scholarly journals Prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with sciatica

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 978-985 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelilah el Barzouhi ◽  
Annemieke J. H. Verwoerd ◽  
Wilco C. Peul ◽  
Arianne P. Verhagen ◽  
Geert J. Lycklama à Nijeholt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Prognostic Value ◽  
Pain Severity ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Herniated Disc ◽  
Nerve Root Compression ◽  
Conservative Care ◽  
Satisfactory Outcome

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of MRI variables to predict outcome in patients with herniated disc–related sciatica, and whether MRI could facilitate the decision making between early surgery and prolonged conservative care in these patients. METHODS A prospective observational evaluation of patients enrolled in a randomized trial with 1-year follow-up was completed. A total of 283 patients with sciatica who had a radiologically confirmed disc herniation were randomized either to surgery or to prolonged conservative care with surgery if needed. Outcome measures were recovery and leg pain severity. Recovery was registered on a 7-point Likert scale. Complete/near complete recovery was considered a satisfactory outcome. Leg pain severity was measured on a 0- to 100-mm visual analog scale. Multiple MRI characteristics of the degenerated disc herniation were independently scored by 3 spine experts. Cox models were used to study the influence of MRI variables on rate of recovery, and linear mixed models were used to determine the predictive value of MRI variables for leg pain severity during follow-up. The interaction of each MRI predictor with treatment allocation was tested. There were no study-specific conflicts of interest. RESULTS Baseline MRI variables associated with less leg pain severity were the reader's assessment of presence of nerve root compression (p < 0.001), and assessment of extrusion compared with protrusion of the disc herniation (p = 0.006). Both variables tended to be associated, but not significantly, with satisfactory outcome during follow-up (HR 1.45, 95% CI 0.93–2.24, and HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.96–1.61, respectively). The size of disc herniation at baseline was not associated with outcome. There was no significant change in the effects between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS MRI assessment of the presence of nerve root compression and extrusion of a herniated disc at baseline was associated with less leg pain during 1-year follow-up, irrespective of a surgical or conservative treatment. MRI findings seem not to be helpful in determining which patients might fare better with early surgery compared with a strategy of prolonged conservative care. Clinical trial registration no.: ISRCTN26872154 (controlled-trials.com)

Pneumatic nerve root compression: epidural gas in association with lateral disc herniation

1994 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 453-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa M. Cheng ◽  
Michael J. Link ◽  
Burton M. Onofrio
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Chronic Back Pain ◽  
Intervertebral Discs ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Nerve Root Compression ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lumbar Nerve Root ◽  
Epidural Gas

✓ Extreme lateral disc herniations are increasingly recognized as a cause of lumbar nerve root compression syndromes. This disorder often presents major diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially in the presence of multiple degenerative changes and chronic back pain in elderly patients. The authors describe two patients with presentations and findings that have not been previously described in the literature. Both patients had histories of upper lumbar back and leg pain. Degenerative spine disease, gaseous degeneration of the intervertebral discs, and epidural gas in the lateral recesses were noted on imaging studies. However, because both patients had undergone prior epidural diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, the epidural gas in the lateral recesses could be attributed either to gaseous disc degeneration or to the previous intraspinal procedures. One patient was found to have a large, far lateral extruded disc fragment that contained air. The nerve root in the second patient was impaled by an unusual combination of a small extruded disc fragment as well as an air-filled sac that was surrounded by the walled-off fragment's capsule and which freely communicated with the gaseous degenerated disc space. The suspected mechanism of root compression is illustrated and discussed. The possibility of disc herniation should be seriously considered in cases of nerve root compression in which epidural gas is present, especially those associated with gaseous degenerated discs.

scholarly journals Clinical Outcomes of Trans-Sacral Epiduroscopic Laser Decompression (SELD) in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Seong Son ◽  
Sang Gu Lee ◽  
Yong Ahn ◽  
Woo Kyung Kim
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Herniated Disc ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Disc Disease

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.

Prospective evaluation of transabdominal percutaneous lumbar discectomy for L5–S1 disc herniation: initial clinical experience

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 321-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Gen Wu ◽  
Yong-Dong Li ◽  
Ming-Hua Li ◽  
Yi-Feng Gu ◽  
Min Li
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Invasive Procedure ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Herniated Disc ◽  
Lumbosacral Spine ◽  
Fluoroscopic Guidance ◽  
Common Procedure

Object Anterior approaches to the lumbosacral spine have become an increasingly common procedure in spine surgery, but transabdominal percutaneous lumbar discectomy (TPLD) performed anteriorly under fluoroscopic guidance is challenging. In this study the authors describe the TPLD and evaluate its safety and early clinical results in the management of L5–S1 disc herniation. Methods Between January 2005 and June 2007, 30 consecutive patients with L5–S1 disc herniation were treated with L5–S1 TPLD. All procedures were performed with the patient in a state of local anesthesia. After bowel preparation, the hypogastrium was compressed to move the intestinal canal away from the puncture site. The TPLD was then performed with fluoroscopic guidance to remove herniated disc material. Patients were evaluated prospectively using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) during ≤ 30 months of follow-up. Results The mean hospital stay was 6.7 days. Scores on the VAS for leg pain (preoperative mean score 7.10, postoperative mean score 0.93) and the ODI (preoperative mean index 62.03, postoperative mean index 10.33) were statistically significantly (p = 0.00) improved at the last follow-up examination compared with preoperative scores. All members of the study group showed favorable results. On the day after the procedure pancreatitis developed in 1 patient but was cured by fasting and intravenous nutrition with antibiotics for 7 days. No other complications occurred during the follow-up. Conclusions Transabdominal percutaneous lumbar discectomy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of disc herniations at the L5–S1 level.

