腰椎融合术后骶髂关节源性下腰痛的诊断和治疗

目的探讨腰椎融合术后骶髂关节病变的特点、治疗方法与疗效。方法回顾性分析34例因腰椎管狭窄、腰椎间盘突出、腰椎滑脱曾行后路减压、后外侧或椎体间植骨融合及椎弓根内固定术，术后随访12～48个月（平均30．6个月）出现新的难治性持续性下腰痛症状的病例。运用骶髂关节内封闭进行诊断性治疗。阳性标准：疼痛缓解75％（采用视觉模拟评分法进行定量分析）。结果阳性率为26．5％，术后腰痛部位不同于术前以及融合范围包含L5、S1是具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论腰椎融合术后下腰痛可能部分是由骶髂关节病变引起的，骶髂关节内封闭是当前诊断和治疗骶髂关节源性下腰痛的最有效的方法。     

42例腰椎融合术后难治性下腰痛的治疗体会

目的探讨腰椎融合术后骶髂关节病变的特点及治疗方法与疗效。方法回顾性分析42例因腰椎退变性滑脱、腰椎椎间盘突出、腰椎椎管狭窄曾行后路减压、后外侧或椎体间植骨融合及椎弓根内固定术,术后随访12～72个月(平均42.6个月)出现新的难治性持续性下腰痛症状的病例。本研究运用骶髂关节内封闭进行诊断性治疗。阳性标准:疼痛缓解≥75%,采用疼痛视觉模拟量表(visual analogue scale,VAS)进行定量分析。结果阳性12例(28.57%),是否融合L5/S1、术后疼痛缓解期是否≥3个月与诊断阳性率相关,有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论腰椎融合术后下腰痛部分可能是由骶髂关节病变引起的,L5/S1融合可能促进骶髂关节发生退变。症状以下腰痛症状为主者,手术应慎重。     

Absence de fiabilité des tests cliniques et des blocs pour le diagnostic positif de l’origine sacro-iliaque d’une douleur

Mapping studies of pain elicited by injections into the sacroiliac joints (SIJs) suggest that sacroiliac joint syndrome (SIJS) may manifest as low back pain, sciatica, or trochanteric pain. Neither patient-reported symptoms nor provocative SIJ maneuvers are sensitive or specific for SIJS when SIJ block is used as the diagnostic gold standard. This has led to increasing diagnostic use of SIJ block, a procedure in which an anesthetic is injected into the joint under arthrographic guidance. However, several arguments cast doubt on the validity of SIJ block as a diagnostic gold standard. Thus, the effects of two consecutive blocks are identical in only 60% of cases, and the anesthetic diffuses out of the joint in 61% of cases, often coming into contact with the sheaths of the adjacent nerve trunks or roots, including the lumbosacral trunk (which may contribute to pain in the groin or thigh) and the L5 and S1 nerve roots. These data partly explain the limited specificity of SIJ block for the diagnosis of SIJS and the discordance between the pain elicited by the arthrography injection and the response to the block. The limitations of provocative maneuvers and SIJ blocks may stem in part from a contribution of extraarticular ligaments to the genesis of pain believed to originate within the SIJs. These ligaments include the expansion of the iliolumbar ligaments, the dorsal and ventral sacroiliac ligaments, the sacrospinous ligaments, and the sacrotuberous ligaments (sacroiliac joint lato-sensu). They play a role in locking or in allowing motion of the SIJs. Glucocorticoids may diffuse better than anesthetics within these ligaments. Furthermore, joint fusion may result in ligament unloading.     

Provocative sacroiliac joint maneuvers and sacroiliac joint block are unreliable for diagnosing sacroiliac joint pain

Mapping studies of pain elicited by injections into the sacroiliac joints (SIJs) suggest that sacroiliac joint syndrome (SIJS) may manifest as low back pain, sciatica, or trochanteric pain. Neither patient-reported symptoms nor provocative SIJ maneuvers are sensitive or specific for SIJS when SIJ block is used as the diagnostic gold standard. This has led to increasing diagnostic use of SIJ block, a procedure in which an anesthetic is injected into the joint under arthrographic guidance. However, several arguments cast doubt on the validity of SIJ block as a diagnostic gold standard. Thus, the effects of two consecutive blocks are identical in only 60% of cases, and the anesthetic diffuses out of the joint in 61% of cases, often coming into contact with the sheaths of the adjacent nerve trunks or roots, including the lumbosacral trunk (which may contribute to pain in the groin or thigh) and the L5 and S1 nerve roots. These data partly explain the limited specificity of SIJ block for the diagnosis of SIJS and the discordance between the pain elicited by the arthrography injection and the response to the block. The limitations of provocative maneuvers and SIJ blocks may stem in part from a contribution of extraarticular ligaments to the genesis of pain believed to originate within the SIJs. These ligaments include the expansion of the iliolumbar ligaments, the dorsal and ventral sacroiliac ligaments, the sacrospinous ligaments, and the sacrotuberous ligaments (sacroiliac joint lato-sensu). They play a role in locking or in allowing motion of the SIJs. Glucocorticoids may diffuse better than anesthetics within these ligaments. Furthermore, joint fusion may result in ligament unloading.     

