腰椎椎间盘突出症术后临床疗效与影像区域定位的相关性

目的探讨突出物的影像区域定位与术后临床疗效的相关性。方法回顾分析本院行椎间盘摘除术的患者资料,利用腰椎MRI或CT,按照"胡有谷区域定位法"对突出物进行影像区域定位描述,通过Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disability index,ODI)、日本骨科学会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)评分、疼痛视觉模拟量表(visual analogue scale,VAS)评分进行随访评价。结果随访评价了2006年1月~2010年4月符合纳入标准的患者215例(229个节段),其中男142例,女73例,随访12~126个月,平均30.2个月。对患者发病时及末次随访时功能状态进行评价分析,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),提示本组病例在随访时功能状态有明显改善。根据ODI、JOA、VAS改善率,采用方差检验统计分析,发现横断位分区对预后存在影响;突出物处于横断位3区时,JOA改善率较其余区域低;余因素影响不明显。结论腰椎椎间盘突出症行椎间盘摘除术的患者,在影像区域定位中,横断位分区对预后存在影响。     

极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症15例报告

目的 探讨极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的临床和CT特征,提高该病的诊断率。方法 对15例经手术证实的患者临床和CT影像进行回顾性分析。结果 腰4／5间隙多发,椎间孔和椎间孔外联合突出多见,临床上常可见单侧两节神经根受损的表现。结论 临床与CT相结合是诊断极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的关键。     

极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的临床研究

目的探讨极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的临床表现、诊断、鉴别及治疗。方法通过CT或MRI将突出的腰椎间盘在椎管内所处的位置（矢状位、水平位、冠状位）予以定位,明确椎间盘突出部位。一旦确诊为极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症,即早期经横突间开放入路或后外侧椎间孔入路腰椎间盘镜监测下摘除突出的髓核。结果16例患者中15例行手术治疗,术后恢复取得了满意的疗效。结论CT或MRI为极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的精确诊断提供了依据。早期诊断、早期手术是术后功能恢复的保证。     

Disc Herniation in Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Report of 3 Symptomatic Cases

Because of its rarity, we present the case histories of three patients with a painful lumbar disc herniation in spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. The herniations were diagnosed by MRI and CT. Two of the herniations were confirmed at surgery, and one was treated conservatively.     

Significance of nuclear magnetic tomography in the diagnosis of lumbar disk displacements

In a prospective study we determined the validity of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) in lumbar disc herniations. MRI and CT were compared in 34 patients who underwent operation and 8 patients who underwent discography and intradiscal injection. By this study we determined the validity of CT and MRI being more than 90%.     

Effect of the transligamentous extension of lumbar disc herniations on their regression and the clinical outcome of sciatica

STUDY DESIGN: Magnetic resonance imaging of symptomatic herniated lumbar discs was investigated longitudinally and prospectively for the presence of tear in the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL). OBJECTIVES: To clarify the effect of transligamentous extension through the PLL of herniated disc on its regression and to determine the factors contributing to a successful clinical outcome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Greater regression of the herniated fragment has been noted with larger initial disc herniations. The exposure of herniated disc materials to the epidural vascular supply through the ruptured PLL has been suspected to play a part in the mechanism of disappearance of the herniated nucleus pulposus. However, it had not been shown clinically. METHODS: Clinical outcomes and magnetic resonance images of 36 patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniations, treated conservatively, were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups: subligamentous, transligamentous, and sequestered herniations. The size of the herniated disc was measured by herniation ratio, which is defined as the ratio of the area of herniated disc to that of the thecal sac on the axial view. Factors associated with the natural regression of herniated disc and the successful clinical outcome were explored. RESULTS: Of the 36 herniated discs, 25 decreased in size. Ten (56%) of 18 subligamentous herniations, 11 (79%) of 14 transligamentous herniations, and all 4 (100%) sequestered herniations were reduced in size. The average decreases in herniation ratio of the subligamentous, transligamentous, and sequestered disc groups were 17%, 48%, and 82% respectively. The decrease in herniation ratio was related to the presence of transligamentous extension but was not related to the initial size of herniation. Successful outcome correlated with a decrease in herniation of more than 20%. CONCLUSION: Transligamentous extension of herniated disc materials through the ruptured PLL is more important to its reduction in size than is the initial size of the herniated disc. Decrease in herniation ratio of more than 20% seems to correspond to successful clinical outcome.     

