scholarly journals Resection of gliomas deemed inoperable by neurosurgeons based on preoperative imaging studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 567-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek G. Southwell ◽  
Harjus S. Birk ◽  
Seunggu J. Han ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Jeffrey W. Sall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Referring Physicians ◽  
Radiological Studies

OBJECTIVEMaximal safe resection is a primary objective in the management of gliomas. Despite this objective, surgeons and referring physicians may, on the basis of radiological studies alone, assume a glioma to be unresectable. Because imaging studies, including functional MRI, may not localize brain functions (such as language) with high fidelity, this simplistic approach may exclude some patients from what could be a safe resection. Intraoperative direct electrical stimulation (DES) allows for the accurate localization of functional areas, thereby enabling maximal resection of tumors, including those that may appear inoperable based solely on radiological studies. In this paper the authors describe the extent of resection (EOR) and functional outcomes following resections of tumors deemed inoperable by referring physicians and neurosurgeons.METHODSThe authors retrospectively examined the cases of 58 adult patients who underwent glioma resection within 6 months of undergoing a brain biopsy of the same lesion at an outside hospital. All patients exhibited unifocal supratentorial disease and preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale scores ≥ 70. The EOR and 6-month functional outcomes for this population were characterized.RESULTSIntraoperative DES mapping was performed on 96.6% (56 of 58) of patients. Nearly half of the patients (46.6%, 27 of 58) underwent an awake surgical procedure with DES. Overall, the mean EOR was 87.6% ± 13.6% (range 39.0%–100%). Gross-total resection (resection of more than 99% of the preoperative tumor volume) was achieved in 29.3% (17 of 58) of patients. Subtotal resection (95%–99% resection) and partial resection (PR; < 95% resection) were achieved in 12.1% (7 of 58) and 58.6% (34 of 58) of patients, respectively. Of the cases that involved PR, the mean EOR was 79.4% ± 12.2%. Six months after surgery, no patient was found to have a new postoperative neurological deficit. The majority of patients (89.7%, 52 of 58) were free of neurological deficits both pre- and postoperatively. The remainder of patients exhibited either residual but stable deficits (5.2%, 3 of 58) or complete correction of preoperative deficits (5.2%, 3 of 58).CONCLUSIONSThe use of DES enabled maximal safe resections of gliomas deemed inoperable by referring neurosurgeons. With rare exceptions, tumor resectability cannot be determined solely by radiological studies.

Less-aggressive surgical management and long-term outcomes of jugular foramen paragangliomas: a neurosurgical perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 125 (5) ◽  
pp. 1143-1154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Da Li ◽  
Xiao-Jun Zeng ◽  
Shu-Yu Hao ◽  
Liang Wang ◽  
Jie Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Significant Risk ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Neurological Function ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Swallowing Function ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
The Mean

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the neurological functional outcome and recurrent risks in surgically treated jugular foramen paragangliomas (JFPs) and to propose an individualized therapeutic strategy. METHODS Clinical charts and radiological information were reviewed retrospectively in 51 consecutive cases of JFPs. Less-aggressive surgical interventions were adopted with the goal of preserving neurovascular structures. Scheduled follow-up was performed. RESULTS The mean age of the patients in the cases reviewed was 41.6 years, and the group included 27 females (52.9%). The mean preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score was 78.4. The mean lesion size was 3.8 cm. Forty-three cases (84.3%) were Fisch Type D, including 37 cases (72.5%) of Type Di1 and Di2. Thirty-seven cases (72.5%) were Glasscock-Jackson Type III–IV. Gross-total resection and subtotal resection were achieved in 26 (51.0%) and 22 (43.1%) cases, respectively. Surgical morbidities occurred in 23 patients (45.1%), without surgery-related mortality after the first operation. The mean postoperative KPS scores at discharge, 3 months, 1 year, and most recent evaluation were 71.8, 77.2, 83.2, and 79.6, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 85.7 months. The tumor recurrence/regrowth (R/R) rate was 11.8%. Compared with preoperative status, swallowing function improved or stabilized in 96.1% and facial function improved or stabilized in 94.1% of patients. A House-Brackmann scale Grade I/II was achieved in 43 patients (84.3%). Overall neurological status improved or stabilized in 90.0% of patients. Pathological mitosis (HR 10.640, p = 0.009) was the most significant risk for tumor R/R. A 1-year increase in age (OR 1.115, p = 0.037) and preoperative KPS score < 80 (OR 11.071, p = 0.018) indicated a risk for recent poor neurological function (KPS < 80). Overall R/R-free survival, symptom progression–free survival, and overall survival at 15 years were 78.9%, 86.8%, and 80.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Surgical outcomes for JFPs were acceptable using a less-aggressive surgical strategy. Most patients could adapt to surgical morbidities and carry out normal life activities. Preserving neurological function was a priority, and maximal decompression with or without radiotherapy was desirable to preserve a patient's quality of life when radical resection was not warranted. Early surgery plus preoperative devascularization was proposed, and radiotherapy was mandatory for lesions with pathological mitosis.

