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.     

Night pain associated with diminished cardiopulmonary compliance. A concomitant of lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis

Twenty patients admitted to hospital with congestive heart failure were evaluated for severe concomitant lumbosacral and leg pain. In each instance the discomfort was worse at night and progressively decreased with a resolution of the pulmonary edema. Neurologic and electromyographic examinations in all but four patients were normal with reflexes, strength and straight leg raising testing normal. An absent Achilles reflex was recognized in two, a diminished knee jerk reflex in one and in a third, weakness in the extensor hallucis longus. Lumbar spinal stenosis was identified in all of the patients with a concomitant degenerative spondylolisthesis present in nine instances and in an additional two a spondylolisthesis with interruption of the neural arch. It is theorized that diminished right heart compliance can induce a sufficient increase in venous volume and pressure within the paravertebral plexus of Batson to acutely exacerbate a chronic lumbar spinal stenosis. In support of this hypothesis, the multiple factors involved in the pathomechanics and physiology of lumbar radiculopathy, spinal stenosis and the role of the paravertebral plexus of veins are examined. Specifically, their response to altered volume and pressure gradients tending to induce venous "creep" as well to alterations in posture and diurnal cycles are reviewed.     

Electrodiagnostic challenges in the evaluation of lumbar spinal stenosis

Taken together, the most common electromyographic finding in lumbar spinal stenosis is bilateral multilevel radiculopathy. The sensitivity of electrodiagnostic testing for radiculopathy is difficult to quantify because there is no criterion standard. Differentiating peripheral neuropathy and lumbar spinal stenosis on electromyography and routine nerve-conduction studies can be clinically challenging, especially when the two entities may be present simultaneously in older patients.     

Electrodiagnostics for low back pain

Low back pain with radiating pain to the hip, buttock, or limb is the most common reason for electrodiagnostics referral. Electrodiagnostics is used to assess for lumbosacral radiculopathy potentially underlying low back pain. It serves as an extension of the clinical history and physical examination, and complements neuroimaging. Common low back pathologies amenable to electrodiagnostic evaluation include lumbosacral disk herniation and spinal stenosis. Electrodiagnostics may aid in the decision-making process when considering surgical management, and may aid in patient selection. The usefulness of electrodiagnostics is maximized when performed for the appropriate patient, and when the findings are properly interpreted.     

Fluoroscopically guided lumbar transformational epidural steroid injections in degenerative lumbar stenosis: an outcome study

OBJECTIVE: To identify the short- and long-term therapeutic benefit of fluoroscopically guided lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections in patients with radicular leg pain from degenerative lumbar stenosis. DESIGN: This prospective cohort study performed at a multidisciplinary spine center. There were a total of 34 patients who met our inclusion criteria for the treatment of unilateral radicular pain from degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent fluoroscopically guided lumbar transforaminal epidural injections. Patients with radiculopathy, who did not respond to physical therapy, antiinflammatories, or analgesics, caused by degenerative lumbar stenosis and confirmed by magnetic resonance imagining received fluoroscopically guided lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections at the presumed symptomatic nerve root. The injectant consisted of 12 mg of betamethasone acetate and 2 ml of 1% preservative-free lidocaine HCL. Patients were evaluated by an independent observer and received questionnaires before the initial injection, at 2 mo, and at 12 mo after the injections. Questionnaires included a visual analog scale, Roland 5-point pain scale, standing/walking tolerance, and patient satisfaction scale. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients met our inclusion criteria and were followed for 1 yr. Seventy-five percent of patients had successful long-term outcome, reporting at least a >50% reduction between preinjection and postinjection pain scores, with an average of 1.9 injections per patient. Sixty-four percent of patients had improved walking tolerance, and 57% had improved standing tolerance at 12 mo. CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopically guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections may help reduce unilateral radicular pain and improve standing and walking tolerance in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.     

The use of electromyography to predict functional outcome following transforaminal epidural spinal injections for lumbar radiculopathy.

