of 119 sciatica patients was embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin and CD68. Tissue samples were categorized as mild (0–10/cm2), moderate (10–100/cm2), and considerable (> 100/cm2) macrophage infiltration. All 119 patients received an MRI at baseline, and 108 received a follow-up MRI at 1-year. MRIs were reviewed for the size and type of the disc herniations, and for Modic changes in the vertebral endplates. Results Baseline characteristics and duration of symptoms before surgery were comparable in all macrophage infiltration groups. The degree of macrophage infiltration was not associated with herniation size at baseline, but significantly associated with reduction of size of the herniated disc at 1-year post surgery. Moreover, the degree of macrophage infiltration was higher in extrusion in comparison with bulging (protrusion) of the disc. Results were comparable in patients with and without Modic changes. Conclusion Macrophage infiltration was positively associated with an extruded type of disc herniation as well as the extent of reduction of the herniated disc during 1-year follow-up in patients with sciatica. This is an indication that the macrophages play an active role in reducing herniated discs. An extruded disc herniation has a larger surface for the macrophages to adhere to, which leads to more size reduction.

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 2579-2587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niek Djuric ◽  
Xiaoyu Yang ◽  
Raymond W. J. G. Ostelo ◽  
Sjoerd G. van Duinen ◽  
Geert J. Lycklama à Nijeholt ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To study the interaction between Modic changes (MC) and inflammation by macrophages in the disc, in relation to clinical symptoms before and after discectomy for lumbar disc herniation. Methods Disc tissue was embedded in paraffin and stained with haematoxylin and CD68. Subsequently, tissue samples were categorized for degree of inflammation. Type of MC was scored on MRI at baseline. Roland Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) score and visual analogue scale for back pain and leg pain separately were considered at baseline and 1-year follow-up post-surgery. Main and interaction effects of MC and inflammation were tested against clinical outcome questionnaires. In addition, this analysis was repeated in bulging and extruded discs separately. Results Disc material and MRI’s of 119 patients were retrieved and analysed. Forty-eight patients demonstrated mild inflammation, 45 showed moderate inflammation, and 26 showed considerable inflammation. In total, 49 out of 119 patients demonstrated MC. Grade of disc inflammation did not associate with the presence of MC. At baseline, no main or interaction effects of MC and inflammation were found on the clinical scores. However, during follow-up after discectomy, significant interaction effects were found for RDQ score: Only in patients with MC at baseline, patients remained significantly more disabled (3.2 points p = 0.006) if they showed considerable disc inflammation compared to patients with mild inflammation. The additional analysis showed similar results in extruded discs, but no significant effects in bulging discs. Conclusions An interaction effect of MC and disc inflammation by macrophages is present. Only in patients with MC, those with considerable inflammation recover less satisfactory during follow-up after surgery. Graphic abstract These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 449-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio D. Montejo ◽  
Joaquin Q. Camara-Quintana ◽  
Daniel Duran ◽  
Jeannine M. Rockefeller ◽  
Sierra B. Conine ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVELumbar disc herniation (LDH) in the pediatric population is rare and exhibits unique characteristics compared with adult LDH. There are limited data regarding the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) using tubular retractors in pediatric patients with LDH. Here, the outcomes of MIS tubular microdiscectomy for the treatment of pediatric LDH are evaluated.METHODSTwelve consecutive pediatric patients with LDH were treated with MIS tubular microdiscectomy at the authors’ institution between July 2011 and October 2015. Data were gathered from retrospective chart review and from mail or electronic questionnaires. The Macnab criteria and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used for outcome measurements.RESULTSThe mean age at surgery was 17 ± 1.6 years (range 13–19 years). Seven patients were female (58%). Prior to surgical intervention, 100% of patients underwent conservative treatment, and 50% had epidural steroid injections. Preoperative low-back and leg pain, positive straight leg raise, and myotomal leg weakness were noted in 100%, 83%, and 67% of patients, respectively. The median duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 9 months (range 1–36 months). The LDH level was L5–S1 in 75% of patients and L4–5 in 25%. The mean ± SD operative time was 90 ± 21 minutes, the estimated blood loss was ≤ 25 ml in 92% of patients (maximum 50 ml), and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted at 30 days. The median hospital length of stay was 1 day (range 0–3 days). The median follow-up duration was 2.2 years (range 0–5.8 years). One patient experienced reherniation at 18 months after the initial operation and required a second same-level MIS tubular microdiscectomy to achieve resolution of symptoms. Of the 11 patients seen for follow-up, 10 patients (91%) reported excellent or good satisfaction according to the Macnab criteria at the last follow-up. Only 1 patient reported a fair level of satisfaction by using the same criteria. Seven patients completed an ODI evaluation at the last follow-up. For these 7 patients, the mean ODI low-back pain score was 19.7% (SEM 2.8%).CONCLUSIONSTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the longest outcomes study and the largest series of pediatric patients with LDH who were treated with MIS microdiscectomy using tubular retractors. These data suggest that MIS tubular microdiscectomy is safe and efficacious for pediatric LDH. Larger prospective cohort studies with longer follow-up are needed to better evaluate the long-term efficacy of MIS tubular microdiscectomy versus other open and MIS techniques for the treatment of pediatric LDH.