scholarly journals Is the chiasm-pituitary corridor size important for achieving gross-total resection during endonasal endoscopic resection of craniopharyngiomas?

2018 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 642-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sacit Bulent Omay ◽  
João Paulo Almeida ◽  
Yu-Ning Chen ◽  
Sathwik R. Shetty ◽  
Buqing Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Third Ventricle ◽  
Visual Outcome ◽  
Optic Chiasm ◽  
Gross Total Resection ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Large Tumor ◽  
The Mean

OBJECTIVECraniopharyngiomas arise from the pituitary stalk, and in adults they are generally located posterior to the chiasm extending up into the third ventricle. The extended endonasal approach (EEA) can provide an ideal corridor between the bottom of the optic chiasm and the top of the pituitary gland (chiasm-pituitary corridor [CPC]) for their removal. A narrow CPC in patients with a prefixed chiasm and a large tumor extending up and behind the chiasm has been considered a contraindication to EEA, with a high risk of visual deterioration and subtotal resection.METHODSA database of all patients treated in the authors’ center (Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital) between July 2004 and August 2016 was reviewed. Patients with craniopharyngiomas who underwent EEA with the goal of gross-total resection (GTR) were included in the study. Patients with postfixed chiasm or limited available preoperative imaging were excluded. Using preoperative contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sagittal midline MR images, the authors calculated the CPC as well as the distance from the chiasm to the top of the tumor (CTOT). From these numbers, they calculated a ratio of the CPC to the CTOT as a measure of difficulty in removing the tumors through the EEA and called this ratio the corridor index (CI). The relationship between the CI and the ability to achieve GTR and visual outcome were measured.RESULTSThirty-four patients were included in the study. The mean CPC was 10.1 mm (range 5.2–19.1 mm). The mean CTOT was 12.8 mm (range 0–28.3 mm). The median CI was 0.8; the CI ranged from 0.4 to infinity (for tumors with a CTOT of 0). Thirty-two patients had GTR (94.1%) and 2 had subtotal resection. The CPC value had no relationship with our ability to achieve GTR and no effect on visual or endocrine outcome.CONCLUSIONSEEA for craniopharyngioma is generally considered the first-line surgical approach. Although a narrow corridor between the top of the pituitary gland and the bottom of the chiasm may seem to be a relative contraindication to surgery for larger tumors, the authors’ data do not bear this out. EEA appears to be a successful technique for the majority of midline craniopharyngiomas.

scholarly journals 382 Resection of Gliomas Initially Deemed to be Inoperable

Neurosurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (CN_suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 291-291
Author(s):  
Derek Southwell ◽  
Harjus Birk ◽  
Seunggu Jude Han ◽  
Mitchel S Berger
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Brain Biopsy ◽  
Extent Of Resection ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Glioma Resection ◽  
Referring Physicians ◽  
Functional Areas ◽  
Performance Scale

Abstract INTRODUCTION Surgeons and referring physicians may, on the basis of radiologic studies alone, assume a glioma to be unresectable. Because imaging studies, including functional MRI, may not localize eloquent areas with high fidelity, this simplistic approach excludes some patients from what could be a safe resection. Intraoperative direct electrical stimulation (DES) accurately localizes functional areas, thereby enabling maximal resection of tumors. Here we describe the extent of resection and functional outcomes following resections of tumors deemed inoperable at outside hospitals. METHODS We retrospectively examined the cases of 58 adult patients who underwent glioma resection within six months of undergoing a brain biopsy of the same lesion at an outside hospital. All patients exhibited unifocal, supratentorial disease, and pre-operative Karnofsky Performance Scale scores = 70. We characterized the extent of resection and six-month functional outcomes for this population. RESULTS >Intraoperative DES mapping was performed on 96.6% of patients (56 of 58). Overall, the mean extent of resection was 87.6% ± 13.6% (range, 39.0% to 100%). Gross total resection (resection of >99% of the pre-operative tumor volume) was achieved in 29.3% of patients (17 of 58). Sub-total resection (95-99% resection) and partial resection (<95% resection) were achieved in 12.1% (7 of 58) and 58.6% of patients (34 of 58), respectively. Six months after surgery, no patient exhibited a new post-operative neurologic deficit. Most patients (87.9%, 51 of 58) were free of neurologic deficits both pre- and post-operatively. The remainder of patients exhibited either residual but stable deficits (5.2%, 3 of 58), or complete correction of pre-operative deficits (6.9%, 4 of 58). CONCLUSION The use of DES enabled maximal safe resections of gliomas deemed inoperable by referring neurosurgeons. With rare exceptions, tumor resectability cannot be determined solely by radiologic studies.