This study aimed to determine if electromyographic (EMG) diagnostic evaluation can predict functional outcome in patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar spine epidural injections. In this retrospective study, functional outcome by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and verbal rating scale (VRS) for current pain severity was evaluated in 39 patients undergoing lumbar transforaminal epidural spinal injections (ESI). Subjects with low back pain (mean age, 60 +/- 12.5 years) were evaluated for functional improvement post EMG and ESI. Of 39 patients tested with EMG before injection, 18 patients were positive for radiculopathy and 21 had a normal or negative examination. The patients were followed postinjection on average of 10.8 (SD +/- 3.9) weeks. Pretreatment ODI scores were not significantly different between groups showing positive (72.3 SD +/- 12.7) and negative (65.9 SD +/- 18.6, P > .05) EMG findings. There was significantly greater improvement of ODI for EMG positive radiculopathy (7.11 SD +/- 9.5) compared with negative EMG (3.2 SD +/- 17.4, P < .05). Positive radiculopathy subjects complained of more pain by VRS before ESI than subjects with negative EMG findings, 8.1 SD +/- 1.0 and 7.3 SD +/- 0.8, respectively, which was not significant (P > .05). VRS mean improvement was not significantly different in the positive EMG group (1.8 SD +/- 1.2) compared with a negative EMG (1.2 SD +/- 1.2, P > .05). PERSPECTIVE: The results appear to show that patients undergoing transforaminal ESI, who have a positive radiculopathy by EMG before injection, will have significant improvement in functional outcome by ODI but not with current pain intensity by VRS. This study suggests the importance and diagnostic value of ordering electromyography studies for lumbar radiculopathy evaluation, which may lead to prediction of outcome with lumbar transforaminal epidural spinal procedures. Furthermore, the current study highlights the difficulty of pain evaluation outcome by VRS.     

Complications of fluoroscopically guided transforaminal lumbar epidural injections

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of complications of fluoroscopically guided lumbar transforaminal epidural injections. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort design study. Patients presenting with radiculopathy, caused by either lumbar spinal stenosis or herniated nucleus pulposus confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scanning, received transforaminal epidural steroid injections as part of a conservative care treatment plan. SETTING: A multidisciplinary spine care center. INTERVENTION: All injections were performed consecutively over a 4-month period by five physiatrists. An independent observer reviewed medical charts, which included a 24-hour postprocedure telephone call by an ambulatory surgery center nurse who had asked a standardized questionnaire about complications following the injections. Physician follow-up office notes 1 to 3 weeks after the injection, along with epiduragrams, were also reviewed. RESULTS: Two hundred seven patients who received 322 injections were reviewed. Complications per injection seen included 10 transient nonpositional headaches that resolved within 24 hours (3.1%), 8 increased back pain (2.4%), 2 increased leg pain (0.6%), 4 facial flushing (1.2%), 1 vasovagal reaction (0.3%), 1 increased blood sugar (258 mg/dL) in an insulin-dependent diabetic (0.3%), and 1 intraoperative hypertension (0.3%). No dural punctures occurred. CONCLUSIONS: There were no major complications. The incidence of minor complications was 9.6% per injection. All reactions resolved without morbidity, and no patient required hospitalization.     

Spinal nerve stimulation in the diagnosis of lumbosacral radiculopathy

Direct spinal nerve stimulation was compared with needle electromyography (EMG) in 40 patients who were suspected of having an L5 or S1 radiculopathy. For spinal nerve stimulation, we adapted a monopolar needle electrode inserted deep into the paraspinal muscle. The minimal latency, amplitude, and negative phase area of compound muscle action potential from myotomal muscles were recorded with computer assistance. Abnormality was considered to be significant when the value fell outside of 2 SD of control mean values. Among 17 patients with clinical evidence of radiculopathy, needle EMG was abnormal in 10 patients (58.8%), whereas in the nerve stimulation test the abnormalities were shown in 16 patients (94.1%); in amplitude difference and the abnormal area, differences were shown in 12 patients (70.6%). Among 23 patients with only subjective symptoms of radiculopathy, needle EMG was abnormal in nine patients (39.1%), whereas the abnormal amplitude differences were shown in 18 patients (78.3%) and 15 patients (65.2%) with abnormal area difference by spinal nerve stimulation, respectively. Direct spinal nerve stimulation is recognized as an objective and sensitive test in the diagnosis of lumbosacral radiculopathy.     