Painless Footdrop Secondary to Lumbar Disc Herniation

Neurosurgery ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eddy Garrido ◽  
Robert H. Rosenwasser
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
The Other ◽  
Herniated Disc

Abstract This is a report of two patients who developed a painless footdrop due to compression of the L-5 nerve root from a herniated disc at the L-4, L-5 interspace. The diagnosis was suspected clinically, supported by myelography, and confirmed at operation. One patient has regained the strength of his foot during the follow-up period; the other has remained unchanged.

scholarly journals Percutaneous laser disc decompression versus conventional microdiscectomy for patients with sciatica: Two-year results of a randomised controlled trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick A Brouwer ◽  
Ronald Brand ◽  
M Elske van den Akker-van Marle ◽  
Wilco CH Jacobs ◽  
Barry Schenk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Prospective Trial ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Conventional Surgery ◽  
Laser Disc ◽  
Operation Rate ◽  
Significant Difference

Background Percutaneous laser disc decompression is a minimally invasive treatment, for lumbar disc herniation and might serve as an alternative to surgical management of sciatica. In a randomised trial with two-year follow-up we assessed the clinical effectiveness of percutaneous laser disc decompression compared to conventional surgery. Materials and methods This multicentre randomised prospective trial with a non-inferiority design, was carried out according to an intent-to-treat protocol with full institutional review board approval. One hundred and fifteen eligible surgical candidates, with sciatica from a disc herniation smaller than one-third of the spinal canal, were randomly allocated to percutaneous laser disc decompression ( n = 55) or conventional surgery ( n = 57). The main outcome measures for this trial were the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for sciatica, visual analogue scores for back and leg pain and the patient's report of perceived recovery. Results The primary outcome measures showed no significant difference or clinically relevant difference between the two groups at two-year follow-up. The re-operation rate was 21% in the surgery group, which is relatively high, and with an even higher 52% in the percutaneous laser disc decompression group. Conclusion At two-year follow-up, a strategy of percutaneous laser disc decompression, followed by surgery if needed, resulted in non-inferior outcomes compared to a strategy of microdiscectomy. Although the rate of reoperation in the percutaneous laser disc decompression group was higher than expected, surgery could be avoided in 48% of those patients that were originally candidates for surgery. Percutaneous laser disc decompression, as a non-surgical method, could have a place in the treatment arsenal of sciatica caused by contained herniated discs.

scholarly journals Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy for Treatment of Central Disc Herniation: Surgical Techniques and Clinical Outcome

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (21;1) ◽  
pp. E113-E123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Detection Technique ◽  
Herniated Disc ◽  
Central Disc ◽  
Endoscopic Discectomy

Background: Though transforaminal endoscopic discectomy has achieved a satisfactory clinical outcome in the treatment of paracentral disc herniation, it has a high failure rate for treating central disc herniation. Objective: To explore the surgical techniques of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy in treating central disc herniation and the clinical outcome based on 2-year follow-up. Study Design: A retrospective study. Setting: The Department of Spinal Surgery at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University in China. Methods: Sixty-nine consecutive patients (male:female = 14:9, mean age 38.8 ± 10.5 years) were enrolled in the study, all of whom underwent transforaminal endoscopic discectomy due to central disc herniation. The rod adjustment technique, apex technique, and posterior longitudinal ligament detection technique were adopted for intraoperative individualization. All of the patients were followed up for 24 months to assess the visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. The postoperative segmental instability and recurrence were observed during the follow-up period as well. MacNab criteria scores were recorded both intraoperatively and at the final follow-up; postoperative complications and the surgical outcome and safety were also evaluated. Results: The herniated disc tissues were successfully removed for all patients, without revision by open surgery. Twenty-one cases (30.43%) were rated excellent, 44 (63.77%) good, 4 (5.80%) fair, and 0 (0.00%) poor upon the final follow-up, with an overall excellent-to-good rate of 86.96%. The VAS scores of low back and leg pain were all significantly lower at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively compared to preoperatively (all P < 0.05). The JOA scores at the 3-month and 24-month postoperative follow-ups were significantly higher than the preoperative values (all P < 0.05). The ODI evaluation was significantly lower at 3 and 24 months postoperatively than preoperatively (all P < 0.05). Limitations: The retrospective nature of this study is a limitation, as well as the small sample size and short observation time. Conclusion: The application of novel surgical techniques can help improve the safety and efficacy of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy in treating central disc herniations. Intraoperative individualized application of rod adjustment technique, apex technique, or posterior longitudinal ligament detection technique is the key to satisfactory clinical outcome. Key words: Central disc herniation, rod adjustment technique, transforaminal endoscopy, minimal invasion, complication

scholarly journals Functional outcome of Lumber Spinal Stenosis in Laminectomy, Laminotomy and Unilateral approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Md Moshiur Rahman ◽  
SIM Khairun Nabi Khan ◽  
Robert Ahmed Khan ◽  
Md Rokibul Islam ◽  
Umme Kulsum Sharmin Zaman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Blood Loss ◽  
Spinal Stenosis ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Surgical Outcome ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Patients Âgés ◽  
Unilateral Approach ◽  
Satisfactory Outcome

