亚甲蓝治疗椎间盘源性下腰痛机制的动物实验研究

目的:研究亚甲蓝椎间盘内注射对退变椎间盘内神经纤维的灭活作用,探讨亚甲蓝治疗椎间盘源性下腰痛的机制.材料与方法:通过采用18只SD雄性大鼠建立椎间盘退变动物模型.将损伤尾4、5全层纤维环作为实验阳性对照椎间盘组;损伤尾5、6全层纤维环作为实验椎间盘组;尾6、7作为无损伤完整对照椎间盘组.所有大鼠均在术前,术后进行X线和MRI的检查,分别于术后第2周,术后第6周,术后第11周,随机取2只动物处死后进行Masson染色,观察纤维环愈合状况,到了第11周实验时间点,对实验组椎间盘进行亚甲蓝的注射,并在12周处死余下所有12只实验动物,切取大鼠尾椎椎间盘,进行免疫组化染色.检测SP(P物质)、PGP9.5(神经纤维);参考Madsen描述的免疫组化半定量方法,根据切片的神经在实验椎间盘的分布情况进行评分;评分标准如下:椎间盘中没有免疫阳性细胞和免疫阳性反应,0分;在椎间盘观察区有一个阳性细胞,1分;在椎间盘外部的2个或几个观察区包括几个阳性细胞,2分;在椎间盘几个观察区内包括几个甚至更多的阳性细胞,并延伸到椎间盘中央区,3分.记录各组数据,进行组间等级资料秩和检验,在软件SPSS14.0上进行,以P＜0.05为有统计学意义.结果:X线可见椎间盘损伤前椎间隙正常,损伤后11周鼠尾椎有较明显的椎间隙变窄和骨质增生的反应间隙变窄和骨质增生的反应.MRI可见损伤前大鼠尾椎序列良好,椎间盘未见退变征象,高度基本一致.损伤后11周MRI复检可见SD大鼠尾椎序列紊乱,穿刺损伤的椎间盘出现高度丢失,体积缩小,椎体边缘骨桥形成等退变征象.在损伤后12周,在尾4/5椎间盘的前1/4区检测到SP和PGP9.5免疫阳性细胞分布.尾5/6椎间盘在损伤后11周,并注射亚甲蓝1周后神经出现率很低(P＜0.01).结论:亚甲蓝椎间盘内注射对椎间盘内神经纤维有灭活作用,可能是治疗椎间盘源性下腰痛的主要机制.     

A randomized double-blind controlled trial of intra-annular radiofrequency thermal disc therapy – A 12-month follow-up

The discTRODE™ probe applies radiofrequency (RF) current, heating the annulus to treat chronic discogenic low back pain. Randomized controlled studies have not been published. We assessed the long-term effect and safety aspects of percutaneous intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PIRFT) with the discTRODE™ probe in a prospective parallel, randomized and gender stratified, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Twenty selected patients with chronic low back pain and a positive one-level pressure-controlled provocation discography were randomized to either intra-annular PIRFT or intra-annular sham treatment. A blinded interim analysis was performed when 20 patients had been followed for six months. The 6-month analysis did not reveal any trend towards overall effect or difference between active and sham treatment for the primary endpoint: change in pain intensity (0–10). The inclusion of patients was therefore discontinued. After 12 months the overall reduction from baseline pain had reached statistical significance, but there was no significant difference between the groups. The functional outcome measures (Oswestry Disability Index, and SF 36 subscales and the relative change in pain) appeared more promising, but did not reach statistical significance when compared with sham treatment. Two actively treated and two sham-treated patients reported increased pain levels, and in both groups a higher number was unemployed after 12 months. The study did not find evidence for a benefit of PIRFT, although it cannot rule out a moderate effect. Considering the high number, reporting increased pain in our study, we would not recommend intra-annular thermal therapy with the discTRODE™ probe.     