Management of acute lumbar disk herniation initially presenting as mechanical low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical management with spinal manipulation of a male patient with risk factors for lumbar disk herniation initially suffering from what appeared to be mechanical low back pain that evolved into radiculopathy; also to review issues pertinent to chiropractic/manipulative management of disk herniation. CLINICAL FEATURES: The patient initially suffered from unilateral low back pain and nonradicular/nonlancinating referral to the ipsilateral lower extremity. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Disk herniation-in-evolution was included in the differential diagnosis, which was discussed with the patient, who then gave verbal informed consent for manipulative management. A day or so after the initial manipulation the presentation evolved to include S1 radiculopathy. Computed tomography, just after onset of radiculopathy, confirmed the clinical diagnosis of lumbosacral disk herniation. The patient continued with manipulative management and repeat computed tomography examination after clinical resolution about 2 months later revealed reduction in size of the apparently clinically significant herniation. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for the development of disk herniation should be considered when assessing patients suffering from what appears to be mechanical low back pain. The role played by manipulation in the development of disk herniation in this case was believed to be circumstantial rather than causal. Manipulation was used in the treatment of this patient over a period of approximately 2 months; after this time, clinical and partial computed tomography imaging resolution was evident. Ongoing clinical (neurologic) evaluation of patients with manifest or suspected disk herniation is an important aspect of management. Good-quality trials of manipulation for patients with disk herniation are imperative for the chiropractic profession.     

腰椎管内静脉血清中炎性因子与腰椎管狭窄的关系

背景：大量研究表明,局部腰椎管狭窄可导致机体免疫学异常和局部慢性炎症的发生,而慢性炎症才是导致疼痛的主要原因。目前对于炎性因子与腰椎管狭窄症的相关性研究主要集中于椎间盘、小关节及黄韧带上,腰椎管内静脉中炎性因子与腰椎管狭窄的关系尚未见相关报道。目的：分析腰椎管内静脉血清中白细胞介素1α、肿瘤坏死因子α水平与腰椎管狭窄症的相关性。方法：选取2011年9月至2013年12月上海市同济大学附属东方医院脊柱外科接受腰椎后路椎板切除减压治疗的腰椎管狭窄症及腰椎爆裂性骨折患者,共51例,评估治疗前腰腿痛目测类比评分及Oswestry功能障碍指数。收集退变性腰椎管狭窄症及腰椎爆裂性骨折患者外周静脉及椎管内静脉血,酶联免疫吸附剂法测定血清中白细胞介素1α及肿瘤坏死因子α水平。结果与结论：退变性腰椎管狭窄症组椎管内静脉血清白细胞介素1α水平显著高于腰椎爆裂性骨折组,退变性腰椎管狭窄症组椎管内静脉血清白细胞介素1α水平显著高于外周静脉,差异均有显著性意义（P 〈0.05）。退变性腰椎管狭窄症组腰椎管狭窄节段越多,静脉血清白细胞介素1α水平越高,但统计学差异不显著。线性相关分析显示,退变性腰椎管狭窄症组椎管内静脉血清白细胞介素1α水平与腰腿痛及功能障碍评分呈显著正相关（r^2=0.3593,P〈0.05;r^2=0.5264,P〈0.05）。提示腰椎管内静脉中炎性因子可能是导致退变性腰椎管狭窄患者腰腿痛及功能障碍的原因之一。     

骨质疏松伴腰椎管狭窄症治疗时采用降钙素的效果分析

目的:探讨分析降钙素在治疗骨质疏松伴腰椎管狭窄症中的应用价值.方法:选取2019年2月至2020年5月本院收治的86例骨质疏松伴腰椎管狭窄症患者,按照奇偶次序将86例患者分为两组,对照组给予钙尔奇D和洛索洛芬钠治疗,观察组联合降钙素治疗,获取两组患者的临床疗效,进行比较分析.结果:观察组患者用药后的临床有效率大于对照组...     