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the surgical outcome between Bilateral Laminotomy, Laminectomy and Unilateral approach in Lumber Spinal Stenosis. Methods: One hundred forty four (144) patients were going to underwent three prospective surgery such as Bilateral Laminotomy (48 patients), Laminectomy (48 patient) and Unilateral approach (48 patients). This study conducted between 2009 to 2014 at private medical hospitals in Dhaka. All the patients ages are e” 40. All the patients were observed prospectively. Clinical outcomes for back and leg pain were analyses using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaires and Swiss score. Results: Satisfactory decompression was accomplished in all patients. The complications were less in patients who had experienced Unilateral Laminotomy rather than Bilateral Laminotomy and Laminectomy. Mean age of patients were 52.16+/ - 6.87 years with the range of 40-68 years. Among them 101 patients are male (70.11%) and 43 patients are female (29.99%). The rates of improvements are 79.17% in Laminectomy, 85.1% in Bilateral Laminotomy and 91.9% in Unilateral Laminotomy. From here unilateral Laminotomy have quite better results than others. Minimum follow up period was 2 years. Conclusion: Unilateral Laminotomy has a satisfactory outcome in Lumber Spinal Stenosis surgery in comparison to rest of two approaches. Postoperative complications were minimum in respect to blood loss, hospital stay and revision surgery. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2020; 9(2): 105-110

scholarly journals Appropriateness of Lumbar Spine Referrals to a Neurosurgical Service

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 843-848 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Max Findlay ◽  
Nathan Deis
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Neurological Deficit ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Lumbar Spine Surgery ◽  
Nerve Root Compression ◽  
Clinical Criteria ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Radiological Evidence ◽  
The University

AbstractBackground:Patients with lumbar spine complaints are often referred for surgical assessment. Only those with clinical and radiological evidence of nerve root compression are potential candidates for surgery and appropriate for surgical assessment. This study examines the appropriateness of lumbar spine referrals made to neurosurgeons in Edmonton, Alberta.Methods:Lumbar spine referrals to a group of ten neurosurgeons at the University of Alberta were reviewed over three two month intervals. Clinical criteria for “appropriateness” for surgical assessment were as follows: •“Appropriate” referrals were those that stated leg pain was the chief complaint, or those that described physical exam evidence of neurological deficit, and imaging reports (CT or MRI) were positive for nerve root compression. •“Uncertain” referrals were those that reported both back and leg pain without specifying which was greater, without mention of neurologic deficit, and when at least possible nerve root compression was reported on imaging. •“Inappropriate” referrals contained no mention of leg symptoms or signs of neurological deficit, and/or had no description of nerve root compression on imaging.Results:Of the 303 referrals collected, 80 (26%) were appropriate, 92 (30%) were uncertain and 131 (44%) were inappropriate for surgical assessment.Conclusions:Physicians seeking specialist consultations for patients with lumbar spine complaints need to be better informed of the criteria which indicate an appropriate referral for surgical treatment, namely clinical and radiological evidence of nerve root compression. Avoiding inappropriate referrals could reduce wait-times for both surgical consultation and lumbar spine surgery for those patients requiring it.

Unilateral facetectomy approach for lateral lumbar disc herniation

1991 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 754-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eddy Garrido ◽  
P. Noel Connaughton
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Lumbar Fusion ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Herniated Disc ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Flexion And Extension ◽  
Fine Print

✓ 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.

Lumbar nerve root compression at the intervertebral foramina caused by arthritis of the posterior facets

1973 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph A. Epstein ◽  
Bernard S. Epstein ◽  
Leroy S. Lavine ◽  
Robert Carras ◽  
Alan D. Rosenthal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Root ◽  
Herniated Disc ◽  
Nerve Root Compression ◽  
Degenerative Arthritis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lumbar Nerve Root ◽  
Intervertebral Foramina ◽  
Pain Patients ◽  
Unusual Stress ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors report their experience with 12 cases in which the roots of the sciatic nerve were compressed at the intervertebral foramina by degenerative arthritis (arthrosis) of the posterior facets, and in which foraminotomy and facetectomy brought relief of pain. Patients with disc narrowing, spondylolisthesis, and transitional vertebrae place unusual stress on the posterior facets. This may lead to hypertrophy and the development of marginal osteophytes that project downward with eventual constriction of the intervertebral foramen and entrapment of the nerve root. Such alterations are common in patients over 40, and when found in the presence of unremitting sciatic pain without evidence of a herniated disc or other etiology, a causal relationship must be considered.

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