Relationship between severity of lumbar disc disease and disability scores in sciatica patients

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between the clinical examination and the radiological assessment of lumbar disc disease in patients with sciatica. METHODS: The study included 394 consecutive sciatica patients. The patients' disabilities were evaluated by a visual analog pain scale, the Prolo functional-economic rating scale, the modified Roland-Morris disability questionnaire, and the health-related quality of life short form (SF-36) questionnaire. Radiological imaging findings were independently classified according to the Modic criteria into five groups of increasing severity of disc disease. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression was used to determine which scores were significant independent predictors of a severe disc disease (extrusion or sequestration). RESULTS: Of these patients, 9.6% had no disc disease, 3.3% had a bulging, 11.4% had a protrusion, 68.5% had an extrusion, and 7.1% had a disc sequestration. Statistically significant positive linear associations with the severity of disc disease were found for the leg pain scale, the Roland-Morris and Prolo disability scales, and the SF-36 scores related to physical functioning, physical role, and bodily pain (all P < 0.005). A poor (<5) Prolo score (odds ratio, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.74-4.87), a higher leg pain score (odds ratio, 1.16 per centimeter increase; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.27), and a lower low back pain score (odds ratio, 0.90 per centimeter decrease; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.98) were retained in the multivariate logistic model as independent predictors of severe disc disease. CONCLUSION: The positive correlation between disability status and imaging findings validates both assessment methods. Routine use of disability scores brings a useful contribution to the assessment of sciatica patients.     

手术与非手术治疗腰椎间盘突出症远期疗效的比较评价

[目的]评价腰椎间盘突出症患者手术治疗与非手术治疗的远期疗效.[方法]对2000年1月～2002年12月在本院住院治疗的377例腰椎间盘突出症患者进行随访,分析患者手术和非手术治疗前后VAS、ODI的改善情况,同时比较手术和非手术治疗后SF - 36生活量表的变化.[结果]共获得有效随访99人,随访率为26.3％.下腰痛VAS评分,手术组(52例)术前:5.84,末次随访:1.78.非手术组(47例)治疗前:6.03,末次随访:2.17,两组治疗前后下腰痛VAS评分有显著差异,但两组疗效间没有显著差异.下肢放射痛VAS评分,手术组(52例)术前:7.45,末次随访:1.52;非手术组(47例)治疗前:5.72,末次随访:2.21,两组治疗前后下肢痛VAS评分有显著差异,两组疗效间有显著差异.Oswestry伤残指数(ODI),手术组(52例)术前:68.18％,末次随访:13.44％;非手术组(47例)治疗前:60.98％,末次随访:17.04％,两组治疗前后ODI有显著差异,两组间没有显著差异.SF - 36生存质量调查问卷评分结果显示,治疗后手术组与非手术组相比患者在躯体健康(PF)、躯体角色功能(RP)、躯体疼痛(BP)、生命活力(VT)、情绪角色功能(RE)等5个维度上没有显著性差异(P＞0.05);总体健康(GH)、心理健康(MH)和社会功能(SF)手术组较非手术组有显著性差异(P＜0.05).[结论]本组随访资料显示腰椎间盘突出症手术组和非手术治疗组均有较好的远期疗效.手术治疗能更好地缓解腰椎间盘突出症患者的下肢放射痛,对恢复患者的总体健康、心理健康和社会功能也有积极作用.     

Clinical history in lumbar disc herniation: A prospective study in 160 patients

In a prospective study of 160 consecutive patients who underwent primary surgery for lumbar disc herniation, we investigated the value of clinical history for diagnosing the degree of herniation-the main prognostic factor for the postoperative outcome. At surgery, the patients were classified into two groups: intact anulus (negative exploration or protruding disc) and ruptured anulus (subligamentary perforation or complete perforation). The strongest variables predicting the degree of herniation were duration of leg pain, progressive leg pain, educational level and whether or not the patient had previously undergone non-spinal surgery. In patients with ruptured anulus, the median durations of low back pain and sciatica were 16 and 10 weeks, respectively. The corresponding figures for the group with intact anulus were 79 and 50 weeks. 18% of those with ruptured anulus and 39% of those with intact anulus were undergoing medical or psychiatric treatment for other diagnoses; 32% and 55% had previously undergone non-spinal surgery. Thus the two groups differed not only in disc pathology but also in medical, behavioral and social factors that must be taken into account in the preoperative assessment and that may explain discrepancies between impairment and disability.     