Effects of flexion-distraction manipulation therapy on pain and disability in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of flexion-distraction manipulation therapy on pain and disability in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. [Subjects] Thirty patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were divided into two groups: a conservative treatment group (n=15) and a flexion-distraction manipulation group (n=15). [Methods] The conservative treatment group received conservative physical therapy, and the flexion-distraction group received both conservative physical therapy and flexion-distraction manipulation therapy. Both groups received treatment 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The Visual Analog Scale was used to measure pain intensity, and the Oswestry Disability Index was used to evaluate the level of disability caused by the pain. [Results] The Visual Analog Scale scores for pain were significantly decreased in both groups. In the between-group comparison, the decrease in pain was more significant in the flexion-distraction group. According to the Oswestry Disability Index, the level of disability was significantly decreased in both groups, but the decrease was more significant in the flexion-distraction group. [Conclusion] Flexion-distraction manipulation appears to be an effective intervention for pain and disability among patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.Key words: Spinal stenosis, Flexion-distraction manipulation, Disability     

Neurologic disease presenting as chronic pelvic pain

Neurologic disease as a cause of chronic pelvic pain may be more common than previously reported. We report three cases wherein patients with complaints of pelvic pain were subsequently found to have neurologic disease involving the lumbosacral spine. In all three cases, the presenting features were complaints of cyclic or noncyclic lower abdominal pain attributed to endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine fibroids. When conventional therapies failed to resolve the pain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spine showed a neoplasm in one patient and disk herniation in two patients. Evolving lumbar disk disease or intradural neoplasms in the upper lumbar area can produce symptoms interpreted as pelvic pain. Symptoms consistent with radiculopathy occurred late in the course of each of the three cases reported.     

Abstract 2: Efficacy of epidural steroid injections

Objectives: To test the efficacy of epidural steroid injections (ESIs) for the relief of radicular-, facet joint-, and lumbar stenosis-related pain 3 months postinjections and to demonstrate whether the presence of litigation and smoking influenced the response to treatment. Design: Prospective survey. Setting: Community-based hospital. Participants: 300 patients who received steroid injections for radicular-, facet joint-, and lumbar stenosis-related pain. Interventions: All participants had clinical and diagnostic evidence of lumbar radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, or facet pain. Each was then treated with a series of ESIs. Each patient filled out a preinjection survey to determine the duration and distribution of their pain. A 10-point analog pain scale determined their pre-injection pain. Factors also evaluated were the etiology of pain, the presence of a lawsuit, and if the patient was a habitual smoker. At 3 months postinjection, each participant received a survey to rate their current pain and declare other interventions such as physical therapy and surgery. Main Outcome Measures: Percentage of participants who received pain relief from their ESIs and specifically which etiology of back pain showed a better response. Results: 3 months after ESIs, approximately 80% of patients had a decrease in their symptoms by 2 or more points on the 10-point analog pain scale. Patients who experienced the most pain relief were those with radicular or stenotic symptoms, nonsmoking, or without concomitant litigation. Conclusion: Steroid injections for back pain of radicular or stenotic nature (not facet), especially for nonsmokers or those without litigation, are an effective means of treating low back pain (LBP) in the first 3 months. This study will be followed by a 6 month and 12 month survey to determine the long-term efficacy of steroid injections for LBP.     

Pulmonary Cement Embolism after Kyphoplasty

Abstract: An 80‐year‐old female with a history of osteoporosis was evaluated for sudden onset axial low back pain with bilateral lower extremity weakness, hyperreflexia, pain, urinary retention, and decreased rectal tone. Computed tomography of the lumbar spine revealed L1 compression fracture, retropulsion of bone causing spinal canal compromise with associated severe central canal stenosis. Following cement kyphoplasty of L1 with polymethyl methacrylate, the patient developed tachycardia and dyspnea. Chest radiograph and computed tomographic pulmonary angiogram revealed a large collection of hyperdense material within the right lower lobe pulmonary artery, consistent with pulmonary cement emboli. Management and imaging are discussed.     

Restless legs syndrome associated with diminished cardiopulmonary compliance and lumbar spinal stenosis--a motor concomitant of "Vesper's curse"

Lumbosacral and associated leg pain and paresthesias arousing patients from a sound sleep, or Vesper's curse, has been previously reported. An increase in right atrial filling pressure reflected in elevated paraspinal venous volumes within the reduced confines of a stenotic lumbar spine has been cited as the cause of this syndrome. Six cases of concomitant nocturnal calf cramps and fasciculations associated with the night pain and paresthesias are reported. In all cases a reduction in cardiopulmonary compliance was noted, with clinical and electromyographic evidence of paraspinal and lower extremity fasciculations increasing at night. Symptoms were relieved by assuming an erect or semi-reclining sleep position. In five of the six reported cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis was also present. The motor equivalent of Vesper's curse was evaluated by electromography, evoked potentials, CAT scan, and myelography. The multiple factors involved in the pathomechanics and pathophysiology of lumbar radiculopathy, and spinal stenosis and the role of the paravertebral plexus of veins are reviewed as they relate to the genesis of the restless legs syndrome.     

