Pseudo-radiculopathy in subacute trochanteric bursitis of the subgluteus maximus bursa.

Seventy patients, averaging 82 years of age, were referred for low back pain and/or a suspected herniated disk. Objective neurological deficits consistent with L5 or S1 root involvement were identified in 5 of the 70 patients. Trochanteric bursitis (TB), often mimicking radiculitis, was diagnosed in 31 patients. Trochanteric bursitis was associated with lumbosacral strain and lumbar osteoarthrosis in 21 of 31 patients and with an S1 disk in 1 of those 31 patients. Degenerative joint disease of the ipsilateral hip was present in 4 of 20 of these patients with TB. Six patients with low back pain had both hip and knee arthritis (including two patients with rheumatoid arthritis). Three patients had degenerative hip disease without low back complaints. The remaining patient had TB associated with left hemiparesis. All patients had limitation of lumbosacral motion. Patients with arthritic hips had apparent shortening of the affected leg of one-half inch or greater. Trochanteric bursitis is a common complication of lumbosacral strain, frequently mimicking radiculopathy. Gait alteration associated with back pain or static traction on gluteal musculature during rest therapy may be predisposing factors. The association of TB with hip disease and/or leg length discrepancies was again confirmed.     

MULTIDISCIPLINARY PAIN ABSTRACTS: 46

The aim of this study was to describe an association between the syndromes of lumbar spinal stenosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients presenting with symptoms of nocturnal lumbosacral radiculopathy. The study design was a retrospective review of 46 sequential inpatients referred with complaints of lumbosacral radicular pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis. Half (23) were experiencing sleep disruptive nocturnal pain. Each had been hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of COPD. They were subsequently compared with another group of inpatients (23) who were also experiencing lumbar pain not necessarily increased at night. Each was also identified as having lumbar spinal stenosis without an antecedent history of COPD. In each case, lumbar spinal imaging studies (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) were obtained. Pulmonary function tests were performed in those with COPD, and two-dimensional echocardiograms were obtained in all 46 patients. The ratio of women to men, their ages, surgical interventions, severity of lumbar spinal stenosis, and left ventricular function as compared one group with another was not significantly different. However, pulmonary artery pressures were notably elevated in those with COPD and nocturnal lumbosacral radiculopathy. This study suggests that in patients with COPD and lumbar spinal stenosis, pulmonary hypertension may be the dynamic link exacerbating nocturnal lumbosacral pain.     

腰骶灵活性训练对腰椎间盘突出症患者干预效果的临床研究

目的观察腰骶灵活性训练对于腰椎间盘突出症患者活动度、疼痛和功能障碍的影响。方法前瞻性选取空军特色医学中心收治的腰椎间盘突出症患者51例,按照随机分组方法分为实验组(n=27)和对照组(n=24),两组患者均接受以冯氏脊柱定点旋转复位法为主的保守治疗,试验组患者在此基础上增加腰骶灵活性训练,即改良的腰骶猫式动作、仰卧位骨盆前后倾、骨盆侧屈、骨盆侧旋共4个动作,15个/组,2组/d,5 d/周,为期3周。在干预前后比较两组患者的坐位活动度、站位活动度、腰椎延展性以及主观疼痛(VAS评分)和功能障碍程度(ODI指数)。结果相比于对照组,实验组患者站立位腰椎屈曲延展性显著改善,差异具有统计学意义(t=2.557,P=0.014);站立位屈曲活动度(t=-3.035,P=0.004)、屈曲+右侧屈+右侧旋(t=-3.345,P=0.002)以及屈曲+左侧屈+左侧旋(t=-4.072,P=0.000)活动度均增加;VAS评分(t=2.908,P=0.008)和ODI指数(t=2.095,P=0.047)均显著减小,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论腰骶灵活性训练能够改善腰椎间盘突出症患者腰椎的延展性,增加腰椎的活动度,改善腰椎-骨盆节律,改善前屈及前屈对角线动作的功能动作能力,并能够帮助腰椎间盘突出症患者缓解疼痛和主观功能障碍程度。     