Effects of motion style acupuncture treatment in acute low back pain patients with severe disability: A multicenter,randomized, controlled,comparative effectiveness trial

Reviews of the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for acute low back pain (aLBP) have shown that there is insufficient evidence for its effect and that more research is needed. Motion style acupuncture treatment (MSAT) is novel in that it requires a part of the patient’s body to move passively or actively while acupuncture needles are retained. A multicenter, randomized, comparative effectiveness trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of MSAT in aLBP with severe disability. A total of 58 aLBP patients with severe functional disability (defined per Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] ?60%) were recruited and assigned randomly to receive 1 session of either conventional diclofenac injection (n = 29) or MSAT (n = 29). The primary outcome measured improvement in LBP using the 10-point numerical rating scale of LBP, and the secondary outcome assessed disability using the Oswestry Disability Index at 30 minutes and at 2, 4, and 24 weeks after treatment. Analyses were by intention to treat. The numerical rating scale of the MSAT group decreased 3.12 (95% confidence interval = 2.26, 3.98; P < .0001) more than that of the injection group and the Oswestry Disability Index of the MSAT group decreased 32.95% (95% confidence interval = 26.88, 39.03; P < .0001) more than that of the injection group, respectively. The difference between the 2 groups maintained statistical significance at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. These results suggest that MSAT has positive effects on immediate pain relief and the functional recovery of aLBP patients with severe disability.     

Pain Scores among Emergency Department (ED) Patients: Comparison by ED Diagnosis

Background

Treatment for pain and pain-related conditions has been identified as the most common reason for Emergency Department (ED) visits.

Objective

This study was undertaken to characterize the distribution of self-reported pain scores for common ED diagnoses.

Methods

In this retrospective exploratory chart review, eligible participants included all adult ED patients age 18 years and over, with a self-reported triage pain score of 1 or higher during January–June 2011. Data were collected from ED electronic medical records.

Results

Among 1229 patients, the mean age was 44 years; 56% of patients were female, and 59% were white. The mean triage pain score for all patients was 7.1 (interquartile range 6–9). The most common reported diagnoses included: minor injuries (10%), abdominal pain (8%), and respiratory infections (8%). The diagnoses with the highest mean pain scores were: sickle cell crisis (mean pain score 8.7), back/neck/shoulder pain (8.5), and headache/migraine (8.3). Higher pain scores were significantly correlated with younger age (p < 0.001) and number of ED visits (p < 0.001). Demographic factors including female gender, African American race, and Medicaid insurance reported significantly higher pain scores (p < 0.001). Patients with multiple ED visits in the recent 12 months reported significantly higher pain scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

ED patients report a wide variety of pain scores. Factors associated with higher pain scores included younger age, female gender, African American race, Medicaid insurance status, multiple ED visits in the past year, and ED diagnoses of sickle cell crisis, back/neck/shoulder pain, and headache.     

Successful Treatment of Lumbar Discogenic Pain Using Intradiscal Biacuplasty in Previously Discectomized Disc

Discogenic back pain is frequently present in patients after discectomy. Here, we describe a case of young woman, previously discectomized, who was treated by a novel annuloplasty procedure, intradiscal biacuplasty (IDB). The improvement in functional capacity and pain scores were profound 12 months after the IDB. Visual analog pain scores (0–10) changed from 5 to 3. Oswestry scale showed functional improvement from 52%, or severe disability, to 14%, or minimal disability, and the SF-36 physical function scale score changed from 55 to 95. IDB may be an effective treatment for patients with discogenic pain from previously discectomized discs.     