The significance of spinal canal dimensions in discriminating symptomatic from asymptomatic disc herniations

Spinal canal dimensions are assumed to play a significant role with regard to the development of symptoms in individuals with disc herniations. The literature is inconclusive on the significance of spinal canal size as a risk factor for sciatica, mainly because of study design problems. The objective of this study, therefore, was to test the hypothesis that spinal canal dimensions are a significant risk factor for the development of sciatica, comparing symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Thirty symptomatic patients undergoing lumbar discectomy and 45 asymptomatic volunteers were investigated by clinical and MRI examination. The size of the spinal canal and thecal sac as well as the midsagittal spinal canal diameter were measured using a point counting method and scanner software, respectively. Differences between the groups were compared separately for each level L3/4 to L5/S1. The intra- and inter-observer error ranged between 0.95 and 0.99 for all measurements. In symptomatic patients, the dimensions of the spinal canal and thecal sac as well as the midsagittal spinal canal diameter were smaller at all disc levels. Unpaired t-test demonstrated a significant difference, ranging from P<0.05 to P<0.001. When controlled for age, sex and body height, the odds ratio for a symptomatic disc herniation increased to as high as 35, depending on the spinal level, when the size of the spinal canal was smaller than the mean for controls by two standard deviations or more. In symptomatic patients, spinal canal dimensions are significantly smaller than those in asymptomatic individuals. Spinal canal dimension is an important factor discriminating patients from control subjects. A clinically relevant grading system for disc herniation should therefore be based on the spatial relationship between herniated disc material and neurogenic structures.     

Extreme lateral lumbar disk herniation. Apropos of a series of 25 cases

Twenty-five cases of extreme lateral disc herniation (ELDH) were identified amongst 680 operated lumbar discs (3.7%). Their anatomical, radiological and clinical features are presented. They were found at all levels between L3 and S1. At the L5-S1 level 12 ELDH occurred amongst 253 disc herniations (5%), at the L4-L5 level, 8 ELDH amongst 400 herniations (2%), and at the L3-L4 level, 5 ELDH amongst 21 herniations (24%). No clinical features were encountered which could allow to differentiate between an ELDH and a classical disc herniation of the above level. Twenty-three patients underwent lumbar myelogram. This was normal in 6. In 12 it showed a slight shortening and widening of the above situated nerve root sleeve. The same abnormality can be found with downward migration of a classical herniation of the above situated disc or with a lateral recess stenosis. Twenty-five patients underwent computed tomography (CT.). In 24, the ELDH could be unequivocally identified. Disc material occupied the intervertebral foramen or the extravertebral space just beyond it, replacing the normal fat. In order to identify an ELDH, CT has to be done whenever myelogram is normal or equivocal. If the patient is to be investigated by CT only, slices through the intervertebral foramen and the disc below the clinically suspicious level have to be included. Operation in all cases consisted in total or partial unilateral laminectomy with facetectomy.     

Intraradicular disc herniations in the lumbar spine and a new classification of intradural disc herniations

STUDY DESIGN: A case report of intraradicular disc herniation. Intraradicular disc herniation is a special type of intradural disc herniations. In this report, we present the tenth case of intraradicular lumbar disc herniation and suggest a new classification for intradural disc herniations. CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old male was admitted to hospital having experienced pain in the lower back and right leg for 1 month prior to admission. Neurological examination revealed weakness of the extensor hallucis longus, positive Laségue's sign, decreased ankle reflex in his right lower extremity, and bilateral paravertebral muscle spasm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a disc herniation with a posterolateral extruded fragment on the right at the level of the L5-S1 space. He underwent L5 laminectomy. During the operation, the right S1 root was found to be swollen and immobile. A longitudinal incision was made in the dura of the right S1 root and an intradural free disc fragment was removed, and the S1 root was relieved. The patient was free of pain postoperatively. CONCLUSION: We suggest a new classification for intradural disc herniations with this unusual case presentation and review the literature for pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment.     