Aeolus myth: chronic obstructive lung disease and nocturnal lumbosacral pain in association with lumbar spinal stenosis and pulmonary hypertension

OBJECTIVE: To describe an association between the syndromes of lumbar spinal stenosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients presenting with symptoms of nocturnal lumbosacral radiculopathy. DESIGN: Retrospective review of 46 sequential inpatients referred with complaints of lumbosacral radicular pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis. Half (23) were experiencing sleep disruptive nocturnal pain. Each had been hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of COPD. They were subsequently compared with another group of inpatients (23) who were also experiencing lumbar pain not necessarily increased at night. Each was also identified as having lumbar spinal stenosis without an antecedent history of COPD. In each case, lumbar spinal imaging studies (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) were obtained. Pulmonary function tests were performed in those with COPD, and two-dimensional echocardiograms were obtained in all 46 patients. RESULTS: The ratio of women to men, their ages, surgical interventions, severity of lumbar spinal stenosis, and left ventricular function as compared one group with another was not significantly different. However, pulmonary artery pressures were notably elevated (i.e., pulmonary hypertension) in those with COPD and nocturnal lumbosacral radiculopathy. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that in patients with COPD and lumbar spinal stenosis, pulmonary hypertension may be the dynamic link exacerbating nocturnal lumbosacral pain.     

The bony malformations of lumbosacral junction and sacrum: case reports and literature review

The lumbosacral region, with its manifold variations and anomalies, is one of the most important section of the entire spine. From the fusion defects to the segmentation anomalies, a wide variety of malformation exists in this region. Individuals with such anomalies usually have no physical complaints until their spines undergo pathological conditions. Two patients with a variety of lumbosacral vertebra anomalies are described. Each of them had a different malformation, but low back pain was the common complaint of these patients. According to our knowledge, these cases have never been reported before. We analysed their clinical and radiological features and discussed with the literature.     

Mechanically induced pelvic pain and organic dysfunction in a patient without low back pain

Previous reports have identified mechanical disorders of the lumbar spine as a cause of pelvic pain and organic dysfunction (PPOD) in patients with low back pain. Less common however, are reports of mechanically induced pelvic pain and organic dysfunction in patients without accompanying low back pain. This report details the examination findings and treatment response of a patient with pelvic pain, organic dysfunction and clinical evidence of lower sacral nerve root compression (LSNRC) in whom low back pain was not an accompanying finding. Despite the absence of low back pain however, clinical evaluation revealed the characteristic findings of mechanically induced pelvic pain and organic dysfunction secondary to lower sacral nerve root irritation or compression as a result of a mechanical disorder of the low back. As in long standing cases of mechanically induced pelvic pain and organic dysfunction in which low back pain is present, this case also exhibited severe and widespread involvement of the pelvic organs. In spite of numerous failed attempts at treatment directed at the symptomatic component of the patients disorder, complete resolution of symptoms was achieved by manipulative treatment directed at the mechanical disorder of the lumbar spine.     

Lumbosacral repositioning accuracy in standing posture: a combined electrogoniometric and videographic evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a new method of measuring repositioning accuracy in the lumbosacral spine in a standing position. DESIGN: A test-retest and parallel-forms reliability testing was performed. BACKGROUND: The contribution of proprioception to lumbar muscle function and to the stability of the lumbar spine is relatively unknown. METHOD: A piezoresistive electrogoniometer attached to the skin over the sacrum and a three-dimensional video analysis system with reflective markers on anatomical landmarks were both employed to measure the repositioning accuracy of pelvic tilting in standing. Eleven subjects without low back pain participated in this study. RESULTS: The overall mean repositioning accuracy was 1.87 degrees. Probability values from repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant mean absolute error (AE) differences between sessions. Correlation coefficients between electrogoniometer and 3-D video analysis measurements of position sense ranged from 0.84 to 0.97. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed instruments and method are adequate for measuring lumbosacral repositioning accuracy. Healthy subjects are capable of repositioning their pelvis and back precisely. RELEVANCE: A reliable method assessing the lumbosacral repositioning accuracy can add insight into neuromuscular dysfunction as a cause of mechanical low back pain.     

