Duration of leg pain as a predictor of outcome after surgery for lumbar disc herniation: a prospective cohort study with 1-year follow up

2000 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Øystein P. Nygaard ◽  
Roar Kloster ◽  
Tore Solberg

Object. The aim of this study was to investigate different variables in the duration of symptoms that can be used to predict outcome after lumbar microdiscectomy. Methods. In a prospective study of 132 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for lumbar disc herniation, the authors evaluated the prognostic value of different variables in the duration of symptoms for the 1-year period after surgery. The 1-year follow-up investigation was conducted by an independent observer. Assessment of outcome was performed using a clinical overall score (COS), which was recently assessed for its reliability and validity. As for factors predictive of outcome, only duration of leg pain and sick leave reached statistical significance in the multivariate analysis. Results of the univariate analysis demonstrated that in patients experiencing preoperative leg pain fewer than 4 months and between 4 and 8 months, a significantly lower COS at the 1-year follow up was demonstrated compared with those in whom the duration of leg pain was longer (> 8 months). One hundred eight patients returned to work within the 1st year after surgery. Patients who took a sick leave of more than 28 weeks before the operation were at higher risk of not returning to work. Conclusions. Analysis of these results indicates that leg pain lasting more than 8 months correlates with an unfavorable postoperative outcome in patients with lumbar disc herniation, as well as a high risk of not returning to work.

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 441-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiro Kanayama ◽  
Tomoyuki Hashimoto ◽  
Keiichi Shigenobu ◽  
Fumihiro Oha ◽  
Shigeru Yamane

Object. Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a chemical mediator associated with nucleus pulposus—induced radiculopathy. Inhibition of 5-HT receptors may potentially alleviate symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation. This prospective randomized controlled study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the 5-HT2A receptor inhibitor in the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. Methods. Forty patients with sciatica due to L4–5 or L5—S1 disc herniation were randomly allocated to treatment with the 5-HT2A inhibitor (sarpogrelate 300 mg/day) or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; diclofenac 75 mg/day). Low-back pain, leg pain, and numbness were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) before and after a 2-week course of treatment. The patients received only allocated medicine during the 2-week regimen and were thereafter allowed to choose any treatment options depending on their residual symptoms. One-year clinical outcomes were assessed based on the rates of additional medical interventions. The mean VAS score improvements in the 5-HT2A and NSAID groups were 33 and 46% for low-back pain, 32 and 32% for leg pain, and 35 and 22% for leg numbness, respectively. After the 2-week regimen, no additional medical interventions were required in 50% of 5-HT2A—treated patients and 15% of those receiving NSAIDs. Epidural or nerve root block procedures were performed in 35% of the 5-HT2A group and 45% of the NSAID group. Surgery was required in 20% of the 5-HT2A group and 30% of the NSAID group patients. Conclusions. The current study provided evidence that the efficacy of the 5-HT2A inhibitor was comparable with that of NSAID therapy for lumbar disc herniation. The 5-HT2A inhibitor has the potential to alleviate symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation.


2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akbar Farzannia ◽  
Ghaffar Shokouhi ◽  
Shahram Hadidchi

✓ Alkaptonuria is a rare metabolic disease caused by deficiency of homogentisic acid oxidase and characterized by bluish-black discoloration of cartilages and skin (ochronosis). The authors report the cases of three patients with lumbar disc herniation who underwent discectomy and in whom the nucleus pulposus was discovered to be black. Alkaptonuria was diagnosed after discectomy. Discal herniation requiring surgery is unusual in alkaptonuria, with only a few reports. The symptoms in the three patients disappeared after surgery and no symptoms were demonstrated on follow-up examination.


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.


