Risk factors for back pain-related loss of working time after surgery for lumbar disc herniation: a 5-year follow-up study

The aim of this study is to explore the occurrence and the risk factors of back-related loss of working time in patients undergoing surgery for lumbar disc herniation. One hundred and fifty-two gainfully employed patients underwent surgery for lumbar disc herniation. Two months postoperatively, those patients completed a self-report questionnaire including queries on back and leg pain (VAS), functional capacity (Oswestry disability index—ODI, version 1.0), and motivation to work. After 5 years, lost working time was evaluated by means of a postal questionnaire about sick leave and disability pensions. The cumulative number of back pain-related days-off work was calculated for each patient. All 152 patients, 86 men and 66 women, were prescribed sick leave for the first 2 months. Thereafter, 80 (53%) of them reported back pain-related sick leave or early retirement. A permanent work disability pension due to back problems was awarded to 15 (10%) patients, 5 men (6%) and 10 women (15%). Median number of all work disability days per year was 11 (interquartile range [IQR] 9–37); it was 9 days (IQR 9–22) in patients with minimal disability (ODI score 0–20) at 2 months postoperatively and 67 days (IQR 9–352) in those with moderate or severe disability (ODI > 20; P < 0.001). The respective means were 61, 29, and 140 days/year. Multivariate analysis showed ODI > 20, leg pain, and poor motivation to work to be the risk factors for extension of work disability. Results of the present study show that after the lumbar disc surgery, poor outcome in questionnaire measures the physical functioning (ODI) and leg pain at 2 months postoperatively, as well as poor motivation to work, are associated with the loss of working time. Patients with unfavourable prognosis should be directed to rehabilitation before the loss of employment.     

三种手术方法治疗腰椎椎间盘突出症的影像学及临床疗效比较

目的比较单纯髓核摘除术（lumber discectomy,LD）、腰椎后外侧融合术（posterolateral lumbar fusion,PLF）和腰椎后路椎体间融合术（posterior lumbar interbody fusion,PLIF）治疗腰椎椎间盘突出较大或椎间盘突出伴有节段不稳的差异,进一步明确PLIF治疗腰椎间盘突出症的指征。方法回顾性分析2006年5月~2008年12月行手术治疗的腰椎椎间盘突出较大或椎间盘突出伴有节段不稳的患者102例。按手术方式分为3组,LD组37例,PLF组31例,PLIF组34例。比较各组手术前、后及随访时的椎间高度、椎间孔面积、腰椎生理曲度等影像学指标以及视觉模拟量表（visual analog scale,VAS）评分、Oswestry功能障碍评分等临床症状指标。同时,比较2个融合手术组的融合率。结果 PLIF组椎间高度及节段角度的恢复与维持明显优于其他组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,各组椎间孔面积手术前后均无明显变化;PLIF组融合率高于PLF组,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;PLIF组术后腰痛VAS评分低于其他组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）,下肢疼痛VAS评分和Oswestry功能障碍评分差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,但随访发现PLIF组Oswestry功能障碍评分有逐渐优于其他组的趋势。结论与其他2种手术方式相比,PLIF治疗腰椎椎间盘突出较大或椎间盘突出伴有节段不稳时能更好的恢复腰椎的生理曲度,维持腰椎的稳定性,并能明显改善患者的腰痛症状。     