腰椎间盘突出症发病时的功能状态与影像学区域定位的关系

 目的 探讨腰椎间盘突出症影像区域定位与发病时功能状态的关系。方法 2006年1月到2010年4月收治腰椎间盘突出症患者261例（284节段）,男162例,女99例;年龄14～67岁,平均42.1岁;病史1～38个月,平均14.6个月。体力者35例,中度体力者133例,轻度体力者93例。回顾性分析患者的MRI或CT片（MRI 188例,CT 73例）,从矢状位、横断位和冠状位依据胡有谷区域定位法对突出椎间盘进行影像区域定位描述。分析不同影像区域定位患者发病时的Oswestry功能障碍指数（Oswestry disability index,ODI）、日本骨科协会（Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA）评分、疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue score,VAS）,评估不同影像区域定位患者发病时功能状态的差异。结果 腰椎间盘突出位于矢状位Ⅰ层151个节段（53.2%）、Ⅱ层11个节段（3.9%）、Ⅲ层122个节段（43.0%）;横断位1区7个节段（2.5%）、2区209个节段（73.6%）、3区61个节段（21.5%）、4区7个节段（2.5%）;冠状位a域78个节段（27.5%）、b域162个节段（57.0%）、c域41个节段（14.4%）、d域3个节段（1.1%）。发病时ODI 20%～90%,平均56.91%±13.62%;JOA评分0～24分,平均（13.57±4.68）分;疼痛VAS评分3～10分,平均（6.09±1.89）分。矢状位、横断位、冠状位不同影像区域者的ODI、JOA、疼痛VAS的差异均无统计学意义。结论 依据胡有谷区域定位法,腰椎间盘突出症的影像区域定位以Ⅰ层、2区、b域多见。不同影像区域定位者发病时的功能评分无差异,影像学上突出椎间盘的空间位置与患者发病时的功能状态无关。     

极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的诊断与治疗

目的 探讨极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的诊断与治疗方法。方法回顾分析1999年1月～2004年1月收治16例极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症患者资料。其中椎间孔型8例，椎间孔外型2例，椎间孔内外混合型6例。L2.3 1例，L3,4 5例，L4,5例，L5、S1 2例。CT扫描显示在相应椎间孔内、椎间孔外、椎间孔内外有与椎间盘相同的CT值密度影像。手术采用椎板间入路10例，椎板侧方入路3例，椎板间和椎板侧方联合入路3例。结果术后16例均获随访6个月～5年，平均9个月。根据中华骨科学会脊柱组腰背痛手术评定标准：优8例，良5例，可3例。术后CT显示相应节段椎间盘突向椎间孔或椎间孔外的占位消失，同节段神经根压迫解除。结论CT是目前诊断腰椎间盘突出症的较好方法。手术入路应依突出椎间盘组织占位、病理类型及是否合并椎管内病变而定。     

The natural history of lumbar intervertebral disc extrusions treated nonoperatively

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the natural history of morphologic changes within the lumbar spine in patients who sustained lumbar disc extrusions. All patients in this study were treated nonoperatively for radicular pain and neurologic loss. The following questions were addressed: 1) Does perithecal or perineural fibrosis result when extrusions are not removed surgically, and 2) Do disc extrusions spontaneously resolve, and, if so, how rapidly? The study population consisted of 11 patients with extrusions and radiculopathy. All patients were successfully treated nonoperatively. All had a primary complaint of leg pain and all had positive straight leg raising reproducing their leg pain at less than or equal to 60 degrees. Additionally, 87% had muscle weakness on a neurologic basis in a root level distribution corresponding to the site of disc pathology. Computed tomographic (CT) examinations were obtained on all patients at the inception of treatment. These studies were compared with follow-up MRI studies. The initial CT scans were evaluated for the following criteria: disc size and position, thecal sac effacement, nerve root enlargement or displacement, and evidence of central or intervertebral canal stenosis. In addition to the pathomorphology evaluated on the CT scans, follow-up MRI studies also evaluated disc hydration at the herniated and contiguous levels, and the presence of perithecal or perineural fibrosis. The following grading system was used to evaluate change in fragment size on the follow-up studies: Grade 1-0 to 50% decrease in size; Grade 2-50 to 75% decrease in size; Grade 3-75 to 100% decrease in size.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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.     

Magnetic resonance imaging and contrast CT of the lumbar spine. Comparison of diagnostic methods and correlation with surgical findings

Thirty-two patients with suspected lumbar disc herniation were studied with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast computed tomography (CT). One hundred disc levels were evaluated. Twenty-five patients underwent surgery on 31 discs, allowing anatomic confirmation of the diagnosis. Surgical findings supported the MRI diagnosis at 28 of 31 levels (90.3% accuracy), whereas the CT diagnosis correctly reflected only 24 of 31 levels (77.4% accuracy). Discrepancy between MRI and CT interpretation occurred at ten levels that were surgically explored. Computed tomography (CT) was incorrect at seven levels, and MRI was in error at three levels. The sensitivity of MRI was 91.7%, compared with 83.3% for CT, and the MRI specificity of 100% was superior to 71.4% for CT. This study demonstrates the clinical superiority of surface coil MRI over contrast CT in the evaluation of lumbar disc herniation. Surface coil MRI can be used as the initial diagnostic procedure for a suspected herniated lumbar disc, using invasive contrast studies and CT, if required, to clarify an equivocal MRI finding.     