Surgical management of multicentric diffuse low-grade gliomas: functional and oncological outcomes

2013 ◽  
Vol 118 (6) ◽  
pp. 1169-1175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuzo Terakawa ◽  
Yordanka N. Yordanova ◽  
Matthew C. Tate ◽  
Hugues Duffau
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Clinicopathological Characteristics ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Low Grade Gliomas ◽  
Oncological Outcomes ◽  
Permanent Morbidity ◽  
Histopathological Results

Object Multicentric diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGGs) are defined as widely separated lesions in different lobes or hemispheres where there is no anatomical continuity between lesions. This condition is rare and its clinicopathological characteristics have been scarcely described in the literature. Here, the authors report the first consecutive surgical series of multicentric DLGGs with functional and oncological outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of patients surgically treated for histopathologically confirmed multicentric DLGGs between 2000 and 2012 was performed. Information regarding clinical features, surgical procedures, histopathological results, and clinical outcomes was collected and analyzed. Results Five consecutive patients were included in this study. There were 3 men and 2 women, whose mean age was 27.4 years (range 23–35 years). The mean follow-up period after surgery was 46 months (range 11–138 months). Gross-total or subtotal resection was achieved in all cases, using a single surgery in 3 patients and a 2-stage surgery in 2 patients. There was no mortality or permanent morbidity associated with surgery. The Karnofsky Performance Scale score ranged between 90 and 100 in all cases. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered in 2 patients because of tumor regrowth with no malignant transformation. Conclusions Multicentric DLGGs can be removed safely without inducing severe permanent neurological deficits. Interestingly, a single-stage resection of multiple lesions within different lobes may be performed if tumors are located in the same hemisphere. Therefore, the authors suggest considering surgery as the first therapeutic option for multicentric DLGGs, as in solitary DLGGs.

Analysis of human acellular nerve allograft combined with contralateral C7 nerve root transfer for restoration of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion in brachial plexus injury: a mean 4-year follow-up

2020 ◽  
Vol 132 (6) ◽  
pp. 1914-1924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Li ◽  
Jiantao Yang ◽  
Bengang Qin ◽  
Honggang Wang ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Elbow Flexion ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Allograft Reconstruction ◽  
Acellular Nerve Allograft ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Monofilament Test

OBJECTIVEHuman acellular nerve allograft applications have increased in clinical practice, but no studies have quantified their influence on reconstruction outcomes for high-level, greater, and mixed nerves, especially the brachial plexus. The authors investigated the functional outcomes of human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction for nerve gaps in patients with brachial plexus injury (BPI) undergoing contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve root transfer to innervate the upper trunk, and they determined the independent predictors of recovery in shoulder abduction and elbow flexion.METHODSForty-five patients with partial or total BPI were eligible for this retrospective study after CC7 nerve root transfer to the upper trunk using human acellular nerve allografts. Deltoid and biceps muscle strength, degree of shoulder abduction and elbow flexion, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, and static two-point discrimination (S2PD) were examined according to the modified British Medical Research Council (mBMRC) scoring system, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) were scored to establish the function of the affected upper limb. Meaningful recovery was defined as grades of M3–M5 or S3–S4 based on the scoring system. Subgroup analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction.RESULTSThe mean follow-up duration and the mean human acellular nerve allograft length were 48.1 ± 10.1 months and 30.9 ± 5.9 mm, respectively. Deltoid and biceps muscle strength was grade M4 or M3 in 71.1% and 60.0% of patients. Patients in the following groups achieved a higher rate of meaningful recovery in deltoid and biceps strength, as well as lower DASH scores (p < 0.01): age < 20 years and age 20–29 years; allograft lengths ≤ 30 mm; and patients in whom the interval between injury and surgery was < 90 days. The meaningful sensory recovery rate was approximately 70% in the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and S2PD. According to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, age, interval between injury and surgery, and allograft length significantly influenced functional outcomes.CONCLUSIONSHuman acellular nerve allografts offered safe reconstruction for 20- to 50-mm nerve gaps in procedures for CC7 nerve root transfer to repair the upper trunk after BPI. The group in which allograft lengths were ≤ 30 mm achieved better functional outcome than others, and the recommended length of allograft in this procedure was less than 30 mm. Age, interval between injury and surgery, and allograft length were independent predictors of functional outcomes after human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction.