Predictors of outcome after decompressive lumbar surgery and instrumented posterolateral fusion

There has been no agreement among different authors on guidelines to specify the situations in which arthrodesis is justified in terms of results, risks and complications. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative predictors of outcome after decompressive lumbar surgery and instrumented posterolateral fusion. A prospective observational study design was performed on 203 consecutive patients. Potential preoperative predictors of outcome included sociodemographic factors as well as variables pertaining to the preoperative clinical situation, diagnosis, expectations and surgery. Separate multiple linear regression models were used to assess the association between selected predictors and outcome variables, defined as the improvement after 1 year on the visual analog scale (VAS) for back pain, VAS for leg pain, physical component scores (PCS) of SF-36 and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Follow-up was available for 184 patients (90.6%). Patients with higher educational level and optimistic preoperative expectations had a more favourable postoperative leg pain (VAS) and ODI. Smokers had less leg pain relief. Patients with better mental component score (emotional health) had greater ODI improvement. Less preoperative walking capacity predicted more leg pain relief. Patients with disc herniation had greater relief from back pain and more PCS and ODI improvement. More severe lumbar pain was predictive of less improvement on ODI and PCS. Age, sex, body mass index, analgesic use, surgeon, self-rated health, the number of decompressed levels and the length of fusion had no association with outcome. This study concludes that a higher educational level, optimistic expectations for improvement, the diagnosis of “disc herniation”, less walking capacity and good emotional health may significantly improve clinical outcome. Smoking and more severe lumbar pain are predictors of worse results.     

Seven- to 20-year outcome of lumbar discectomy

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, follow-up study. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of conventional surgery for lumbar disc herniation over an extended period of time and to examine factors that might correlate with unsatisfactory results. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although the short-term results of lumbar discectomy are excellent when there is a proper patient selection, the reported success rates in the long-term follow-up studies vary, and few factors have been implicated for an unsatisfactory outcome. METHODS: One hundred-nine patients with surgically documented herniated lumbar disc were analyzed, retrospectively, by an independent observer. Long-term follow-up (mean 12.2 years) was done by a mailed, self-report questionnaire that included items about pain relief in the back and leg, satisfaction with the results, need for analgesics, level of activity, working capacity, and reoperations. Subjective disability was measured by the Oswestry questionnaire. Radiographic review was carried out in 66% of patients. End results were assessed using the modified Stauffer-Coventry's evaluating criteria. Several variables were examined to assess their influence to the outcome. RESULTS: The late results were satisfactory in 64% of patients. The mean Oswestry disability score was 18.9. Of the 101 patients who had primary procedures, 28% still complained of significant back or leg pain. Sixty-five percent of patients were very satisfied with their results, 29% satisfied, and 6% dissatisfied. The reoperation rate was 7.3% (8 patients), about one-third of which was due to recurrent disc herniation. Sociodemographic factors predisposing to unsatisfactory outcome, including female gender, low vocational education, and jobs requiring significant physical strenuousness. Disc space narrowing was common at the level of discectomy, but was without prognostic significance. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term results of standard lumbar discectomy are not very satisfying. More than one-third of the patients had unsatisfactory results and more than one quarter complained of significant residual pain. Heavy manual work, particularly agricultural work, and low educational level were negative predictors of a good outcome. These indicators should be used preoperatively to identify patients who are at high risk for an unfavorable long-term result.     

Clinical evaluation of a lumbar interspinous dynamic stabilization device (the Wallis system) with a 13-year mean follow-up

The authors determined current health status of patients who had been included in a long-term survivorship analysis of a lumbar dynamic stabilizer. Among 133 living patients, 107 (average age at surgery, 44.2 ± 9.9 years) completed health questionnaires. All patients had initially been scheduled for decompression and fusion for canal stenosis, herniated disc, or both. In 20 patients, the implant was removed, and fusion was performed. The other 87 still had the dynamic stabilizer. Satisfaction, Oswestry disability index, visual analog scales for back and leg pain, short-form (SF-36) quality-of-life physical composite score, physical function, and social function were significantly better (p ≤ 0.05) in the patients who still had the dynamic stabilization device. SF-36 scores of the fused subgroup were no worse than those reported elsewhere in patients who had primary pedicle-screw enhanced lumbar fusion. This anatomy-sparing device provided a good 13-year clinical outcome and obviated arthrodesis in 80% of patients. All index operations were performed in the Unité de Pathologie Rachidienne, Centre Hospitalier Pellegrin, Bordeaux.     