Coflex棘突间动态固定系统治疗腰椎间盘突出症的短期疗效评价

目的 对Coflex棘突间动态固定系统在治疗腰椎间盘突出症中的应用进行短期疗效评价.方法 回顾性分析2007年11月至2008年6月采用Coflex动态固定系统治疗腰椎间盘脱出的病例31例,男性16例,女性15例;年龄33～70岁,平均年龄51.4岁.病史6～48个月,平均15.6个月.随访6个月～1年,通过VAS评分、腰椎JOA评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)和影像学分析来评价其疗效.结果 腰椎JOA评分从术前9.1±1.1增加到了26.4±1.7(术后6个月).ODI从术前24.7±4.8降低到了4.5±1.1(术后6个月).VAS评分从术前7.9±0.8减少到3.0±0.9(术后6个月),患者术后症状改善明显.相关影像学分析显示手术前后手术节段椎间盘背侧高度(HD)、椎间孔间最大距离(DI)、棘突顶距(DA)差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).出现并发症3例,其中腰痛1例,对侧下肢痛1例,Coflex松动1例.结论 Coflex在治疗腰椎间盘突出症中,确实增加了椎间盘背侧高度和椎间孔间最大距离,对维持椎间隙高度、缓解腰椎间盘突出症的根性症状具有积极的作用.     

Early aggressive exercise for postoperative rehabilitation after discectomy

STUDY DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial of postoperative medical exercise therapy in patients after operation for lumbar disc herniation with blind assessment of clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of an early regimen of vigorous medical exercise compared with an ordinary care program. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: METHODS: Patients offered an operation for lumbar disc herniation were consecutively randomized to a training group or to a control group. The training consisted of an 8-week active rehabilitation program including a regimen of vigorous lumbar stabilizing exercises. The control subjects participated in a mild program of 2 to 3 back exercises at home, after relaxing and resting their backs for 2 months after the surgery. The outcomes were evaluated 6 and 12 months after the operation. The results are based on intention-to-treat analyses. RESULTS: Sixty-three of 65 eligible patients agreed to participate in the trial. Fifty-eight and 53 patients attended for evaluation at 6 and 12 months, respectively. There was a significantly larger improvement in the mean Roland's disability index (from 8.9 to 5.4 [P = 0.02] at 6 months and from 8. 7 to 5.3 [P = 0.03] at 12 months) and in reported pain (from 3.7 to 2.0 [P = 0.04] at 6 months and from 3.2 to 1.8 [P = 0.09] at 12 months) in the training group. A significantly (P = 0.05) higher proportion of the training group reported that they participated in daily activities as usual. There were more patients in the training group who reported improvement in self-evaluated health after surgery at both 6 (P = 0.02) and at 12 months (P = 0.05). Finally, no differences in clinical end points were observed between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Vigorous medical exercise therapy, started 4 weeks after surgery for lumbar disc herniation, reduced disability and pain after surgery. Because no differences in clinical end points were observed, there is hardly any danger associated with early and vigorous training after operation for disc herniation.     

经椎间孔腰椎间融合单侧固定对融合节段对侧结构的影响

目的 研究微创经椎间孔椎体间植骨融合单侧内固定手术对融合节段对侧结构的影响,并探讨术后对侧发生疼痛的原因.方法 回顾性分析2009年1月至2010年1月进行微创经椎间孔减压椎体间植骨融合单侧内固定手术的34例患者.使用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)和日本整形外科学会(Japane...     

A critical appraisal of an article comparing the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulation and chemonucleolysis in the management of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation

This single-blind randomised clinical trial compared osteopathic manipulative treatment with chemonucleolysis (used as a control of known efficacy) for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. Forty patients with sciatica due to this diagnosis (confirmed by imaging) were treated either by chemonucleolysis or manipulation. Outcomes (leg pain, back pain and self-reported disability) were measured at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 months. The mean values for all outcomes improved in both groups. By 12 months, there was no statistically significant difference in outcome between the treatmentments, but manipulation produced a statistically significant greater improvement for back pain and disability in the first few weeks.A similar number from both groups required additional orthopaedic intervention; there were no serious complications. Crude cost analysis suggested an overall financial advantage from manipulation. Because osteopathic manipulation produced a 12-month outcome that was equivalent to chemonucleolysis, it can be considered as an option for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation, at least in the absence of clear indications for surgery. Further study into the value of manipulation is warranted.     

High degree of kinesiophobia after lumbar disc herniation surgery: a cross-sectional study of 84 patients

Background and purpose

Several studies have investigated outcomes after disc surgery. However, the occurrence of kinesiophobia has not been investigated previously in patients after disc herniation surgery. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated kinesiophobia in patients who had been treated surgically for lumbar disc herniation, and we related the results to established outcome measures.