1991 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 754-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eddy Garrido ◽  
P. Noel Connaughton

✓ Forty-one patients with herniated lumbar discs in a lateral location underwent unilateral complete facetectomy for removal of their disc herniation. The diagnosis was made by computerized tomography in all patients. The follow-up period varied between 4 and 60 months, with an average of 22.4 months. All patients underwent dynamic lumbar spine x-ray films with flexion and extension exposures at various times during their follow-up period. The results were excellent in 35 patients, good in three, and poor in three. One patient suffered spinal instability postoperatively and required lumbar fusion because of back pain. Unilateral facetectomy gives an excellent view of the affected nerve root and the herniated disc, and the risk of spinal instability is very low.


1996 ◽  
Vol 37 (1P1) ◽  
pp. 85-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Sortland ◽  
H. Kleppe ◽  
M. Aandahl ◽  
G. Blikra

Lumbar disc herniation was treated by percutaneous discectomy using a new instrument for automatic aspiration and cutting of disc material. The inclusion criteria were limited to patients with pure disc herniation without stenosis or any other additional factors. Only contained hernias with a maximum size of 50% of the thecal sac were included. Three procedures out of 45 were technical failures. At 1-year follow-up 69% of the patients were satisfied. No complications were seen. The result was not influenced by the amount of disc material removed, age, duration of symptoms or the size of the disc hernia. Reduced size of disc hernia was found in 13 out of 14 satisfied patients followed by CT. All unsatisfied patients were conventionally operated on. The percutaneous treated patients had 1 day of hospitalisation and on average 11 weeks of sick-leave compared to an average of 6 days and 16 weeks following conventional discectomy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 333-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Shrestha ◽  
R. Shrestha ◽  
D. Dhoju ◽  
S.R. Kayastha ◽  
S.C. Jha

Background Outcome of lumbar disc herniation are influenced by various clinical, socioeconomic and psychological factors. In the absence of provision of medical insurances, worker’s compensation and sick leave, predictors for outcome after lumbar disc herniation surgery will be different in Nepalese population.Objective To evaluate different clinical variables that can affect outcome after lumbar disc herniation surgery.Method Among 88 patients who underwent microdisectomy for lumbar disc herniation, 63 patients (43 male, 20 female) with follow up at least six months were retrospectively evaluated for clinical variables which can affect Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, its interpretation and Mcnab classification of post operative outcome.Result Average age of patients was 42.54±8.60 years. Mean follow up period was 34.89±23.80 months (range 6 -111 months). Thirty four patients had follow up period > 24 months. Mean ODI score before surgery and at final follow up was 37.87±8.76 vs 7.78±7.7; (p=0.00). Success rate was 90.47% (change in ODI score at least by 10), 93.65% (ODI score interpretation <40%), and 85.71%. (Mcnab outcome excellent and good). Significant correlation was found between age and ODI at final follow up but not with duration of symptoms. Male, non alcoholic, low level of education, numbness as a predominant symptom, disc at L4-L5 were significantly associated with better ODI at final follow up. For ODI score interpretation, gender, smoking habit, presence of leg pain as a predominant symptom were statistically significant factors whereas smoking and drinking habit, level of education, occupation, back pain and numbness as predominant pre-operative symptom, types of disc in MRI were significantly related to Mcnab outcome. There was 9.5% peri- or post-operative complications and recurrence in seven patients.Conclusion Age, gender, smoking and drinking habit, level of education, occupation, types of disc in MRI are important variables for ODI score, ODI score interpretation and Mcnab outcome.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Hao ◽  
Shengwen Li ◽  
Junhui Liu ◽  
Zhi Shan ◽  
Shunwu Fan ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To investigate the relationship between Modic changes (MCs) and recurrent lumbar disc herniation (rLDH), and that between the herniated disc component and rLDH following percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). Methods: We included 102 (65 males, 37 females, aged 20–66 yrs) inpatients who underwent PELD from August 2013 to August 2016. All patients underwent CT and MRI preoperatively. The presence and type of Modic changes were assessed. During surgery the herniated disc component of each patient was classified into two groups: nucleus pulposus group, hyaline cartilage group. The association of herniated disc component with Modic changes was investigated. The incidence of recurrent disc herniation was assessed based on more than 2-year follow-up. Results: In total, 11 patients were lost to follow up; the other 91 were followed up during 24–60 months. Of the 91 patients, 99 discs underwent PELD; 28/99 (28.3%) had MCs. Type I and II MCs were seen in 9 (9.1%) and 19 (19.2%), respectively; no type III MCs were found. Among 28 endplates with MCs, according to the herniated disc component, 18/28 (64.3%) showed evidence of hyaline cartilage in the intraoperative specimens, including 6/9 and 12/19 endplates with type I and II MCs, respectively. Among 71 endplates without MCs, 14/71 (19.7%) showed evidence of hyaline cartilage in the intraoperative specimens. Hyaline cartilage was more common in patients with MCs (P<0.05). We found 2 cases of rLDH in the non-MC group (n=71); 6 cases rLDH were found in the MC group (n=28), including 2 and 4 cases for types I and II, respectively. There was no significant difference between types I and II (P>0.05). rLDH was more common in patients with MCs (P<0.05). We found 5 rLDH cases in the hyaline cartilage group (n=32); 3 rLDH cases were found in the nucleus pulposus group (n=67). rLDH was more common in the hyaline cartilage group (P<0.05). Conclusions: MCs were associated with the herniated cartilage disc component. rLDH following PELD preferentially occurs when MCs or the herniated cartilage are present. Patients with MCs following PELD might require a second operation.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0241494
Author(s):  
Chien-Min Chen ◽  
Li-Wei Sun ◽  
Chun Tseng ◽  
Ying-Chieh Chen ◽  
Guan-Chyuan Wang