Difference in evaluation of patients with low back pain using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score for Back Pain and the Japanese Version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire

Background  The number of patients suffering from degenerative diseases in the lumbar spine is increasing in Japan. Although various scales to measure disability or quality of life in patients with low back pain and/or lumbar diseases are currently available, it has been shown that one questionnaire is not always compatible with another. Our purpose is to evaluate the association and differences between the Japanese version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score for low back pain. Methods  These two scales were examined and compared using data from 602 patients with low back pain and/or lumbar disease. The associations between the Japanese version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and each subscale in the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score in back pain dominant group and leg pain dominant group, and with respect to six pathological conditions (i.e., sciatica, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, lumbar spinal canal stenosis, muscular pain, traumatic pain) were analyzed. Results  While the Japanese version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Subjective and Activities of daily living (ADL) subscale of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score showed a good correlation (r > 0.60), the Japanese version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Clinical subscale showed a weak correlation (r = 0.35). Among the six pathological conditions, the correlation between the Japanese version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was the lowest (r = 0.66) in the lumbar spinal canal stenosis category. Conclusions  The clinical signs in patients with low back pain and/or lumbar diseases are not associated closely with the Japanese version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Therefore, a combination of the Japanese version of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score can provide wide-ranging assessment of the level of impairment in patients with low back pain and/or lumbar diseases. M. Nakamura and K. Miyamoto made equal contributions to this study     

Surgical and nonsurgical management of sciatica secondary to a lumbar disc herniation: five-year outcomes from the Maine Lumbar Spine Study.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To assess 5-year outcomes for patients with sciatica caused by a lumbar disc herniation treated surgically or nonsurgically. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is limited knowledge about long-term treatment outcomes of sciatica caused by a lumbar disc herniation, particularly the relative benefits of surgical and conservative therapy in contemporary clinical practice. METHODS: Eligible, consenting patients recruited from the practices of orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and occupational medicine physicians throughout Maine had baseline interviews with mailed follow-up questionnaires at 3, 6, and 12 months and annually thereafter. Clinical data were obtained at baseline from a physician questionnaire. Outcomes included patient-reported symptoms of leg and back pain, functional status, satisfaction, and employment and compensation status. RESULTS: Of 507 patients initially enrolled, 5-year outcomes were available for 402 (79.3%) patients: 220 (80%) treated surgically and 182 (78.4%) treated nonsurgically. Surgically treated patients had worse baseline symptoms and functional status than those initially treated nonsurgically. By 5 years 19% of surgical patients had undergone at least one additional lumbar spine operation, and 16% of nonsurgical patients had opted for at least one lumbar spine operation. Overall, patients treated initially with surgery reported better outcomes. At the 5-year follow-up, 70% of patients initially treated surgically reported improvement in their predominant symptom (back or leg pain) versus 56% of those initially treated nonsurgically (P < 0.001). Similarly, a larger proportion of surgical patients reported satisfaction with their current status (63% vs. 46%, P < 0.001). These differences persisted after adjustment for other determinants of outcome. The relative advantage of surgery was greatest early in follow-up and narrowed over 5 years. There was no difference in the proportion of patients receiving disability compensation at the 5-year follow-up. The least symptomatic patients at baseline did well regardless of initial treatment, although function improved more in the surgical group. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with moderate or severe sciatica, surgical treatment was associated with greater improvement than nonsurgical treatment at 5 years. However, patients treated surgically were as likely to be receiving disability compensation, and the relative benefit of surgery decreased over time.     

One-year outcomes of surgical versus nonsurgical treatments for discogenic back pain: a community-based prospective cohort study