Prevention of medication overuse in patients with migraine

This multi-center study compared the therapeutic effect of a cognitive-behavioral minimal contact program (MCT) to the effect of a brochure (bibliotherapy) for the prevention of medication overuse headache (MOH) in migraine patients. Seven German headache centers recruited 182 migraine patients with high triptan or analgesic intake frequency. Patients were randomly allocated to either the MCT-group, receiving both an MCT program and an educational brochure or to the biblio-group receiving only the brochure. All participants continued usual medical treatment. Course of headaches, intake of analgesics or triptans after training, 3 months post-training as well as 1-2 years (mean 15.7 months) later and psychological variables were defined as outcome variables. A significant decline was observed in the number of headache days (11.0-8.8), migraine days (7.3-5.7) and medication intake days (7.4-6.1) from pre to post in the MCT-group (p < 0.001 each) and in the biblio-group (p < 0.001 each). The pre-to-post-improvements were maintained from pre- to short- and from pre- to long-term follow-up (p < 0.001 each) in both groups. Both groups improved significantly from pre to post in psychological variables, e.g. pain acceptance: p < 0.001; pain catastrophizing: p < 0.001; functional pain coping: p < 0.001; and pain related internal control beliefs: p < 0.01. Psychological improvements remained stable in both groups at short- and long-term follow-up. During the study, none of the patients developed an MOH. MCT- and bibliotherapy are useful in migraine patients to prevent medication overuse headache or the transition of episodic to chronic headache.     

椎间盘造影结合亚甲蓝注射治疗椎间盘源性下腰痛的初步疗效观察

目的:收集行椎间盘造影结合椎间盘内亚甲蓝注射治疗的椎间盘源性腰痛患者的术后及1年后随访资料进行分析,评估该技术的临床治疗效果.方法:2005年8月～2008年11月,我们对67例诊断为椎间盘源性腰痛并经过正规保守治疗3个月无效的患者,采用椎间盘造影结合椎间盘内亚甲蓝注射治疗治疗.通过对患者术后第2天与1年后视觉疼痛评分比例尺和SF-36躯体疼痛调查问卷评分分析,评价椎问盘内亚甲蓝注射治疗对椎间盘源性腰痛的治疗效果.结果:所有67例患者中,术后2天VAS得分较术前平均降低了4.33,SF-36问卷评分平均上升了20.11;术后获得1年随访的47例患者中VAS得分较术前平均降低了4.16,SF-36问卷评分平均上升了17.55.术后2天内及术后1年VAS得分和SF-36问卷评分与术前相比存在显著性差异(P＜0.001).治疗及随访期间未发生任何并发症.结论:椎间盘造影结合椎间盘内亚甲蓝注射治疗椎间盘源性腰痛近期疗效比较理想,是一种安全有效的治疗方法.     

亚甲蓝对针刺诱导的退变椎间盘内NO浓度影响的实验研究

目的:观察亚甲蓝溶液对退变椎间盘动物模型NO浓度的影响,进而探讨亚甲蓝注射治疗椎间盘源性腰痛的可能机制.方法:实验选用10只新西兰大白兔通过纤维环穿刺法建立L4/5和L6/7椎间盘退变动物模型,经MRI检查证实椎间盘退变后在L5/6和L6/7椎间盘内注入亚甲蓝溶液,L4/5椎间盘作为阳性对照,L5/6椎间盘作为阴性对照,L6/7椎间盘作为实验组椎间盘.饲养2周后将动物处死,取下椎间盘标本并对标本行组织学染色观察,同时应用NO试剂盒检测椎间盘标本中NO浓度的变化.结果:实验组椎间盘标本中的NO浓度较阳性对照组标本中的浓度明显减低,经统计学检验,其差别有统计学意义.结论:亚甲蓝能够抑制退变椎间盘内NO的产生,这可能是亚甲蓝注射治疗椎间盘源性腰痛的可能机制之一;亚甲蓝溶液对正常椎间盘是安全的,不引起椎间盘退变.     