The role of sacroiliac joint dysfunction in the genesis of low back pain: the obvious is not always right

Background context It is a common practice to the link low back pain with protruding disc even when neurological signs are absent. Because pain caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction can mimic discogenic or radicular low back pain, we assumed that the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction is frequently overlooked. Purpose To assess the incidence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction in patients with low back pain and positive disc findings on CT scan or MRI, but without claudication or objective neurological deficits. Methods Fifty patients with low back pain and disc herniation, without claudication or neurological abnormalities such as decreased motor strength, sensory alterations or sphincter incontinence and with positive pain provocation tests for sacroiliac joint dysfunction were submitted to fluoroscopic diagnostic sacroiliac joint infiltration. Results The mean baseline VAS pain score was 7.8 ± 1.77 (range 5–10). Thirty minutes after infiltration, the mean VAS score was 1.3 ± 1.76 (median 0.000E+00 with an average deviation from median = 1.30) (P = 0.0002). Forty-six patients had a VAS score ranging from 0 to 3, 8 weeks after the fluoroscopic guided infiltration. There were no serious complications after treatment. An unanticipated motor block that required hospitalization was seen in four patients, lasting from 12 to 36 h. Conclusions Sacroiliac joint dysfunction should be considered strongly in the differential diagnosis of low back pain in this group of patients.     

The facet syndrome. Myth or reality?

The lumbar facet joint has long been considered a significant source of low back pain (LBP). Facet blocks with anesthetic and cortisone, and even facet denervation procedures, have been recommended as treatment for patients with LBP. The literature, however, fails to conclusively document the role of the facet in the production of LBP. Based on a review of the literature and the author's clinical studies, the following statements appear to be appropriate and defensible: (1) The lumbar facet joints are very important biomechanically. (2) The facet is not a common or clear source of significant pain. (3) The facet syndrome is not a reliable clinical diagnosis. (4) Injection of intraarticular saline into the facets in control cases is as effective as local anesthetic and steroids in relieving the patient's pain temporarily. (5) Response to facet joint injection in patients with LBP does not correlate with or predict their clinical results after solid posterior lumbar fusion, and it should not be used preoperatively as a clinical criterion in selection of patients for fusion. (6) More prospective, controlled and randomized clinical studies are recommended.     

Lumbar spine pain originating from vertebral osteophytes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Axial spine pain originates from a number of structures. Putative pain generators include facet joints, intervertebral disks, sacroiliac joints, and myofascial structures. Osteophytes originating from lumbar vertebral bodies in the area of the intervertebral disks may be a source of nociceptive low back pain which may respond to local injection. METHODS: Five patients with axial low back pain unresponsive to traditional treatment modalities were treated with fluoroscopic guided injection of local anesthetic and corticosteroid near large intervertebral osteophytes. RESULTS: All 5 patients experienced relief. CONCLUSION: Vertebral osteophytes may be a source of axial spine pain. Injection of painful osteophytes with a local anesthetic and corticosteroid solution may produce pain relief.     