Patients and methods

10–34 months after surgery, questionnaires were sent to 97 patients who had undergone standardized open discectomy. Outcome measures included Tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK); Oswestry disability index (ODI); European quality of life in 5 dimensions (EQ-5D); visual analog scale (VAS) for leg and back pain, work disability, and patient satisfaction; Zung self-rating depression scale (ZDS); pain catastrophizing scale (PCS); and a self-efficacy scale (SES).

Results

36 of 80 patients reported having kinesiophobia. There were statistically significant differences in ODI, EQ-5D, VAS leg and back pain, ZDS, PCS, and SES between patients with and without kinesiophobia.

Interpretation

Half of the patients suffered from kinesiophobia 10–34 months after surgery for disc herniation. These patients were more disabled, had more pain, more catastrophizing thoughts, more symptoms of depression, lower self-efficacy, and poorer health-related quality of life than patients without kinesiophobia.Numerous studies have investigated outcomes after disc surgery and found poor results in 10–35% of the patients, depending on what outcome measure was used (Loupasis et al. 1999, Gotfryd and Avanzi 2009, Lundin et al. 2009). In a summary of outcome assessments for treatment of spinal disorders, the following domains were recommended to be included: back-specific function, generic health status, pain, work disability, and patient satisfaction (Bombardier 2000). Results from a systematic review indicated that socio-demographic, clinical, work-related, and psychological factors predict outcome of lumbar surgery outcome (den Boer et al. 2006).In addition, affective factors, particularly fear, have proven to be central in explaining and in understanding of persistent musculoskeletal pain. 3 terms are used to describe fear in relation to pain: pain-related fear, fear of movement, and kinesiophobia. Pain-related fear is a broad and general term that covers all kinds of fears related to pain (Crombez et al. 1999). Fear of movement/(re)injury is described as “a specific fear of movement and physical activity that is (wrongfully) assumed to cause reinjury” (Vlaeyen et al. 1995a). In the most extreme situation of fear of movement, the expression “kinesiophobia” is used (Kori et al. 1990).Kinesiophobia is considered to play a negative role in the outcome of rehabilitation for patients with low back pain, and a high prevalence of kinesiophobia has been observed in patients with persistent low back pain (Picavet et al. 2002, Lundberg et al. 2004). Since physical activity/exercise is a crucial part of the rehabilitation program after surgery, kinesiophobia is probably a factor that prevents recovery. However, a subgroup analysis of kinesiophobia has not been investigated previously in patients who have undergone disc herniation surgery. We studied kinesiophobia in patients who were treated surgically for lumbar disc herniation, and related the results to established outcome measures.     

微创单侧椎弓根螺钉固定、椎体间融合治疗腰椎疾患所致腰痛的临床观察

目的:评价微创单侧椎弓根螺钉固定、椎间融合治疗腰椎疾患所致腰痛的临床疗效。方法:2003年12月～2006年8月,共收治不同原因所致腰痛患者29例,其中腰椎间盘突出症13例,腰椎不稳8例,椎间盘源性腰痛5例,MED术后复发3例,均采用可扩张管道系统经椎间孔行椎体间植骨融合、单侧椎弓根螺钉固定术治疗。应用视觉模拟评分系统(VAS)评估患者术前、术后疼痛情况,应用Kim方法评价临床效果,应用Schulte方法观察植骨融合情况。结果:1例患者术后出现对侧下肢放射性疼痛,保守治疗无效,再次手术行神经根管减压和内固定后症状缓解。随访21～36个月,平均31.5个月,术前VAS评分为7.7±0.6分,术后3个月时为1.9±0.9分,两者比较有显著性差异(P0.001),术后3个月时Kim优良率为89.7%,末次随访时Kim优良率为96.6%,满意率为96.6%。末次随访时椎间融合率为93.1%,1例可能融合和1例假关节形成。结论:微创单侧椎弓根螺钉固定是治疗腰痛的一种有效方法,但需要严格把握手术适应证。     