Lumbosacral transitional segments: classification, prevalence, and effect on disk height

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of lumbosacral transitional segments among chiropractic practice settings and to determine if this anomaly would affect the height of the lumbosacral disk. Study Design: Retrospective review of radiographs. SETTING: Los Angeles College of Chiropractic outpatient clinic and a private chiropractic office. SAMPLES: A total of 20 lumbar series with lumbosacral transitional segments from a private chiropractic office, 47 lumbar series with lumbosacral transitional segments, and 60 age- and sex-matched control series from a college clinic. RESULTS: A total of 2.3% of 882 lumbar series at the private chiropractic office and 6.5% of 786 lumbar series at the Whittier Health Center showed lumbosacral transitional segments of types II, III, or IV. The L5-S1 intervertebral disk height was significantly smaller in patients with lumbosacral transitional segments compared with those without (ie, 11% vs 19% of total lumbar disk height, respectively). When bilateral bony fusion of L5 to the sacrum was present, the L5-S1 disk height was significantly smaller than that without bony fusion (ie, 8% vs. 12% to 14% of total lumbar disk height, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the rate of occurrence of lumbosacral transitional segments is low in chiropractic practice. In the presence of lumbosacral transitional segments, especially when there was bony fusion, the lumbosacral intervertebral disk was significantly narrower than the upper lumbar disks, which should not be considered as disk degeneration or displacement. The type of lumbosacral transitional segment present also showed a significant effect on the height of the lumbosacral disk.     

THE VALUE OF BLOWING UP A BALLOON

Suboptimal breathing patterns and impairments of posture and trunk stability are often associated with musculoskeletal complaints such as low back pain. A therapeutic exercise that promotes optimal posture (diaphragm and lumbar spine position), and neuromuscular control of the deep abdominals, diaphragm, and pelvic floor (lumbar-pelvic stabilization) is desirable for utilization with patients who demonstrate suboptimal respiration and posture. This clinical suggestion presents a therapeutic exercise called the 90/90 bridge with ball and balloon. This exercise was designed to optimize breathing and enhance both posture and stability in order to improve function and/or decrease pain. Research and theory related to the technique are also discussed.     

The inter-rater reliability of a standardised classification system for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain

Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain has varying clinical presentations and effects among subgroups. Different lumbopelvic pain subgroups require different specific management approaches which require the differentiation between lumbar and pelvic girdle pain (PGP).Thirty-one consecutive pregnant women with non-specific lumbopelvic pain were evaluated by two examiners and classified into lumbar pain, PGP, or combined pelvic girdle and lumbar pain. A standard history about different positions/activities of daily life such as bending, sitting, standing, walking, and lying, was followed by a standardised mechanical assessment of the lumbar spine (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy), including tests of repeated end-range movements to standing and lying, pelvic pain provocation tests (distraction test, posterior pelvic pain provocation test, Gaenslen's test, compression test, and sacral thrust) a hip-rotation range-of-motion test, the active straight-leg-raising test, and a neurological examination.Agreement for the three syndromes (lumbar pain, PGP, or combined pelvic girdle and lumbar pain) was 87% (27/31), with a kappa coefficient of 0.79 (95% CI 0.60–0.98). It was possible to perform the classification procedure throughout pregnancy. There was substantial agreement between the two examiners for the classification of non-specific lumbopelvic pain into lumbar pain and PGP in pregnant women.     