Dysfunction of endogenous pain inhibition during exercise with painful muscles in patients with shoulder myalgia and fibromyalgia

The aim of this study was to investigate how exercise influenced endogenous pain modulation in healthy controls, shoulder myalgia patients and fibromyalgia (FM) patients. Twenty-one healthy subjects, 20 shoulder myalgia patients and 20 FM patients, all females, participated. They performed standardized static contractions, that is, outward shoulder rotation (m. infraspinatus) and knee extension (m. quadriceps). Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were determined bilaterally at m. infraspinatus and m. quadriceps. During contractions PPTs were assessed at the contracting muscle, the resting homologous contralateral muscle and contralaterally at a distant site (m. infraspinatus during contraction of m. quadriceps and vice versa). Myalgia patients had lower PPTs compared to healthy controls at m. infraspinatus bilaterally (p < 0.01), but not at m. quadriceps. FM patients had lower PPTs at all sites compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001) and myalgia patients (p < 0.001). During contraction of m. infraspinatus PPTs increased compared to baseline at the end of contraction in healthy controls (all sites: p < 0.003), but not in myalgia or FM patients. During contraction of m. quadriceps PPTs increased compared to baseline at the end of contraction in healthy controls (all sites: p < 0.001) and myalgia patients (all sites: p < 0.02), but not in FM patients. In conclusion, we found a normal activation of endogenous pain regulatory mechanisms in myalgia patients during contraction of the non-afflicted m. quadriceps, but a lack of pain inhibition during contraction of the painful m. infraspinatus. FM patients failed to activate their pain inhibitory mechanisms during all contractions.     

Experimental pelvic pain facilitates pain provocation tests and causes regional hyperalgesia

The extra-articular sacroiliac joint (SIJ) structure is a potential source for low back and pelvic pain. This study hypothesised that experimental pain induced in a superficial pelvic ligament causes (1) hyperalgesia to pressure, (2) distinct pain referral, and (3) an increased frequency of positive pain provocation tests of the SIJ complex. Thirty healthy subjects (15 females) participated in this study designed as a randomised crossover trial. Pain was induced in the long posterior sacroiliac ligament by injection of hypertonic saline, with the contralateral ligament injected with isotonic saline as control. Pain intensity was assessed on an electronic visual analogue scale (VAS). Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and pain provocation tests were assessed on 3 occasions: at baseline, after injection, and when pain had subsided. PPT sites were located bilaterally at the injection site, lateral to spinous processes of S2 and L5, and at the gluteus medius and gastrocnemius muscles. Hypertonic saline caused significantly higher VAS scores and more extended pain referral than isotonic saline (P < 0.001). PPTs at the injection site and lateral to S2 were significantly reduced after hypertonic saline compared with baseline and isotonic saline (P < 0.002). Significantly more subjects had positive pain provocation tests after hypertonic (67% of subjects) compared with isotonic saline (20%; P < 0.001). These data demonstrate that the extra-articular SIJ structure accommodates nociceptors that are capable of inducing pain referral and regional hyperalgesia sensitive to manual pain provocation tests similar to what previously have been found in pelvic girdle pain patients.     

Associations between daily chronic pain intensity,daily anger expression,and trait anger expressiveness: An ecological momentary assessment study

Links between elevated trait anger expressiveness (anger-out) and greater chronic pain intensity are well documented, but pain-related effects of expressive behaviors actually used to regulate anger when it is experienced have been little explored. This study used ecological momentary assessment methods to explore prospective associations between daily behavioral anger expression and daily chronic pain intensity. Forty-eight chronic low back pain (LBP) patients and 36 healthy controls completed electronic diary ratings of momentary pain and behavioral anger expression in response to random prompts 4 times daily for 7 days. Across groups, greater trait anger-out was associated with greater daily behavioral anger expression (P < 0.001). LBP participants showed higher levels of daily anger expression than controls (P < 0.001). Generalized estimating equation analyses in the LBP group revealed a lagged main effect of greater behavioral anger expression on increased chronic pain intensity in the subsequent assessment period (P < 0.05). Examination of a trait × situation model for anger-out revealed prospective associations between elevated chronic pain intensity and later increases in behavioral anger expression that were restricted largely to individuals low in trait anger-out (P < 0.001). Trait × situation interactions for trait anger suppression (anger-in) indicated similar influences of pain intensity on subsequent behavioral anger expression occurring among low anger-in persons (P < 0.001). Overlap with trait and state negative affect did not account for study findings. This study for the first time documents lagged within-day influences of behavioral anger expression on subsequent chronic pain intensity. Trait anger regulation style may moderate associations between behavioral anger expression and chronic pain intensity.     