Similar outcome despite slight clinical differences between lumbar radiculopathy induced by lateral versus medial disc herniations in patients without previous foraminal stenosis: a prospective cohort study with 1-year follow-up

Background contextIt has been claimed that lumbar radiculopathy induced by foraminal disc herniations had poorer outcome and different clinical features, including: 1-more progressive onset, but shorter duration between the first sign and request of medical care; 2-more severe radiculopathy; 3-less frequent/severe back pain; 4-less limitation of straight leg raising (SLR); 5-more frequent neurologic deficiencies; 6-poorer outcome.PurposeTo check whether this still holds true when including only patients without other reasons for foraminal stenosis, that is, whether patients with medial disc herniations had different features and outcome than those with more lateral disc herniations.Study designAll patients hospitalized to treat a lumbar radiculopathy within a 6-month period in two French rheumatology units in 2012 were included in this prospective study each time computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging had already been performed and showed clear disc bulging/herniation but no features of medial or lateral spinal stenosis.Patient sampleFifty-nine patients (31 males, 49 with sciatica only) were included: 31 (53%) had medial disc herniations and 28 (47%) had more lateral herniations (posterolateral in 3, foraminal in 20, and far lateral in 5).Outcome measuresOutcome was assessed by a phone call 1 year after the baseline assessment using a standardized questionnaire. Patients were asked whether they experienced a relapse of their radiculopathy after discharge from the hospital; whether they had been operated or not; whether they felt it had improved or not; whether they felt cured or not; to assess their level of pain radiating in the leg when standing on a 0 to 10 verbal scale; and how long they could walk.MethodsFeatures of patients with medial disc herniations were compared with patients with more lateral herniations.ResultsNo significant differences according to the location of herniations were noticed for the speed of radiculopathy onset, time elapsed since onset, back pain (both lying or standing), and leg pain (both lying or standing), but slight significant differences (t test<0.05) were observed for other items: the 28 patients with lateral herniations were 8 years older (53.4 ±15.8 vs. 45.2±12.6), their herniations involved discs from upper levels of the lumbar spine (above L4–L5: 7/28 vs. 3/31), motor weakness was more frequent (25% vs. 3%), SLR was less restricted (65.0°±24.5° vs. 51.1°±25.7°), DN4 score of neuropathic pain was higher (4.4±2.1 vs. 3.2±1.8), anxiety level was higher (10.3±4.1 vs. 7.9±3.2), length of hospital stay was longer (5.7±2.4 days vs. 4.5±1.4 days), and physician's prognosis of a good outcome was poorer (6.6±2.2 vs. 8.0±1.6). However, at the end of follow-up (12.2±3.3 months), outcome was similar: 37% (vs. 41% for medial herniations) had transiently relapsed, 66% felt finally improved (vs. 63%), and walking capacity was nearly identical despite the fact that only 18% had to be operated (vs. 32% of those with medial herniations).ConclusionsDespite differences in clinical presentation, the outcome of radiculopathy induced by the more lateral lumbar disc herniations was not worse than the outcome of patients with only medial disc herniations. Previous claims of poorer outcome in foraminal herniations might be explained by the inclusion of patients with associated foraminal stenosis.     

Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae and their relationship with lumbar extradural defects

The relationship between herniated lumbar disc and abnormalities of the transverse process of the lumbosacral junction was investigated. Two hundred consecutive patients with positive myelographic findings of herniated lumbar disc were reviewed. Sixty patients presented abnormalities of the transverse process to satisfy the criteria for lumbosacral transitional vertebra. A new classification of lumbosacral transitional vertebra is presented based upon the morphologic and clinical characteristics with respect to herniated nucleus pulposus. Type I represents a "forme fruste" of lumbosacral transitional vertebra and shows no difference in the incidence of the location of herniations. In types III and IV, there are no herniations at the level of the lumbosacral transitional vertebra and no increase in the incidence of herniations just proximal to the lumbosacral transitional vertebra. The Type II lumbosacral transitional vertebra presents herniated lumbar disc at the level of transition. It also presents a greater than normal incidence of herniations at the level just above the lumbosacral transitional vertebra.     