Antenatal women with or without pelvic pain can be characterized by generalized or segmental hypoalgesia in late pregnancy

The aims of the present study were to determine the influence of pregnancy on somatosensory responses in women with or without pelvic/lumbosacral pain. Thirty pregnant women participated and were divided into pain (n = 12) and nonpain (n = 18) groups on the basis of pain complaints and positive pain-provoking tests associated with pelvic or lumbosacral pain during the current pregnancy. In the pain group, 9 reported initial pain in trimester 1, 2 in trimester 2, and 1 in trimester 3. Quantitative sensory testing with pressure pain threshold (PPT), heat pain threshold (HPT), and tactile threshold (TT) was performed once during each of the 3 trimesters at referred pain sites (sacrum, back, and pubis) and no pain control sites (thigh, arm, and sternum). All subjects in the pain group reported back pain, and 91% also had pain at the sacrum and pubis. The pain group exhibited significantly greater pain sensitivity than the nonpain group. The HPT and PPT were higher in trimester 3 as compared to trimesters 1 and 2 (P < .012). The increase in thresholds, or hypoalgesia, was generalized and present at both referred pain and control sites in the pain group. In the nonpain group hypoalgesia was localized to the presumed referred pain sites at the back and sacrum. There were no significant variations in the TT in any trimester. The study demonstrates for the first time that hypoalgesia in late pregnancy is generalized in women with pelvic pain and localized in women without pelvic pain. This suggests that the descending noxious inhibitory system is activated in late pregnancy and is probably more intense and generally activated in women with pelvic pain and only segmentally activated in women without pain.     

A calcific pelvic mass in a woman with chronic spinal pain: a case of mature cystic teratoma

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case is to describe findings of a mature cystic teratoma and to further provide differential diagnoses for ovarian pelvic masses and calcifications. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 27-year-old woman presented to a chiropractic teaching clinic with a chief complaint of chronic multilevel spinal pain. During a full spine radiographic examination, radiopaque densities were incidentally identified in the pelvic bowl visualized through a gonad shield. Follow-up pelvic radiography revealed several radiopacities of uniform density localized in the pelvic bowl. INTERVENTION/OUTCOMES: Medical (gynecological) consultation led to ultrasonography of the pelvis that revealed a mature cystic teratoma. The patient underwent complete excision of the mass through a laparotomy procedure. The patient continued to receive chiropractic treatment of her original cervical and lumbar spine complaints, further suggesting that the pelvic mass was not a source of her musculoskeletal complaints. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the detection and proper referral of a patient with a calcific mass. The presence of a pelvic mass, suspected of arising from the ovary, requires additional diagnostic imaging and careful clinical correlation.     

Complications and side effects of cervical and lumbosacral selective nerve root injections

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of complications and side effects of cervical and lumbosacral selective nerve root injections (SNRIs). DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized controlled trial of consecutive patients with independent interviews for immediate, 1-week, and 3-month follow-ups. SETTING: Tertiary, academic spine center. PARTICIPANTS: Of 160 patients eligible for SNRI, 151 underwent 306 SNRIs (study group). Sixty patients who had not undergone any intervention served as the control group. INTERVENTIONS: Diagnostic and therapeutic fluoroscopically guided cervical and lumbosacral SNRIs. Lidocaine (Xylocaine) was used in the diagnostic injections and a mixture of lidocaine and betamethasone was used in the therapeutic injections. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complications and side effects experienced during the procedure were recorded by the interventionalist. Side effects and complications experienced immediately, 1 week, and 3 months after injection were determined through independent interviews using a questionnaire format. The control group was independently interviewed using the same questionnaire. RESULTS: There were no major complications, such as death, paralysis, spinal nerve injury, infection, or allergic reaction, during the study. Ninety-one percent of subjects had no side effects during the procedure. A positive response on interview was reported by 39.4% of the study subjects immediately after the procedure. Lumbosacral SNRI side effects were as follows: increased pain at the injection site (17.1%); increased radicular pain (8.8%); lightheadedness (6.5%); increased spine pain (5.1%); nausea (3.7%); nonspecific headache (1.4%); and vomiting (0.5%). Immediate side effects from cervical SNRI were as follows: increased pain at injection site (22.7%); increased radicular pain (18.2%); lightheadedness (13.6%); increased spine pain (9.1%); nonspecific headache (4.5%); and nausea (3.4%). At the 1-week interview, comparison of the study and control groups showed statistical significance for the following: pain at injection site, cervical ( P =.001) and lumbar ( P =.005); nonspecific headache, cervical ( P =.019); and nonspinal headache, cervical ( P =.002). At 3 months, 2 subjects complained of increased neck pain and 1 reported heartburn and fluid retention. Two lumbar SNRI subjects were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: There were no major complications with cervical and lumbosacral SNRIs, although various minor side effects occurred.     