腰椎间盘源性疼痛和隐形椎间盘突出的臭氧消融治疗

目的观察臭氧消融术对腰椎间盘源性疼痛和隐形椎间盘突出的治疗效果。方法对腰椎间盘源性疼痛患者87例和隐形椎间盘突出患者69例行CT引导下臭氧消融治疗，其中33例隐形椎间盘突出患者在臭氧消融术的同时实施纤维环切割开窗术。治疗6个月后采用改良Macnab法对患者的疗效进行评价。结果在间盘源性疼痛患者，注入臭氧后立刻诱发腰部疼痛，CT扫描显示间盘形态较注射前膨隆明显但未见局限性突出。隐形椎间盘突出患者在注射臭氧后CT扫描显示间盘局限性突出，并表现为硬膜囊及神经根的受压改变。术后6个月随访，显效134例（134／156，85．89％），有效19例（19／156，12．18％），无效3例（3／156，1．92％）。结论臭氧消融术对腰椎间盘源性疼痛和隐形椎间盘突出是一种安全而有效的治疗方法。     

腰椎退行性疾患接受腰椎融合术后发生下腰痛和腰椎矢状位序列的相关性研究

目的探讨分析腰椎退行性疾患接受腰椎融合术后发生下腰痛和腰椎矢状位序列的相关性。方法回顾性分析我院于2010年2月~2011年6月收治的38例接受腰椎融合术的腰椎退行性疾病且术后发生下腰痛患者的临床资料,于所有患者出院后进行为期24个月的随访。在手术前及随访期间收集所有患者站立位X线片腰椎前凸的Cobb角,并分析其与患者下腰痛程度之间的相关性。结果术后12个月及24个月与手术前的腰椎矢状位Cobb角比较,均无统计学意义(分别为t=0.042,P=0.967及t=0.268,P=0.789);术后12个月及24个月的腰椎矢状位Cobb角与正常角度的差值与手术前比较均无统计学意义(分别为t=0.450,P=0.900及t=0.174,P=0.862)。术后12个月及24个月的VAS评分与手术前相比,有明显改善(分别为t=2.838,P=0.006及t=3.251,P=0.002),而术后12个月及24个月的ODI评分与手术前相比也有明显改善(分别为t=2.300,P=0.024及t=3.320,P=0.001)。术后12个月及24个月所有患者的腰椎前凸丢失与VAS评分及ODI评分均呈正相关(P0.05)。结论腰椎前凸角度的丢失与腰椎退行性疾患腰椎融合术后的腰痛关系密切,手术过程中腰椎前凸的重建十分重要。     

Contralateral recurrent lumbar disc herniation. Results of discectomy compared with those in primary herniation

STUDY DESIGN: The surgical outcomes of patients who underwent discectomy for contralateral recurrent herniation and primary herniation were evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the clinical results in patients undergoing surgery for contralateral recurrent disc herniation may be as good as those reported after primary discectomy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: No retrospective or prospective investigation has been conducted on the surgical treatment of contralateral recurrent lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: Sixteen patients who underwent surgery for recurrent disc herniation at the same level as primary disc excision, but on the opposite side, were analyzed prospectively from the recurrence of contralateral radicular pain (Group 1). All patients had reported a satisfactory results after primary discectomy. Fifty consecutive patients who underwent disc excision during the study period, who did not report recurrent radicular pain, were analyzed for comparison (Group 2). Overall patient satisfaction, pain severity, functional outcome, and work status were evaluated. RESULTS: At the 2-year follow-up, the clinical outcome was rated as satisfactory in 14 of 16 patients in Group 1 and in 45 of 50 in Group 2 (P > 0.05). Twelve patients in Group 1 and 42 in Group 2 had resumed their work or daily activities at the same level as before the operation (P > 0.05). Radicular pain was significantly improved in both groups at the 6-month and 2-year follow-ups. At the 6-month follow-up, low back pain was significantly improved only in the patients in Group 2; however, at the 2-year follow-up, low back pain was significantly improved in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical results in patients reoperated on for contralateral recurrent lumbar disc herniation compare favorably with those reported after primary discectomy. The improvement of pain in the low back and lower limbs reported by the majority of patients 2 years after reoperation suggests that fusion is not needed in this patient population.     