Objective Full endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD) for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) has become popular in recent years. Previous studies have proven the efficacy, but few have discussed the possible risk factors of poor outcome. In this study, we reviewed patients who underwent FELD at Changhua Christian Hospital in the past 10 years and sought to identify factors associated with poor surgical outcomes and re-operations. Methods We retrospectively reviewed records from mid-2009 to mid-2018. Patients had undergone FELD and follow-up for ≥1 year were included. Factors included in the outcome evaluations were age, sex, surgical time, body mass index, surgical methods, disc herniation type, extension of herniation, degree of canal compromised, disc degenerative grade, smoking and alcohol use, surgical lumbar level, symptom duration, Oswestry low back disability index, and visual analog scale score. We had evolved from inside-out methods to outside-in methods after 2016, thus, we included this factor in the analysis. The primary outcomes of interest were poor/fair MacNab score and re-operation. Results From mid-2009 to mid-2018, 521 patients met our criteria and were analyzed. The median follow-up was 1685 days (range, 523–3923 days). Thirty-one (6.0%) patients had poor surgical outcomes (fair/poor MacNab score) and 45 (8.6%) patients required re-operation. Prolapsed herniated disc (P < 0.001), higher disc degenerative grade (P = 0.047), higher lumbar level (P = 0.026), longer preoperative symptoms (P < 0.001), and surgery before 2017 (outside-in technique, P = 0.020) were significant factors associated with poor outcomes in univariate analyses. In multivariate analyses, prolapsed herniated disc (P < 0.001), higher disc degenerative grade (P = 0.030), and higher lumbar level (P = 0.046) were statistically significant. The most common adverse symptom was numbness. Factors possibly associated with higher re-operation rate were older age (P = 0.045), alcohol use (P = 0.073) and higher lumbar level (P = 0.069). Only alcohol use showed statistically significant re-operation rates in multivariate analyses (P = 0.035). Conclusions For treating LDH by FELD, we concluded that prolapsed disc, higher disc degenerative grade, higher lumbar level, and longer preoperative symptom duration were possibly associated with unsatisfactory surgical outcomes (poor/fair MacNab score). The outside-in technique might be superior to the inside-out technique. Older age and alcohol use might be associated with a higher re-operation rate.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Seong Son ◽  
Sang Gu Lee ◽  
Yong Ahn ◽  
Woo Kyung Kim