Long-term outcomes of lumbar microdiscectomy in the pediatric population: a large single-institution case series

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 549-557
Author(s):  
Malia McAvoy ◽  
Heather J. McCrea ◽  
Vamsidhar Chavakula ◽  
Hoon Choi ◽  
Wenya Linda Bi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Management ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Single Institution ◽  
The Mean

OBJECTIVEFew studies describe long-term functional outcomes of pediatric patients who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy (LMD) because of the rarity of pediatric disc herniation and the short follow-up periods. The authors analyzed risk factors, clinical presentation, complications, and functional outcomes of a single-institution series of LMD patients over a 19-year period.METHODSA retrospective case series was conducted of pediatric LMD patients at a large pediatric academic hospital from 1998 to 2017. The authors examined premorbid risk factors, clinical presentation, physical examination findings, type and duration of conservative management, indications for surgical intervention, complications, and postoperative outcomes.RESULTSOver the 19-year study period, 199 patients underwent LMD at the authors’ institution. The mean age at presentation was 16.0 years (range 12–18 years), and 55.8% were female. Of these patients, 70.9% participated in competitive sports, and among those who did not play sports, 65.0% had a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2. Prior to surgery, conservative management had failed in 98.0% of the patients. Only 3 patients (1.5%) presented with cauda equina syndrome requiring emergent microdiscectomy. Complications included 4 cases of postoperative CSF leak (2.0%), 1 case of a noted intraoperative CSF leak, and 3 cases of wound infection (1.5%). At the first postoperative follow-up appointment, minimal or no pain was reported by 93.3% of patients. The mean time to return to sports was 9.8 weeks. During a mean follow-up duration of 8.2 years, 72.9% of patients did not present again after routine postoperative appointments. The total risk of reoperation was a rate of 7.5% (3.5% of patients underwent reoperation for the same level; 4.5% underwent adjacent-level decompression, and one patient [0.5%] ultimately underwent a fusion).CONCLUSIONSMicrodiscectomy is a safe and effective treatment for long-term relief of pain and return to daily activities among pediatric patients with symptomatic lumbar disc disease in whom conservative management has failed.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for intracranial metastatic melanoma: a 6-year experience

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 494-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gonzalez-martinez ◽  
Laura Hernandez ◽  
Lucia Zamorano ◽  
Andrew Sloan ◽  
Kenneth Levin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness of stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial metastatic melanoma and to identify prognostic factors related to tumor control and survival that might be helpful in determining appropriate therapy. Methods. Twenty-four patients with intracranial metastases (115 lesions) metastatic from melanoma underwent radiosurgery. In 14 patients (58.3%) whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) was performed, and in 12 (50%) chemotherapy was conducted before radiosurgery. The median tumor volume was 4 cm3 (range 1–15 cm3). The mean dose was 16.4 Gy (range 13–20 Gy) prescribed to the 50% isodose at the tumor margin. All cases were categorized according to the Recursive Partitioning Analysis classification for brain metastases. Univariate and multivariate analyses of survival were performed to determine significant prognostic factors affecting survival. The mean survival was 5.5 months after radiosurgery. The analyses revealed no difference in terms of survival between patients who underwent WBRT or chemotherapy and those who did not. A significant difference (p < 0.05) in mean survival was observed between patients receiving immunotherapy or those with a Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score of greater than 90. Conclusions. The treatment with systemic immunotherapy and a KPS score greater than 90 were factors associated with a better prognosis. Radiosurgery for melanoma-related brain metastases appears to be an effective treatment associated with few complications.