骶髂关节紊乱与腰椎间盘退变之间相关性的流行病学研究与生物力学分析

目的：研究骶髂关节紊乱与腰椎间盘退变之间的相关性,为慢性顽固性腰腿痛的防治提供一个新的认识理念和临床治疗途径。方法：自2009年8月至2010年10月,采用流行病学调查的方法研究129例腰椎间盘突出症患者。L4.5椎间盘突出症患者61例,男37例,女24例;年龄20～75岁;病程1～144个月。L5S1椎间盘突出症患者68例,男32例,女36例;年龄18～76岁;病程0．5～240个月。流行病学调查患者的一般临床资料、症状与体征,以及腰椎与骨盆在X线片的表现形式。病例对照研究的方法计算骶髂关节紊乱对腰椎间盘突出症发病的危险度;单因素危险度估计对自变量进行筛选,Logistic回归分析确定腰椎间盘突出症的危险因素,并进行生物力学分析。结果：129例腰椎间盘突出症患者中88例合并有骶髂关节紊乱,骶髂关节紊乱是腰椎间盘突出的危险因素之一（OR=4．61,P=0．00）;61例L5S1椎间盘突出症患者中47例合并骶髂关节紊乱,髂骨旋转移位引起的髂嵴不平为L4．,椎间盘突出症的高危险因素（OR=11．27,P=0．00）;68例L5S1椎间盘突出症患者中41例合并骶髂关节紊乱,骶骨倾斜移位引起的腰骶角异常为L5S1椎间盘突出症的高危险因素（OR=2．31,P=O．03）。结论：骶髂关节紊乱与腰椎间盘突出症是二联症,二者相互影响且有因果关系,任何一方的发生是另一方发生的原因和结果,共同存在于腰腿痛疾病中。     

Facet joint pain in chronic spinal pain: an evaluation of prevalence and false-positive rate of diagnostic blocks

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the prevalence of facet or zygapophysial joint pain in chronic spinal pain of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar origin by using controlled, comparative local anesthetic blocks and evaluation of false-positive rates of single blocks in the diagnosis of chronic spinal pain of facet joint origin. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Facet or zygapophysial joints are clinically important sources of chronic cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine pain. The previous studies have demonstrated the value and validity of controlled, comparative local anesthetic blocks in the diagnosis of facet joint pain, with a prevalence of 15% to 67% variable in lumbar, thoracic, and cervical regions. False-positive rates of single diagnostic blocks also varied from 17% to 63%. METHODS: Five hundred consecutive patients receiving controlled, comparative local anesthetic blocks of medial branches for the diagnosis of facet or zygapophysial joint pain were included. Patients were investigated with diagnostic blocks using 0.5 mL of 1% lidocaine per nerve. Patients with lidocaine-positive results were further studied using 0.5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine per nerve on a separate occasion. Medial branch blocks were performed with intermittent fluoroscopic visualization, at 2 levels to block a single joint. A positive response was considered as one with at least 80% pain relief from a block of at least 2 hours duration when lidocaine was used, and at least 3 hours or longer than the duration of relief with lidocaine when bupivacaine was used, and also the ability to perform prior painful movements. RESULTS: A total of 438 patients met inclusion criteria. The prevalence of facet joint pain was 39% in the cervical spine [95% confidence interval (CI), 32%-45%]; 34% (95% CI, 22%-47%) in the thoracic pain; and 27% (95% CI, 22%-33%) in the lumbar spine. The false-positive rate with a single block in the cervical region was 45%, in the thoracic region was 42%, and in the lumbar region 45%. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective review once again confirmed the significant prevalence of facet joint pain in chronic spinal pain.     

Sacroiliac joint pain after lumbar/lumbosacral fusion: current knowledge

Recently, the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) has gained increased attention as a source of persistent or new pain after lumbar/lumbosacral fusion. The underlying pathophysiology of SIJ pain may be increased mechanical load, iliac crest bone grafting, or a misdiagnosis of SIJ syndrome. Imaging studies show more frequent degeneration of the SIJ in patients with lumbar/lumbosacral fusion than in patients without such fusion. Using injection tests, it has been shown that SIJ pain is the cause of persistent symptoms in a considerable number of patients after fusion surgery. Recent articles reporting on surgical outcomes of SIJ fusion include a high percentage of patients who had lumbar/lumbosacral fusion or surgery before, although well-controlled clinical studies are necessary to assess the efficacy of surgical treatment. Taking these findings into consideration, the possibility that the SIJ is the source of pain should be considered in patients with failed back surgery syndrome after lumbar/lumbosacral fusion.     