Background contextThe clinical entity “discogenic back pain” remains controversial at fundamental levels, including its pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and optimal treatment. This is true despite availability of four randomized trials comparing the efficacy of surgical and nonsurgical treatments. One trial showed benefit for lumbar fusion compared with unstructured nonoperative care, and three others showed roughly similar results for lumbar surgery and structured rehabilitation.PurposeTo compare outcomes of community-based surgical and nonsurgical treatments for patients with chronic back pain attributed to degeneration at one or two lumbar disc levels.DesignProspective observational cohort study.Patient samplePatients presenting with axial back pain to academic and private practice orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons in a large metropolitan area.Outcome measuresRoland-Morris back disability score (primary outcome), current rating of overall pain severity on a numerical scale, back and leg pain bothersomeness measures, the physical function scale of the short-form 36 version 2 questionnaire, use of medications for pain, work status, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and further surgery.MethodsPatients receiving spine surgery within 6 months of enrollment were designated as the “surgical treatment” group and the remainder as “nonsurgical treatment.” Outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after enrollment.ResultsWe enrolled 495 patients with discogenic back pain presenting for initial surgical consultation in offices of 16 surgeons. Eighty-six patients (17%) had surgery within 6 months of enrollment. Surgery consisted of instrumented fusion (79%), disc replacement (12%), laminectomy, or discectomy (9%). Surgical patients reported more severe pain and physical disability at baseline and were more likely to have had prior surgery. Adjusting for baseline differences among groups, surgery showed a limited benefit over nonsurgical treatment of 5.4 points on the modified (23-point) Roland disability questionnaire (primary outcome) 1 year after enrollment. Using a composite definition of success incorporating 30% improvement in the Roland score, 30% improvement in pain, no opioid pain medication use, and working (if relevant), the 1-year success rate was 33% for surgery and 15% for nonsurgical treatment. The rate of reoperation was 11% in the surgical group; the rate of surgery after treatment designation in the nonsurgical group was 6% at 12 months after enrollment.ConclusionsThe surgical group showed greater improvement at 1 year compared with the nonsurgical group, although the composite success rate for both treatment groups was only fair. The results should be interpreted cautiously because outcomes are short term, and treatment was not randomly assigned. Only 5% of nonsurgical patients received cognitive behavior therapy. Nonsurgical treatment that patients received was variable and mostly not compliant with major guidelines.     

Eight year outcome after surgery for lumbar disc herniation: a comparison of reoperated and not reoperated patients

Summary  A retrospective study of 211 patients with unilateral sciatica operated on for lumbar disc herniation during 1988 and 1989 was performed in order to compare the results of reoperated patients with the results of patients operated on only once. The patients completed a standardized questionnaire in 1997 which included questions about reoperations, back and leg pain, functional status and disability pension. Outcome scores were calculated, giving values from 0 (no pain/normal function) to 100 (totally disabled).  A follow-up status of 80.1% was obtained; 163 patients answered the questionnaire while six patients had died. 23.9% of the patients (n=39) had been reoperated on. A recurrent disc herniation at the same level was suspected before the reoperation in 18.4%, but a recurrence was found in only 8.6%. 3.7% were reoperated on more than once. Outcome score was worse among “reoperated” patients (median 45.0, range 0–94) than among patients who only had the primary operation (median 10.5, range 0–81) (P<0.001). In addition, 34,3% of the “reoperated” patients received a disability pension compared to 9,9% of the patients not reoperated on (P<0.01). Patients reoperated upon at the same level without peroperative signs of recurrent disc herniation, had an outcome score of 53.0 (range 0–82) compared to a score of 30.0 (range 0–66) in patients with a confirmed recurrence (P<0.05). The percentage of disability pension was 53.8% versus 9.1%, respectively, for those two groups (P<0.05).  Eight years after operation for lumbar disc herniation, the outcome was significantly worse in “reoperated” patients than in patients operated on once. In addition, reoperated patients with peroperatively confirmed recurrence of the same disc, seemed to have a better outcome than patients without peroperative signs of a recurrence.     

The functional relevance of neurological recovery after lumbar discectomy: a follow-up of more than 20 years

We have studied 180 patients (128 men and 52 women) who had undergone lumbar discectomy at a mean of 25.4 years (20 to 32) after operation. Pre-operatively, most patients (70 patients; 38.9%) had abnormal reflexes and/or muscle weakness in the leg (96 patients; 53.3%). At follow-up 42 patients (60%) with abnormal reflexes pre-operatively had fully recovered and 72 (75%) with pre-operative muscle impairment had normal muscle strength. When we looked at patient-reported outcomes, we found that the Short form-36 summary scores were similar to the aged-matched normative values. No disability or minimum disability on the Oswestry disability index was reported by 136 patients (75.6%), and 162 (90%) were satisfied with their operation. The most important predictors of patients' self-reported positive outcome were male gender and higher educational level. No association was detected between muscle recovery and outcome. Most patients who had undergone lumbar discectomy had long-lasting neurological recovery. If the motor deficit persists after operation, patients can still expect a long-term satisfactory outcome, provided that they have relief from pain immediately after surgery.     