Analysis of Clinical, Imaging, and Pathologic Features of 36 Patients with Primary Intraspinal Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors: A Case Series and Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuefeng Wei ◽  
Xu Zhang ◽  
Zimu Song ◽  
Feng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors ◽  
Pathologic Features ◽  
Neuroectodermal Tumors ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background and Study Aims Primary intraspinal primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) account for ∼0.4% of all intraspinal tumors, but information about these tumors in the medical literature is limited to single case reports. We report four cases of primary intraspinal PNETs and present a systematic literature review of the reported cases. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the clinical data of 4 patients with primary intraspinal PNETs who underwent neurosurgical treatment at our clinic between January 2013 and January 2020, and of 32 cases reported in the literature. Results The female-to-male ratio was 2.6:1. The mean patient age was 21.42 ± 15.76 years (range: 1–60 years), and patients <36 years of age accounted for 83.30% of the study cohort. Progressive limb weakness and numbness were the chief symptoms (accounting for ∼55.6%). The mean complaint duration was 0.89 ± 0.66 months for males and 2.72 ± 3.82 months for females (p = 0.028). Epidural (41.7%) was the most common site, and thoracic (47.3%) was the most frequent location. Most PNETs were peripheral, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance was isointense or mildly hypointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Homogeneous contrast enhancement was observed. The 1-year survival rate of patients who underwent chemoradiation after total or subtotal lesion resection was better compared with patients who did not undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or total or subtotal resection. The modality of treatment was associated with survival time (p = 0.007). Conclusion Primary intraspinal PNETs mainly occur in young people with a female preponderance. In patients with a rapid loss of lower limb muscle strength and large intraspinal lesions on MRI, PNETs should be considered. Surgical resection and adjuvant radio chemotherapy are key prognostic factors.

scholarly journals Natural history and treatment options of radiation-induced brain cavernomas: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gildas Patet ◽  
Andrea Bartoli ◽  
Torstein R. Meling
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Average Dose ◽  
Cavernous Malformations ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
The Mean

AbstractRadiation-induced cavernous malformations (RICMs) are delayed complications of brain irradiation during childhood. Its natural history is largely unknown and its incidence may be underestimated as RCIMS tend to develop several years following radiation. No clear consensus exists regarding the long-term follow-up or treatment. A systematic review of Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was performed. Based on our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 12 articles were included, totaling 113 children with RICMs, 86 were treated conservatively, and 27 with microsurgery. We were unable to precisely define the incidence and natural history from this data. The mean age at radiation treatment was 7.3 years, with a slight male predominance (54%) and an average dose of 50.0 Gy. The mean time to detection of RICM was 9.2 years after radiation. RICM often developed at distance from the primary lesion, more specifically frontal (35%) and temporal lobe (34%). On average, 2.6 RICMs were discovered per child. Sixty-seven percent were asymptomatic. Twenty-one percent presented signs of hemorrhage. Clinical outcome was favorable in all children except in 2. Follow-up data were lacking in most of the studies. RICM is most often asymptomatic but probably an underestimated complication of cerebral irradiation in the pediatric population. Based on the radiological development of RICMs, many authors suggest a follow-up of at least 15 years. Studies suggest observation for asymptomatic lesions, while surgery is reserved for symptomatic growth, hemorrhage, or focal neurological deficits.

scholarly journals Manual Therapy in Cervical and Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review of the Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6176
Author(s):  
Tomasz Kuligowski ◽  
Anna Skrzek ◽  
Błażej Cieślik
Keyword(s):  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lumbar Radiculopathy ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Mean

The aim of this study was to describe and update current knowledge of manual therapy accuracy in treating cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, to identify the limitations in current studies, and to suggest areas for future research. The study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases up to April 2020. The following inclusion criteria were used: (1) presence of radiculopathy; (2) treatment defined as manual therapy (i.e., traction, manipulation, mobilization); and (3) publication defined as a Randomized Controlled Trial. The electronic literature search resulted in 473 potentially relevant articles. Finally, 27 articles were accepted: 21 on cervical (CR) and 6 in lumbar radiculopathy (LR). The mean PEDro score for CR was 6.6 (SD 1.3), and for LR 6.7 (SD 1.6). Traction-oriented techniques are the most frequently chosen treatment form for CR and are efficient in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes. In LR, each of the included publications used a different form of manual therapy, which makes it challenging to summarize knowledge in this group. Of included publications, 93% were either of moderate or low quality, which indicates that quality improvement is necessary for this type of research.

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