Value of quantitative radionuclide bone scanning in the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint syndrome in 32 patients with low back pain

A prospective study was performed to compare the results of quantitative radionuclide bone scanning with those of sacroiliac joint anesthetic block in patients with unilateral low back pain. Thirty-four subjects, forming the control group, underwent quantitative radionuclide bone scanning of the sacroiliac joints. The normal values in sacroiliac uptake difference were taken to be between –1.7% and +6.2%. Thirty-two patients with chronic unilateral low back pain underwent sacroiliac bone scanning and sacroiliac joint block. Six of the seven patients with increased uptake > 6.2% on the painful side had at least 75% pain reduction in response to the block. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the quantitative bone scanning in the unilateral mechanical sacroiliac joint syndrome were 46.1%, 89.5%, 85.7%, and 72%, respectively. Received: 21 July 1997 Revised: 17 November 1997 Accepted: 22 January 1998     

An alternate method of radiofrequency neurotomy of the sacroiliac joint: a pilot study of the effect on pain, function, and satisfaction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) can be a source of chronic refractory mechanical spine pain. Few previous studies have described radiofrequency (RF) sensory denervation of the SIJ; results have been inconsistent and technically demanding. This uncontrolled, prospective, cohort study evaluates the effects of an innovative method of RF ablation of the posterior sensory nerves of the SIJ on pain, analgesic use, disability, and satisfaction of patients suffering with chronic mechanical SIJ pain. METHODS: Nine subjects with SIJ pain, confirmed by a local anesthetic joint block, were studied. Subjects were treated with a series of RF strip lesions performed adjacent to the lateral dorsal foraminal aperture plus conventional monopolar lesioning at the L5 dorsal ramus. Each subject completed a questionnaire twice before and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the procedure. The questionnaire evaluated pain intensity and frequency, analgesic intake, disability, satisfaction (with current pain level and the RF procedure), and procedure complications. Data were analyzed by using linear mixed model analysis. RESULTS: After the procedure, significant reductions of back and leg pain frequency and severity, analgesic intake, and dissatisfaction with their current level of pain occurred. Complications were minimal. Overall, 8 of 9 subjects were satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: RF sensory ablation of the SIJ using bipolar strip lesions is a technically uncomplicated and low-risk procedure. The resulting effects on pain, disability, and satisfaction are promising. Further evaluation of this technique, including randomized controlled trials, is recommended.     

Ligaments stabilizing the sacrum and sacroiliac joint: a comprehensive review

The sacroiliac joint is a diarthrodial synovial joint in the pelvis. Anatomically, it is described as a symphysis, its synovial joint characteristics being limited to the distal cartilaginous portion on the iliac side. It is a continuous ligamentous stocking comprising interconnecting ligamentous structures and surrounding fascia. Its ligaments, the primary source of its stability, include the anterior, interosseous and dorsal sacroiliac, the iliolumbar, sacrotuberous, and sacrospinous. Structural reinforcement is also provided by neighboring fascia and muscles. Lower back pain is a common presentation of sacroiliac joint disease, the best-established treatments being corticosteroid injections, bipolar radiofrequency ablation, and sacroiliac joint fusion.

     

Randomized Placebo-controlled Study Evaluating Lateral Branch Radiofrequency Denervation for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Background: Sacroiliac joint pain is a challenging condition accounting for approximately 20% of cases of chronic low back pain. Currently, there are no effective long-term treatment options for sacroiliac joint pain.

Methods: A randomized placebo-controlled study was conducted in 28 patients with injection-diagnosed sacroiliac joint pain. Fourteen patients received L4-L5 primary dorsal rami and S1-S3 lateral branch radiofrequency denervation using cooling-probe technology after a local anesthetic block, and 14 patients received the local anesthetic block followed by placebo denervation. Patients who did not respond to placebo injections crossed over and were treated with radiofrequency denervation using conventional technology.

Results: One, 3, and 6 months after the procedure, 11 (79%), 9 (64%), and 8 (57%) radiofrequency-treated patients experienced pain relief of 50% or greater and significant functional improvement. In contrast, only 2 patients (14%) in the placebo group experienced significant improvement at their 1-month follow-up, and none experienced benefit 3 months after the procedure. In the crossover group (n = 11), 7 (64%), 6 (55%), and 4 (36%) experienced improvement 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure. One year after treatment, only 2 patients (14%) in the treatment group continued to demonstrate persistent pain relief.     

Viscosupplementation: A new concept in the treatment of sacroiliac joint syndrome: A preliminary report of four cases

Background and Objectives. We describe a new therapeutic modality for sacroiliac joint syndrome that represents an alternative to other treatment modalities. We report on four cases of sacroiliac joint syndrome with severe pain. Methods: Three patients had undergone operative treatment of the lumbar spine and one patient suffered from severe osteoarthritis of the spine. All patients were diagnosed with sacroiliac joint syndrome by means of patient history, physical examination, and intra-articular local anesthetic injection preceded by sacroiliac arthrogram. All patients received three injections of Hylan GF 20 in the sacroiliac joints 2 weeks apart. Results: Twelve to 16 weeks after the injections, the pain was reported to be 40–67% better when measured on the visual analog scale. The duration of the beneficial effect of Hylan on arthralgia and joint function was undetermined. Conclusions. Viscosupplementation of the sacroiliac joint induced a significant degree of analgesia in all four patients. This treatment modality could represent an option in the management of sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction.     