Analysis of clinical characteristics and surgical results of upper lumbar disc herniations

BackgroundUpper lumbar disc herniation (ULDH) is described mostly in levels L1-2, L2-3 and L3-4 of the lumbar spine in the literature and accounts for less than 10% of all disc herniations. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and surgical results of ULDH.MethodsIn all, 367 patients treated for upper lumbar disc herniation and 2137 treated for lower lumbar disc herniation (LLDH) between January 2008 and January 2017 were included. They were followed up postoperatively at 12 months by radiological investigations, back and leg pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Preoperative data comprised age group (20–40, 40–60, 60–80 years), gender (male, female), lumbar level (L1-2, L2-3, L3-4), side of disc herniation (left, right) and symptom duration (0–3, 3–6, 6–9 months).ResultsODI and VAS scores improved significantly postoperatively for all patients. Of the 367 ULDH patients, 169 were female (54%) and 198 male (46%), with a mean age of 55.8 ± 10.1 years (range, 35–71). In 174 (47.4%) patients symptom duration was 3 months, in 99 (27.0%) 3–6 months, and in 94 (25.6%) 6–9 months. At 12 months, ODI, back and leg pain VAS scores showed a significant difference in improvement according to ULDH symptom duration < 3 months and to LLDH symptom duration < 6 months.ConclusionMicrodiscectomy in ULDH provided sufficient and safe decompression of neural structures, with significant reduction in symptoms and disability. We suggest that early surgical treatment is an important factor for good outcome in ULDH.     

Microscopic anterior foraminal decompression combined with anterior lumbar interbody fusion

Background context

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPF) provides successful surgical outcomes to isthmic spondylolisthesis patients with indirect decompression through foraminal volume expansion. However, indirect decompression through ALIF followed by PPF may not obtain a successful surgical outcome in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis accompanied by foraminal stenosis caused by a posterior osteophyte or foraminal sequestrated disc herniation. Thus far, there has been no report of foraminal decompression through anterior direct access in the lumbar spine.

Purpose

This study aims to describe the new surgical technique of microscopic anterior foraminal decompression and to analyze the clinical outcomes and radiologic results of the microscopic anterior decompression during ALIF followed by PPF.

Study design/Setting

We conducted a multisurgeon, retrospective, clinical series from a single institution.

Patient sample

This study was carried out from March 2007 to July 2010 and included 40 consecutive patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis accompanied by foraminal stenosis caused by posterior osteophyte or foraminal sequestrated disc herniation undergoing microscopic anterior foraminal decompression during ALIF followed by PPF.

Outcome measures

The visual analog scales (VAS) of back and leg pain and the Oswestry disability index were measured preoperatively and at the last follow-up.

Methods

Postoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging measured whether decompression of neural structure had been made and morphometric change of the foramen and the amount of resected bone. Moreover, segmental lordosis, whole lumbar lordosis, disc height, and degree of listhesis were measured through X-ray examination before the operation and at the last follow-up; we also verified whether fusion had been achieved.