1983 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
James E. Wilberger ◽  
Dachling Pang

✓ Lumbar myelographic defects consistent with herniated disc were found in 108 asymptomatic patients undergoing myelography for other reasons. Within 3 years, 64% of these patients developed symptoms of lumbosacral radiculopathy. The clinical features of these patients comprise a syndrome significantly different from that typically associated with classical lumbar disc herniation: the syndrome described here carries a much higher incidence of silent root compression with minimal pain. Incidental lumbar myelographic defects are not necessarily benign findings, and patients in whom they are encountered deserve close clinical follow-up review and appropriate treatment if the defects become symptomatic.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai-Chao He ◽  
Xiao-qiang LV ◽  
Yong-Jin Zhang

Abstract Background In recent decades, endoscopic techniques to treat lumbar disc herniation (LDH) have gained popularity in clinical practice. However, there is little literature on the use of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) to treat cauda equina syndrome (CES) due to LDH. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of PELD for treating CES caused by disc herniation, and as well as to report some technical strategies. Methods Between October 2012 and April 2018, 15 patients with CES caused by LDH at the early and intermediate stages of Shi’s classification were selected as the subjects of study, and underwent PELD. All patients were followed up for at least two years. The patients’ back pain and leg pain were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the MacNab outcome scale. Clinical outcomes were measured preoperatively and at 3 days, 3 months, 6 months and the last follow-up. Results The VAS score for back pain, leg pain and ODI score significantly decreased from preoperatively scores of 6.67 ± 1.05, 7.13 ± 1.19 and 62.0 ± 6.85 respectively, to postoperatively cores of 1.80 ± 0.41, 1.47 ± 0.52 and 12.93 ± 1.03 at the last follow-up postoperatively. These postoperative scores were all significantly different compared with preoperative scores (P < 0.01). According to the modified MacNab outcome scale, 86.67% of these patients had excellent and good outcomes at the final follow-up. Complications included one patient with cerebrospinal fluid leakage and one patient who developed recurrent herniation; the latter patient finally achieved satisfactory results after reoperation. Conclusion PELD could be used as an alternative surgical method for the treatment of CES due to LDH in properly selected cases and appropriate patient selection. However, the operator should pay attention to foraminoplasty to enlarge the working space.


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.


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.


1982 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 813-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. N. Estridge ◽  
Stanley A. Rouhe ◽  
Neil G. Johnson

✓ The femoral stretching test is a valuable sign in diagnosing upper lumbar nerve root compression. We believe that it has the same significance for upper lumbar disc herniation as the sciatic stretching test has for the lower.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinlong Liu ◽  
Junlong Wu ◽  
Honglei Zhang ◽  
Rui Zuo ◽  
Jiabin Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) is minimally invasive and has been widely used to treat patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) due to its safety and efficiency. However, due to the unique anatomy of the L5–S1 level, the PTED procedure is often difficult to perform in the region. ZESSYS, a targeted and quantificational foraminoplasty device, may help to overcome these anatomical limitations. In this study, we assessed the efficiency and the short-term effects of PTED with ZESSYS at the L5–S1 level. Methods Between January and August of 2018, fifty-six patients with lumbar disc herniation at the single level of L5–S1 and who underwent percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. They were segregated into the transforaminal endoscopic surgical system (TESSYS) group and the ZESSYS group. The puncture time, foraminoplasty time, decompression time, and fluoroscopy time were evaluated for operation efficiency. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. The MacNab criteria were used to evaluate patient subjective satisfaction at 12-month follow-up postoperatively. Results The average puncture time (5.29 ± 2.05 min), foraminoplasty time (12.82 ± 2.52 min), and fluoroscopy time (26.29 ± 5.96 s) were all significantly shorter in the ZESSYS group than in the TESSYS group (average puncture time 8.07 ± 3.13 min, p < 0.01; foraminoplasty time, 17.18 ± 2.92 min, p < 0.01; fluoroscopy time, 34.73 ± 6.86 s; p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in the decompression time (p = 0.057). The VAS score of low back pain and leg pain, as well as the ODI score, improved at all time points postoperatively compared with preoperative, in both the TESSYS group and the ZESSYS group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the VAS score of low back pain, VAS score of leg pain, and ODI score between the TESSYS group and the ZESSYS group at the same time points (P > 0.05). According to the MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rate at 12-month follow-up postoperatively was 85.7% in the TESSYS group and 89.3% in the ZESSYS group (P > 0.05). Conclusion The targeted and quantificational foraminoplasty device named ZESSYS was more efficient in the puncture and foraminoplasty procedures, effectively protecting the exiting nerve and minimizing the level of radiation exposure. The device is efficient and safe for PTED in treating lumbar disc herniation at the L5–S1 level.


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