Vertebral body MRI related to lumbar fusion results

The evaluation of continued pain after a technically successful posterolateral lumbar spine fusion is often challenging. Although the intervertebral disc is often a source of low back pain, abnormal endplates may also be a focus of pain, and possibly a source of continued pain after a posterolateral fusion. MRI allows noninvasive evaluation for disc degeneration, as well as for abnormal endplates and adjacent vertebral body marrow. Previous studies have found inflammatory marrow changes, adjacent to abnormal endplates, associated with disc degeneration in low back pain patients. In this study, preoperative MRI scans in 89 posterolateral lumbar fusion patients were reviewed, by an independent radiologist, to determine whether vertebral body marrow changes adjacent to the endplates were related to contined pain. Independent chart review and follow-up telephone interview of all patients at a 4-year follow-up (mean) formed the basis for the clinical results. Vertebral body MRI signals consistent with inflammatory or fatty changes were found in 38% of patients, and always occurred adjacent to a degenerated disc. Inflammatory MRI vertebral body changes were significantly related to continued low back pain atP = 0.03. We conclude that posterolateral lumbar fusion has a less predictable result for the subset of degenerative disc patients with abnormal endplates and associated marrow inflammation. More research is needed to determine the biological and biomechanical effects of a posterolateral fusion upon the endplate within the fused segments. If indeed further study supports the hypothesis that abnormal endplates associated with inflammation are a source of pain, then treating the endplates directly by anterior fusion may be a preferred treatment for this subset of degenerative patients.     

Repeated psoas compartment blocks for the management of long-standing hip pain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The psoas compartment block is used to produce analgesia of the lumbar plexus mainly for hip and knee surgery. It has also been used for the management of a long-standing pain due to hip joint degeneration. CASE REPORT: A 55-year-old woman with severe left hip pain received repetitive psoas compartment blocks over 18 months. The blocks provided her with effective pain control. The quality and duration of the block was improved by the addition of opioid to the local anesthetic. CONCLUSION: We successfully performed repeated psoas compartment blocks with a local anesthetic and subsequently with added opioids, which produced substantial pain relief, especially after the addition of opioids.     

Poor outcome following bilateral sacroiliac joint fusion for degenerative sacroiliac joint syndrome

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of bilateral sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion, using a new technique, in patients with a chronic SIJ syndrome. Seventeen patients with chronic low back pain, with a positive response to specific diagnostic tests for the SIJ, were considered candidates for bilateral sacroiliac fusion. The surgical indication was based on the results of local anaesthetic joint infiltration, temporary external fixation or bone scan. Ten patients had had previous surgery on the lumbar spine. Bilateral posterior SIJ fusion was performed with internal fixation and decortication of the sacroiliac joint, using a separate approach to each joint. Local bone grafting was performed. At the time of follow-up (on average 39 months after surgery), 3 patients reported moderate or absent pain, 8 marked pain and 6 severe pain. Seven patients showed a symptomatic non-union; union occurred in only 6 cases. Eighteen percent of the patients were satisfied, but in the other 82% the results were not acceptable. Reoperation was performed in 65% of the patients. Our results with bilateral posterior SIJ fusion were disappointing, which may be related with difficulties in patient selection, as well as with surgical technique. Better diagnostic procedures and possibly other surgical techniques might provide more predictable results, but this remains to be demonstrated.     

Sacroiliac joint pain

The sacroiliac joint is a source of pain in the lower back and buttocks in approximately 15% of the population. Diagnosing sacroiliac joint-mediated pain is difficult because the presenting complaints are similar to those of other causes of back pain. Patients with sacroiliac joint-mediated pain rarely report pain above L5; most localize their pain to the area around the posterior superior iliac spine. Radiographic and laboratory tests primarily help exclude other sources of low back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and bone scans of the sacroiliac joint cannot reliably determine whether the joint is the source of the pain. Controlled analgesic injections of the sacroiliac joint are the most important tool in the diagnosis. Treatment modalities include medications, physical therapy, bracing, manual therapy, injections, radiofrequency denervation, and arthrodesis; however, no published prospective data compare the efficacy of these modalities.