Surgical management of neuroma pain: a prospective follow-up study

Painful neuromas can cause severe loss of function and have great impact on the daily life of patients. Surgical management remains challenging; despite improving techniques, success rates are low. To accurately study the success of surgical neuroma treatment and factors predictive of outcome, a prospective follow-up study was performed. Between 2006 and 2009, pre- and post-operative questionnaires regarding pain (VAS, McGill), function (DASH), quality of life (SF-36), symptoms of psychopathology (SCL-90), epidemiologic determinants and other outcome factors were sent to patients surgically treated for upper extremity neuroma pain. Pain scores after diagnostic nerve blocks were documented at the outpatient clinic before surgery. Thirty-four patients were included, with an average follow up time of 22 months. The mean VAS score decreased from 6.8 to 4.9 after surgery (p < 0.01), 19 (56%) of patients were satisfied with surgical results. Upper extremity function improved significantly (p = 0.001). Neuroma patients had significantly lower quality of life compared to a normal population. Employment status, duration of pain and CRPS symptoms were found to be prognostic factors. VAS scores after diagnostic nerve block were predictive of post-operative VAS scores (p = 0.001). Furthermore, smoking was significantly related to worse outcome (relative risk: 2.10). The results could lead to improved patient selection and treatment strategies. If a diagnostic nerve block is ineffective in relieving pain, patients will most likely not benefit from surgical treatment. Patients should be encouraged to focus on activity and employment instead of their symptoms. Smoking should be discouraged in patients who will undergo surgical neuroma treatment.     

Viscero-visceral hyperalgesia: Characterization in different clinical models

Co-existing algogenic conditions in two internal organs in the same patient may mutually enhance pain symptoms (viscero-visceral hyperalgesia). The present study assessed this phenomenon in different models of visceral interaction. In a prospective evaluation, patients with: (a) coronary artery disease (CAD) + gallstone (Gs) (common sensory projection: T5); (b) irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) + dysmenorrhea (Dys) (T10-L1); (c) dysmenorrhea/endometriosis + urinary calculosis (Cal)(T10-L1); and (d) gallstone + left urinary calculosis (Gs + LCal) (unknown common projection) were compared with patients with CAD, Gs, IBS, Dys or Cal only, for spontaneous symptoms (number/intensity of pain episodes) over comparable time periods and for referred symptoms (muscle hyperalgesia; pressure/electrical pain thresholds) from each visceral location. In patients’ subgroups, symptoms were also re-assessed after treatment of each condition or after no treatment. (a) CAD + Gs presented more numerous/intense angina/biliary episodes and more referred muscle chest/abdominal hyperalgesia than CAD or Gs; cardiac revascularization or cholecystectomy also reduced biliary or cardiac symptoms, respectively (0.001 < p < 0.05). (b) IBS + Dys had more intestinal/menstrual pain and abdomino/pelvic muscle hyperalgesia than IBS or Dys; hormonal dysmenorrhea treatment also reduced IBS symptoms; IBS dietary treatment also improved dysmenorrhea (0.001 < p < 0.05) while no treatment of either conditions resulted in no improvement in time of symptoms from both. (c) Cal + Dys had more urinary/menstrual pain and referred lumbar/abdominal hyperalgesia than Cal or Dys; hormonal dysmenorrhea treatment/laser treatment for endometriosis also improved urinary symptoms; lithotripsy for urinary stone also reduced menstrual symptoms (0.001 < p < 0.05). (d) In Gs + LCal, cholecystectomy or urinary lithotripsy did not improve urinary or biliary symptoms, respectively. Mechanisms of viscero-visceral hyperalgesia between organs with documented partially common sensory projection probably involve sensitization of viscero-viscero-somatic convergent neurons.     