Objective. Nowadays, trans-sacral epiduroscopic laser decompression (SELD) using slender epiduroscopy and laser is one of the preferred options for minimally invasive treatment in lumbar disc diseases. However, SELD is still in the initial stages of the global field of spine surgery, and the clinical outcomes in patients with lumbar disc herniation are not established yet. Therefore, the authors investigated patients undergoing SELD to report the clinical results. Methods. Between November 2015 and November 2018, a total of 82 patients who underwent single-level SELD for lumbar disc herniation with a minimum follow-up of 6.0 months were enrolled. A retrospective review of clinical data was conducted. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for low back and leg pain and Odom’s criteria. Also, surgical outcomes, including complications and symptom recurrences, and radiological outcomes were analyzed. Results. Low back pain and leg pain as determined by the VAS improved from an average of 5.43 ± 1.73 and 6.10 ± 1.67 to 2.80 ± 1.43 and 3.58 ± 2.08 at the final follow-up (p<0.001). According to Odom’s criteria, the success rate defined as excellent or good results at the final follow-up was 58.5%. There were no surgery-related complications such as neurologic deficits, infection, or epidural hematomas, except for transient mild paralysis in 3 patients and procedure-related nuchal pain in 2 patients. The rate of additional procedures was 17.0% (6 patients received revision surgery and 8 patients received an additional nerve block) during the follow-up. Conclusion. Our findings showed that SELD for lumbar herniated disc disease achieved less favorable clinical outcomes compared with those of previous studies. Further study is needed to clarify the influencing factors on the clinical outcomes of SELD.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2;2) ◽  
pp. E291-E300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-Sung Kim

Background: Remarkable advancements in endoscopic spinal surgery have led to successful outcomes comparable to those of conventional open surgery. Large lumbar disc herniation (LLDH) is a serious condition, resulting in higher surgical failure when accessing the herniated disc. Objectives: This study compared the outcomes of LLDH treated with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) and open lumbar microdiscectomy (OLM). Study Design: Retrospective assessment. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2011 to June 2012. Forty-four consecutive patients diagnosed with LLDH without cauda equina syndrome who were scheduled to undergo spinal surgery were included. LLDH was defined as herniated disc fragment occupying > 50% of the spinal canal. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0 – 10), functional status was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, 0 – 100%) at 1, 6, and 24 months postoperatively and surgical satisfaction rate (0 – 100%) at final follow up. Radiological variables were assessed by plain radiography. Results: Forty-three patients were included; 20 and 23 patients underwent PELD and OLM, respectively. Both groups exhibited significant improvements in leg and back pain postoperatively (P < 0.001). Although there was no significant difference in leg pain improvement between the groups, improvement in back pain was significantly higher in the PELD group than in the OLM group (4.9 ± 1.5 vs. 2.5 ± 1.0, P < 0.001). The surgical satisfaction rate of the PELD group was significantly higher than that of the OLM group (91.3% ± 6.5 vs. 84.3% ± 5.2, P < 0.001). Mean operating time, hospital stay, and time until return to work were significantly shorter in the PELD group than in the OLM group (67.8 vs. 136.7 minutes, 1.5 vs. 7.2 days, and 4.2 vs. 8.6 weeks; P < 0.001). Disc height (%) decreased significantly from 23.7 ± 3.3 to 19.1 ± 3.7 after OLM (P < 0.001), but did not change significantly after PELD (23.6 ± 3.2 to 23.4 ± 4.2; P = 0.703). The segmental angle of the operated level increased from 10.3° to 15.4° in the PELD group, which was significantly higher than that in the OLM group (9.6° to 11.6°; P = 0.038). In the OLM group, there was one case of fusion due to instability. In the PELD group, one case required revision surgery and another case experienced recurrence. There were no perioperative complications in either group. Limitation: The study was retrospective with a small sample size and short follow-up period. Conclusion: PELD can be an effective treatment for LLDH, and it is associated with potential advantages, including a rapid recovery, improvements in back pain, and disc height preservation. Key words: Large lumbar disc herniation, percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, microdiscectomy, back pain, disc height


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-126
Author(s):  
Riccardo Paracino ◽  
Fabrizio Mancini ◽  
Simona Lattanzi ◽  
Mauro Dobran

The purpose of this study is to identify some risk factors and post-operative predictors for recurrent lumbar disc hernia (rLDH) during a long-term follow-up in patients treated with microdiscectomy. Aim of the paper: This study analyzes some risk factors and postoperative predictors for recurrent lumbar disc hernia (rLDH) during a long-term follow-up in patients treated with microdiscectomy. Material and methods. We analyzed retrospectively a consecutive series of patients who underwent lumbar spinal microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) from January 2013 to June 2018 at our Institute. The rate of rLDH during long-term follow-up was analyzed and correlated with baseline and post-operative data. Results. A total of 263 patients were included with a median follow-up time of 24 months (from 13 to 43 months). Most of the patients had rLDH within the first 36 months after surgery. At multivariate analysis, recurrence of LDH was associated with higher pre-operative body mass index (BMI) and higher post-operative Oswentry disability index (ODI) with statistical significance. Conclusions. Baseline BMI and post-surgery ODI could predict rLDH after surgery during a long-term follow-up.


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