Results

Successful decompression was confirmed in both patients with foraminal stenosis caused by posterior osteophyte and those with foraminal sequestrated disc herniation. Clinically, compared with before the surgery, the VAS (leg and back) and the Oswestry disability index significantly decreased at the last follow-up (p=.000). With regard to radiology, at the last follow-up all patients had bone fusion on X-ray examination, and an increase in disc height, a reduction in the degree of listhesis, an increase in segmental lordosis, and an increase in whole lumbar lordosis were significant in both groups (p=.000) compared with before the surgery. Foraminal volume, foraminal width, and foraminal height also significantly increased postoperatively compared with before the operation (p=.000). The height, width, and dimension of resected body were 4.61±1.05 mm, 7.92±1.42 mm, 17.15±4.96 mm², respectively, in patients with foraminal stenosis caused by a posterior osteophyte, and 3.88±0.92 mm, 6.8±1.29 mm, and 13.12±2.25 mm², respectively, in patients with foraminal sequestrated disc.

Conclusions

The microscopic anterior foraminal approach provides successful foraminal decompression. Combined with ALIF and PPF, this approach shows a good surgical outcome in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis accompanied by foraminal stenosis caused by a posterior osteophyte or those with foraminal sequestrated disc herniation.     

High degree of kinesiophobia after lumbar disc herniation surgery

Background and purpose Several studies have investigated outcomes after disc surgery. However, the occurrence of kinesiophobia has not been investigated previously in patients after disc herniation surgery. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated kinesiophobia in patients who had been treated surgically for lumbar disc herniation, and we related the results to established outcome measures.

Patients and methods 10–34 months after surgery, questionnaires were sent to 97 patients who had undergone standardized open discectomy. Outcome measures included Tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK); Oswestry disability index (ODI); European quality of life in 5 dimensions (EQ-5D); visual analog scale (VAS) for leg and back pain, work disability, and patient satisfaction; Zung self-rating depression scale (ZDS); pain catastrophizing scale (PCS); and a self-efficacy scale (SES).

Results 36 of 80 patients reported having kinesiophobia. There were statistically significant differences in ODI, EQ-5D, VAS leg and back pain, ZDS, PCS, and SES between patients with and without kinesiophobia.

Interpretation Half of the patients suffered from kinesiophobia 10–34 months after surgery for disc herniation. These patients were more disabled, had more pain, more catastrophizing thoughts, more symptoms of depression, lower self-efficacy, and poorer health-related quality of life than patients without kinesiophobia.     

A prospective study of preoperative and postoperative sequential magnetic resonance imaging and early clinical outcome in automated percutaneous lumbar discectomy.

The authors evaluated the size of the disc herniation with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after surgery in patients undergoing automated percutaneous lumbar discectomy (APLD) and compared the MRI findings with the early clinical outcome. This study includes 20 consecutive patients with a contained lumbar disc herniation. Sequential MRI were performed immediately before and after surgery, on the day of surgery, and 6 weeks after surgery. The development of pain, nerve root tension sign (SLR), and neurological findings were analyzed, as was the need for subsequent open surgery. There was no significant difference in the maximum protrusion of the disc herniation between the three measurements. The sciatic pain improved significantly on the first day after surgery but not at 1 week or 6 weeks after surgery. The SLR was reduced significantly after surgery and at 1 and 6 weeks after surgery. There was no correlation between the MRI findings and the early clinical outcome. Seven patients needed subsequent open surgery. The findings indicate that the effect of APLD is not mediated by reducing the size of the disc herniation. In this small series of patients, APLD was ineffective in the treatment of a contained lumbar disc herniation. There was no correlation between the MRI findings and the early clinical outcome.     

Single-blind randomised controlled trial of chemonucleolysis and manipulation in the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation

This single-blind randomised clinical trial compared osteopathic manipulative treatment with chemonucleolysis (used as a control of known efficacy) for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. Forty patients with sciatica due to this diagnosis (confirmed by imaging) were treated either by chemonucleolysis or manipulation. Outcomes (leg pain, back pain and self-reported disability) were measured at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 months. The mean values for all outcomes improved in both groups. By 12 months, there was no statistically significant difference in outcome between the treatments, but manipulation produced a statistically significant greater improvement for back pain and disability in the first few weeks. A similar number from both groups required additional orthopaedic intervention; there were no serious complications. Crude cost analysis suggested an overall financial advantage from manipulation. Because osteopathic manipulation produced a 12-month outcome that was equivalent to chemonucleolysis, it can be considered as an option for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation, at least in the absence of clear indications for surgery. Further study into the value of manipulation at a more acute stage is warranted. Received: 10 June 1999 Revised: 24 November 1999 Accepted: 24 November 1999     