Lumbar intraspinal synovial cyst containing gas as a cause for low-back pain

OBJECTIVE: To discuss intraspinal synovial cysts caused by degenerative changes involving the posterior articular facets in the lumbar spine and to provide differential considerations for patients with low-back pain. Clinical Features: A 70-year-old man with low-back and gluteal pain demonstrating eventual progression of radiating pain into the left thigh, calf, ankle, and foot over a 5-month period. Radiographs of the lumbar spine revealed mild degenerative disk disease at L5-S1 with associated vacuum phenomena of the L5 disk. Degenerative osteophytes were present at L3, L4, and L5. Moderate posterior joint arthrosis was evident at L4-L5 and L5-S1. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed an intraspinal gas-containing synovial cyst at the left lateral aspect of the central canal at the level of the left L4-L5 facet articulation. Intervention and Outcome: The patient underwent surgical excision of the synovial cyst with remission of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Gas-containing intraspinal synovial cysts can be a significant finding and a causative factor in patients with low-back pain and pain radiating into the lower extremities. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are important in defining intraspinal synovial cysts as a cause of back pain in patients whose low-back pain does not respond to chiropractic care.     

腕踝针缓解老年腰椎间盘突出症患者疼痛的效果研究

目的：探讨腕踝针对老年腰椎间盘突出症患者疼痛的治疗效果,并且与非甾体抗炎药物以及传统针刺治疗进行对比,比较三种治疗方法对疼痛的治疗效果是否存在差异。方法：选取2019年1月-2021年6月收治的慢性腰椎间盘突出症/腰椎退行性病变伴腰痛急性发作的老年患者90例,随机分为三组,每组各30例,分别给予腕踝针治疗、非甾体抗炎药物治疗、传统针刺治疗,观察评估患者治疗30分钟后的疼痛VAS评分以及评估治疗1疗程（6天）后的腰椎疾患治疗成绩评分。结果：三组治疗后的VAS评分均有降低（P值均＜0.05）,表明三组治疗均可缓解疼痛,并且三组治疗30分钟后VAS评分之间有差异,两两对比后西药组与腕踝针组治疗30分钟后VAS评分无差异,但均低于传统针刺组（P＜0.05）,表明疼痛改善程度较传统针刺组大;三组治疗1个疗程后的腰椎疾患治疗成绩评分有差异,两两对比后传统针刺组与腕踝针组均高于西药组（P＜0.05）,而传统针刺组与腕踝针组之间无差异。结论：本文证实了腕踝针对老年患者腰椎间盘突出症并发急性疼痛有效,并且在即时止痛以及远期镇痛疗效上均有优势。     