Echocardiographic evaluation of left and right ventricular diastolic function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on left ventricular and right ventricular diastolic and systolic functions. Forty-eight patients with severe COPD were studied. Patients were divided into 2 subgroups according to pulmonary artery pressures: 25 patients with pulmonary hypertension (group 1) and 23 patients with normal pulmonary artery pressure (group 2). As a control group, 59 normal subjects were studied (group 3). Patients in group 1 had higher tricuspid peak A velocity, lower tricuspid E velocity, longer isovolumetric relaxation time, higher mitral A wave, lower mitral E wave, and slower color propagation velocity than groups 2 and 3. There was no significant difference between left ventricular diastolic filling parameters between groups 2 and 3. Patients with COPD and pulmonary hypertension have left and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction. However, patients with COPD and normal pulmonary artery pressure have normal left and right ventricular diastolic function.     

Pregnancy and the herniated lumbar disc

During the last decade, five pregnant patients with symptoms and signs of a herniated lumbar disc were identified among a series of 48,760 consecutive deliveries at William Beaumont Hospital, an incidence of 1:10,000. In all cases, clinical evaluation and electromyography complemented conservative treatment during the final stage of pregnancy. Each patient was delivered by cesarean section. Large lumbar disc herniations in each case were subsequently identified by myelography. In all five cases, lumbar laminectomy was successful in facilitating the eventual resolution of the signs and symptoms of the radiculopathy. Although the mechanical and postural stresses of pregnancy have been cited as predisposing causes of a herniated lumbar disc, this study suggests otherwise. Lumbosacral vertebral disc ruptures of pregnancy, while relatively rare, should nevertheless be recognized early, distinguished from other causes of lumbosacral gestational plexopathy, and promptly treated.     

有限椎板切除术对腰椎管狭窄及中央型腰椎间盘突出的治疗作用

目的：评价有限椎板切除术对腰椎管狭窄症以及中央型腰椎间盘突出症的治疗效果。方法：对我科2000年1月至2003年12月期间随访的采用有限椎板切除术治疗的137例腰椎管狭窄症和(或)中央型腰椎间盘突出症患者的术后症状改善情况进行调查评价。结果：本组病例总数137例,其中男78例,女59例,平均年龄45．6岁,随访时间最长15个月,最短1个月,平均6个月。术后腰痛改善总有效率83％,腿痛改善总有效率96％,仅1例病人由于椎间盘复发行再手术椎间融合治疗。结论：有限椎板切除术能够有效地治疗腰椎管狭窄症以及中央型腰椎间盘突出症,而且能够更好地保存脊椎稳定结构而大大降低并发症的发病率。     

Severe lumbar spinal stenosis combined with Guillain-Barré syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUNDGuillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder that typically presents with ascending weakness, pain, paraesthesias, and numbness, which mimic the findings in lumbar spinal stenosis. Here, we report a case of severe lumbar spinal stenosis combined with GBS.CASE SUMMARYA 70-year-old man with a history of lumbar spinal stenosis presented to our emergency department with severe lower back pain and lower extremity numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of severe lumbar spinal stenosis. However, his symptoms did not improve postoperatively and he developed dysphagia and upper extremity numbness. An electromyogram was performed. Based on his symptoms, physical examination, and electromyogram, he was diagnosed with GBS. After 5 d of intravenous immunoglobulin (0.4 g/kg/d for 5 d) therapy, he gained 4/5 of strength in his upper and lower extremities and denied paraesthesias. He had regained 5/5 of strength in his extremities when he was discharged and had no symptoms during follow-up.CONCLUSIONGBS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal disorder, even though magnetic resonance imaging shows severe lumbar spinal stenosis. This case highlights the importance of a careful diagnosis when a patient has a history of a disease and comes to the hospital with the same or similar symptoms.