Lumbar disc herniation]

Back pain is common (80-90% population), conservative treatment is usually successful. Lumbar disc herniation and sciatica are fairly common but are far less frequent than is idiopathic low back pain. Sciatica is usually due to lumbar disc herniation; the outcome is usually favorable. Surgery for lumbar disc herniation and sciatica is indicated if acute bladder and bowel impairment is present (cauda equine syndrome) or if sciatic pain is incapacitating and persistent for more than 6 to 12 weeks. Confirmation of the clinical level of disc herniation must be made by imaging (CT or MRI). With proper patient selection, surgery for lumbar disc herniation and sciatica can be expected to lead to excellent results in the majority of patients.     

人工髓核置换术治疗腰椎问盘突出症的近期临床疗效观察

目的探讨人工髓核置换术治疗腰椎间盘突出症的近期临床应用效果。方法自2004年3月~2004年5月,笔者采用人工髓核置换术治疗腰椎间盘突出症25例,23例经标准后侧入路单枚PDN植入,1例经横突间入路单枚PDN植入,1例经腹膜后入路单枚PDN植入。术后随访6~18个月。结果1例术后1周出现剧烈腰痛,摄片示PDN位置好,给予卧床、镇痛、脱水治疗后缓解;1例术后4周出现腰腿痛,摄片示PDN部分移位于椎管,二次手术取出PDN行融合术后症状缓解;1例术后1个月PDN部分塌陷入椎体内,偶有腰痛,对症治疗,症状缓解。X线片复查手术后椎间隙高度平均增加3.34mm。腰椎各方活动基本正常,根据Oswestry下腰痛和功能不利评分,临床成功率84%,无感染等并发症。结论人工髓核置换术治疗腰椎间盘突出症在改善症状的同时能够增加椎间高度,保留腰椎的正常运动功能,为腰椎间盘突出症的手术治疗提供了一种新方法。     

Early neuromuscular customized training after surgery for lumbar disc herniation: a prospective controlled study

A prospective and controlled study of training after surgery for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The objective was to determine the effect of early neuromuscular customized training after LDH surgery. No consensus exists on the type and timing of physical rehabilitation after LDH surgery. Patients aged 15–50 years, disc prolapse at L4–L5 or L5–S1. Before surgery, at 6 weeks, 4, and 12 months postoperatively, the following evaluations were performed: low back pain and leg pain estimated on a visual analog scale, disability according to the Roland–Morris questionnaire (RMQ) and disability rating index (DRI). Clinical examination, including the SLR test, was performed using a single blind method. Consumption of analgesics was registered. Twenty-five patients started neuromuscular customized training 2 weeks after surgery (early training group=ETG). Thirty-one patients formed a control group (CG) and started traditional training after 6 weeks. There was no significant difference in pain and disability between the two training groups before surgery. Median preoperative leg pain was 63 mm in ETG and 70 mm in the CG. Preoperative median disability according to RMQ was 14 in the ETG and 14.5 in the CG. Disability according to DRI (33/56 patients) was 5.3 in the ETG vs. 4.6 in the CG. At 6 weeks, 4 months, and 12 months, pain was significantly reduced in both groups, to the same extent. Disability scores were lower in the ETG at all follow-ups, and after 12 months, the difference was significant (RMQ P=.034, DRI P=.015). The results of the present study show early neuromuscular customized training to have a superior effect on disability, with a significant difference compared to traditional training at a follow-up 12 months after surgery. No adverse effects of the early training were seen. A prospective, randomized study with a larger patient sample is warranted to ultimately demonstrate that early training as described is beneficial for patients undergoing LDH surgery.     

Unilateral facetectomy approach for lateral lumbar disc herniation

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.