后路椎弓根螺钉植入物置入内固定腰骶椎融合后相邻节段的病变

背景：椎弓根螺钉植入物置入内固定椎体融合目前仍然为大多数脊柱疾病的主要治疗方法,术后并发症依然是学者们关注的重点,相邻节段疾病是主要并发症之一,严重影响椎体融合内固定的疗效。 目的：探讨后路椎弓根螺钉植入物置入内固定腰骶椎融合后相邻节段病变的发病原因和治疗效果。 方法：回顾分析1998年4月至2011年12月采用后路椎弓根螺钉植入物置入内固定并椎间融合器植骨融合治疗的536例患者,男341例,女195例,年龄34—71岁,平均年龄51．3岁。其中单节段融合412例,多节段融合124例。对有相邻节段病变的患者均行腰椎正侧位、过伸过屈位×射线片及腰椎核磁共振检查,在X射线片上测量相邻椎间隙角度变化、上位椎体滑移距离及变化,通过JOA评分及腰功能障碍指数评价治疗前后的临床效果。经统计学分析,探讨相邻节段病变患者的发病原因、发病率、潜在风险以及治疗方法。结果与结论：采用后路椎弓根螺钉植入物黄入内固定腰骶椎融合治疗的536例患者中,发现有症状的相邻节段病变患者31例。单节段融合18例,多节段融合13例。腰椎间盘突出症6例,腰椎失稳13例,腰椎滑脱9例,腰椎狭窄症3例。相邻节段病变患者均经过6个月以上的规律保守治疗,12例获得好转并稳定,其余19例接受手术治疗。随访9—64个月,平均26．7个月,按JOA评分,优4例,良11例,可3例,差1例,优良率78．94％。腰功能障石导指数平均下降33．8（8．5—42．3）,改善率79．91％。统计学t检验显示相邻节段病变患者的平均年龄、融合节段比例、JOA评分和腰功能障碍指数差异均有显著性意义（P〈0．05）。椎弓根螺钉植入物置入内固定腰骶椎融合后远期发生相邻节段病变,其发病与邻近椎体生物力学的变化等因素相关。多数相邻节段病变患者再次手术治疗后效果良好,早期综合考虑致病的潜在因素是防止相邻节段病变发病的主要手段。     

Manualtherapeutische Behandlung in Verbindung mit Schuheinlagenversorgung

Functional differences in leg length and blocked joints in the spine and pelvic ring can be treated by various manual therapeutic procedures. Some patients require repeated therapy after some weeks or months and these patients often show different abrasion patterns of the soles of the shoes. In these cases the cause of the recurring complaints must be considered. Special inlays may help to avoid false static conditions of the feet, pelvic ring and spine which are referred to as functional differences in leg length. A total of 46 patients were treated by special inlays and in 19 cases the complaints disappeared completely, in 23 cases the frequency of treatment was reduced and the different abrasions of the shoe soles also disappeared.     

Increased radicular pain due to therapeutic ultrasound applied to the back

Therapeutic ultrasound is generally considered safe and effective therapy in a number of conditions producing back pain, provided that no contraindications exist. However, two cases are reported of patients with documented lumbar disk herniation where application of ultrasound to the lumbar paraspinal region increased pain in a radicular pattern. Despite its transient nature, this adverse reaction may represent a relative contraindication to the use of ultrasound in patients with disk herniation.     

Association between muscle function and low back pain in relation to pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of muscle function and subgroups of low back pain (no low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, lumbar pain and combined pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain) in relation to pregnancy. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS: Consecutively enrolled pregnant women seen in gestational weeks 12-18 (n = 301) and 3 months postpartum (n = 262). METHODS: Classification into subgroups by means of mechanical assessment of the lumbar spine, pelvic pain provocation tests, standard history and a pain drawing. Trunk muscle endurance, hip muscle strength (dynamometer) and gait speed were investigated. RESULTS: In pregnancy 116 women had no low back pain, 33% (n = 99) had pelvic girdle pain, 11% (n = 32) had lumbar pain and 18% (n = 54) had combined pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain. The prevalence of pelvic girdle pain/combined pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain decreased postpartum, whereas the prevalence of lumbar pain remained stable. Women with pelvic girdle pain and/or combined pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain had lower values for trunk muscle endurance, hip extension and gait speed as compared to women without low back pain in pregnancy and postpartum (p < 0.001-0.04). Women with pelvic girdle pain throughout the study had lower values of back flexor endurance compared with women without low back pain. CONCLUSION: Muscle dysfunction was associated with pelvic girdle pain, which should be taken into consideration when developing treatment strategies and preventive measures.     

Change in Low Back Movement Patterns After Neurosurgical Intervention for Lumbar Spondylosis

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the use of computer-aided combined movement examination (CME) to measure change in low back movement after neurosurgical intervention for lumbar spondylosis and to use a CME normal reference range (NRR) to compare and contrast movement patterns identified from lumbar disk disease, disk protrusion, and nerve root compression cases.