A randomized controlled trial of radiofrequency denervation of the ramus communicans nerve for chronic discogenic low back pain

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) thermocoagulation of the ramus communicans nerve in patients suffering from chronic discogenic low back pain. METHODS: Forty-nine patients who suffered chronic discogenic low back pain at only 1 painful vertebral level, and whose pain continued after undergoing intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDET), were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups. The lesion group (n = 26) received RF thermocoagulation of the ramus communicans nerve. Patients in the control group (n = 23) received an injection of lidocaine without radiofrequency. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, analgesic requirements, SF-36 subscales, and the overall patient satisfaction with the procedure were tabulated. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 4 months. The patient-reported VAS pain scores were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the lesion group. The scores of the RF lesion group improved by a mean increase of 11.3 points (P < 0.05) on the SF-36 bodily pain subscale, and by a mean increase of 12.4 points on the physical function subscale (P < 0.05). In a follow-up analysis within the RF lesion group, VAS pain scores improved by a mean reduction of 3.32 (P = 0.001). The scores improved by a mean increase of 14.5 points (P = 0.005) on the SF-36 bodily pain subscale and 15.2 points(P = 0.002) on the physical function subscale within the RF lesion group. One patient in the lesion group complained of mild lower limb weakness, but he completely recovered at postoperative 15 days without any serious problems. DISCUSSION: In patients with chronic discogenic low back pain, percutaneous RF denervation of the ramus communicans nerve should be considered as a treatment option.     

TNF-α in CRPS and 'normal' trauma--significant differences between tissue and serum

Posttraumatic TNF-alpha signaling may be one of the factors responsible for pain and hyperalgesia in complex regional pain syndromes (CRPS). In order to further specify the role of TNF-alpha we investigated tissue (skin) and serum concentrations in three different patient groups: patients with osteoarthritis and planned surgery, with acute traumatic upper limb bone fracture waiting for surgery, and with CRPS I. Thirty patients (10 in each group) were recruited. Mean CRPS duration was 36.1 ± 8.1 weeks (range 8-90 weeks). Skin punch biopsies were taken at the beginning of the surgery in osteoarthritis and fracture patients and from the affected side in CRPS patients. Blood samples were taken before the respective procedures. Skin and serum TNF-alpha levels were quantified by ELISA. Compared to patients with osteoarthritis, skin TNF-alpha was significantly elevated in CRPS (p < 0.001) and fracture patients (p < 0.04). Skin TNF-alpha in CRPS patients was higher than in patients with acute bone fracture (p < 0.02). In contrast, serum TNF-alpha values were the same in osteoarthritis and CRPS, and lower in fracture patients (p < 0.03). Our results indicate a local but not systemic increase of TNF-alpha in CRPS patients. This increase persists for months after limb trauma and may offer the opportunity for targeted treatment.     