老年腰椎间盘突出症的特点与手术治疗

目的:探讨老年腰椎间盘突出症的特点与手术治疗效果。方法:对98例老年腰椎间盘突出症患者的临床与病理特点进行分析。男55例,女43例,平均年龄65.7岁。均行腰椎后路椎板减压髓核摘除术,其中小切口开窗56例,半椎板切除32例,全椎板切除10例,根据手术前后JOA评分评价手术疗效。结果:老年腰椎间盘突出症病理以髓核组织的脱水,纤维环的破裂,小关节囊、周围韧带及软骨终板退变为主要特点。临床特点为下肢疼痛多发,腰部活动受限较多;双下肢神经系统检查肌力下降明显,生理反射改变明显。98例平均随访2.2年,JOA评分术后平均改善率为70.9%,手术前后JOA评分比较差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。结论:老年腰椎间盘突出症患者病程长,体征多,病理改变明显,行腰椎后路椎板减压髓核摘除术,手术效果满意。     

The neuroradiographic diagnosis of lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus: II. A comparison of computed tomography (CT), myelography, CT-myelography, and magnetic resonance imaging

The accuracy of computed tomography (CT), myelography, CT-myelography (myelo-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) is compared prospectively in 59 patients, all of whom underwent surgical exploration. All tests were read independently of each other and the level of confidence in each diagnosis was recorded. The results are based on the negative (61) as well as positive (59) findings at the 120 disc sites (level and side) explored. Magnetic resonance imaging was the most accurate test (76.5%) compared with myelo-CT (76.0%), CT (73.6%), and myelography (71.4%). The false positive rate was lowest for MRI (13.5%) followed by myelography (13.7%), CT (13.8%), and myelo-CT (21.1%). The false negative rate was lowest for myelo-CT (27.2%) followed by MRI (35.7%), CT (40.2%), and myelography (44.1%). In that subset of 19 patients who had prior surgery, myelography was the most accurate means of diagnosing lumbar HNP (88.8%), followed by MRI (83.3%), myelo-CT (78.4%), and CT (72.6%). The false positive rates in these patients were 11.6% for myelography, 13.2% for MRI, 14.5% for CT, and 16.4% for myelo-CT; the false negative rates were 22.7% for MRI, 24.4% for myelography, 29.5% for myelo-CT, and 47.7% for CT. Magnetic resonance imaging compares very favorably with other currently available imaging modalities for diagnosing lumbar HNP. Magnetic resonance imaging is painless, has no known side effects or morbidity, no radiation exposure, and is noninvasive. The authors recommend it as the procedure of choice for the diagnosis of most lumbar disc herniations.     

Topography of the uncinate fascicle and adjacent temporal fiber tracts

Summary A prospective intra-operative analysis of the location of lumbar disc herniation was performed in 131 patients with verified 54% contained (incomplete) and 46% non-contained (complete) lumbar disc herniations. Bulging discs or protrusions are not included in this study.Complete disc herniations occurred more frequently in the upper lumbar spine. The localization of the lumbar disc herniations within its segment showed no correlation to the affected level. 64% of the disc herniations were located medio-laterally, 20% laterally, 12% within or lateral of the intervertebral compartment and 5% in the midline. Nearly one third of all herniations were found at the level of the disc space. Medio-lateral disc herniations were displaced more often in a caudal direction, lateral herniations were found displaced upwards and downwards with similar frequency while extraforaminal herniations migrated significantly more often in a cranial direction.The pathomechanism and anatomical pathways of disc fragment migration are discussed on the basis of a new concept of the anterior extradural space.Dedicated to Prof. Peter Huber, our respected neuroradiologist and friend.     

Evaluation of standard nucleotomy for lumbar disc herniation using the Love method: results of follow-up studies after more than 10 years

A retrospective analysis of long-term follow-up results more than 10 years after a standard nucleotomy for lumbar disc herniation with the Love method was done to determine the effectiveness of this procedure. Nucleotomy according to Love was the standard treatment for lumbar disc herniation before the various minimally invasive alternatives were recently introduced. Without long-term follow-up analysis of Love operations, evidence-based evaluation of those new methods is impossible. We believe that the standard nucleotomy procedure should now be evaluated precisely. In this study we present a comparison of 1-year follow-up results to the results more than 10 years after lumbar nucleotomy. Seventy-six consecutive patients who had undergone lumbar nucleotomy were identified. It was possible to assess 54 (71.1%) of the cases more than 10 years after surgery. The initial and final outcomes were assessed using the MacNab classification and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. With the MacNab classification a successful outcome 1 year after surgery was achieved in 87.0% of the cases. At the final follow-up, this result was reduced to 74.1%. Seven patients required a second operation and patients under 21 years of age were at risk for reoperation. Patient overall satisfaction with the results of the standard nucleotomy was high. The disc height of the operation site significantly decreased after surgery; nevertheless, this did not affect the clinical outcome. A standard lumbar nucleotomy according to Love is a safe and reliable method of treating selected patients with lumbar disc herniations.