15. Discogenic Low Back Pain

An estimated 40% of chronic lumbosacral spinal pain is attributed to the discus intervertebralis. Degenerative changes following loss of hydration of the nucleus pulposus lead to circumferential or radial tears within the annulus fibrosus. Annular tears within the outer annulus stimulate the ingrowth of blood vessels and accompanying nociceptors into the outer and occasionally inner annulus. Sensitization of these nociceptors by various inflammatory repair mechanisms may lead to chronic discogenic pain. The current criterion standard for diagnosing discogenic pain is pressure‐controlled provocative discography using strict criteria and at least one negative control level. The strictness of criteria and the adherence to technical detail will allow an acceptable low false positive response rate. The most important determinants are the standardization of pressure stimulus by using a validated pressure monitoring device and avoiding overly high dynamic pressures by the slow injection rate of 0.05 mL/s. A positive discogram requires the reproduction of the patient's typical pain at an intensity of > 6/10 at a pressure of < 15 psi above opening pressure and at a volume less than 3.0 mL. Perhaps the most important and defendable response is the failure to confirm the discus is symptomatic by not meeting this strict criteria. Various interventional treatment strategies for chronic discogenic low back pain unresponsive to conservative care include reduction of inflammation, ablation of intradiscal nociceptors, lowering intranuclear pressure, removal of herniated nucleus, and radiofrequency ablation of the nociceptors. Unfortunately, most of these strategies do not meet the minimal criteria for a positive treatment advice. In particular, single‐needle radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the discus is not recommended for patients with discogenic pain (2 B?). Interestingly, a little used procedure, radiofrequency ablation of the ramus communicans, does meet the (2 B+) level for endorsement. There is currently insufficient proof to recommend intradiscal electrothermal therapy (2 B±) and intradiscal biacuplasty (0). It is advised that ozone discolysis, nucleoplasty, and targeted disc decompression should only be performed as part of a study protocol. Future studies should include more strict inclusion criteria.     

The role of intradiscal steroids in the treatment of discogenic low back pain

LBP is one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor and is the most common cause of disability under age 45.Amongst a variety of etiologies, internal disc disruption (IDD) has been postulated as an important cause of low back pain. Treating discogenic low back pain continues to be a challenge to physicians. Inflammation, either from direct chemical irritation or secondary to an autoimmune response to the nucleus pulposus has been implicated as the primary pain source. Both steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have partial effectiveness in treating pain associated with inflammation. Therefore, the rationale for using intradiscal steroids is to suppress the inflammation within the disc, thereby alleviating the patient’s symptoms. The goal of this article is to review the literature regarding the efficacy of intradiscal steroids to treat low back pain of discogenic origin.     

Determination of the influence of the Chêneau brace on quality of life for adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis

Objective

The main objective is to determine the influence of treatment by Chêneau brace on the quality of life (QoL) of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

Material and method

We used the QoL scale of Climent et al. “the Quality of Life Profile for Spine Deformities” (QLPSD, in which a higher score means a worse QoL) and visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain and for QoL ranging from 0 to 100 mm. The study includes 108 subjects divided in three groups, a control group of 32 patients without brace, a full-time treated group (wearing a Chêneau brace 23/24 hours) of 41 patients, and a part-time treated group (wearing the brace during the night only) of 35 patients.

Results

The QoL is significantly worse in the full-time treated group than in the group with night treatment and in the group without brace for the psychosocial functioning, the sleep disturbances, the back flexibility (P < 0.001), the body image (P < 0.01), as well as the overall score (P < 0.001). On the other hand, there was no difference for the back pain. Among patients wearing the brace, the girls had an average QLPSD score higher than the boys for the psychosocial functioning, the body image, the overall score (P < 0.05) and the back flexibility (P < 0.01). Whereas there was no significant difference between the sexes for the sleep disturbances and the back pain. The QoL of patients who wear the brace was significantly correlated with degrees corrected wearing the brace and the patient's satisfaction on his or her health status. However, this correlation was very weak. On the other hand, there was no correlation between the quality of life and the age, the duration of brace treatment or the skeletal maturity (Risser sign). On VAS, the patients without brace have the highest score of QoL, followed the part-time treated patients while the full-time treated patients have the lowest score.

Conclusion

The wearing of the Chêneau brace involves a significant reduction in the QoL whatever instruments of evaluations of QoL, QLPSD or VAS. The QoL of the full-time treated patients was the lowest followed part-time treated patients while the QoL of the patients without brace was the highest. However, the brace does not influence the back pain in idiopathic scoliosis at teenage.