The effect of epidural free fat graft on the outcome of lumbar disc surgery

Numerous materials have been used to prevent epidural scar tissue after lumbar disc surgery. Free fat grafts are common both experimentally and clinically, but there is some doubt about their protection against fibrosis, and some complications have been reported. In this prospective study, the usefulness of free fat grafts during lumbar disc surgery was evaluated. Ninety-nine patients who had undergone operation due to lumbar disc herniation were divided in two groups: those with implantation of free fat grafts (group A) and those without (group B). Outcome was evaluated at a mean of 2.6 years postoperatively according to the following criteria: visual analog scale for back and leg pain, Hannover Questionnaire on activities of daily living, reflex findings, sensory and motor deficits, consumption of analgesics, walking distance, straight leg raising test, and clinical examination. The outcome variables showed no significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). This study suggests that the use of free fat grafts during lumbar disc surgery was clinically ineffective.     

Outcome following lumbar disc surgery: the role of fibrosis

Background  Failed-back surgery syndrome remains a challenge for spinal surgeons. It can be related to several causes, including poor surgical indication, misdiagnosis, surgical technique failure, spondilodiscitis and fibrosis. Fibrosis has been associated with a poorer outcome in lumbar disc surgery, although its role in the generation of symptoms is not yet clear. In this study, the authors have analyzed any possible correlation between the clinical outcome and the degree of fibrosis. Method  Forty consecutive patients were enrolled in a prospective study. All of them had operations in the lower lumbar disc in a single level for the first time. Three months after the operation they were submitted to clinical outcome evaluations and questionnaires, including Numeric Pain Rating scales (NPR) for lumbar and leg pain, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, The Quebec Back Pain Disability scale (QBPD) and Straight Leg Raising test. These data were correlated with the degree of fibrosis as revealed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Findings  After 3 months, the NPR values for lumbar and leg pain ranged from 0 to 8 (mean 2.32 and 1.67 respectively). The values of the post-operative QBPD scale ranged from 1 to 71 (mean 25.9). Every patient showed a varied degree of fibrosis on MRI. However, statistical analysis depicted no significant correlation between fibrosis and a poorer clinical outcome for pain and disability. Conclusions  The authors found no correlation between excessive fibrosis with lumbar and leg pain, disability or straight leg resistance. The role of fibrosis in the generation of symptoms in patients who have had lumbar disc surgery should be reevaluated.     

Familial predisposition to discogenic low-back pain. An epidemiologic and immunogenetic study

The first-degree relatives (parents, siblings and children) of 284 patients complaining of discogenic low-back pain (Group I), 114 patients who had undergone surgery for lumbar disc herniation (Group II), and 280 individuals who had never complained of low-back pain (Group III) were surveyed by self-completed questionnaires. Of the families in Group I and Group II, 35 and 37%, respectively, had at least one member with a history of discogenic back pain and 5 and 10%, respectively, had one or two members who had undergone disc surgery. Of the asymptomatic subjects in Group III, only 12% had at least one or more affected relatives and 1% had a relative who had undergone disc surgery; of the affected families, 41% had two or more members with a history of back pain. The proportion of symptomatic relatives in the affected families was higher among sedentary workers and motor vehicle drivers than among heavy or light manual workers. An immunogenetic study comparing the frequencies of HLA-A, B, and C antigens in 39 patients who had undergone lumbar disc surgery with those in 60 asymptomatic individuals showed no significant differences between the two groups. This study indicates that there is a strong familial predisposition to discogenic low-back pain, and suggests that the etiology of degenerative disc disease is related to both genetic factors, not linked to the HLA antigen system, and environmental factors.     

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.     

腰椎间盘突出症术后迟发性下肢痛的原因及对策

本文旨在探讨腰椎间盘突出症术后迟发性下肢痛这一现象的原因。我们对764例腰椎间盘突出症手术治疗患者进行回顾性分析,探讨与产生这一现象有关的可能因素。结果发现,共有81例腰椎间盘突出症手术患者术后出现迟发性下肢痛,81例中合并有腰椎管狭窄或侧隐窝狭窄52例。认为,术中对神经根、神经节的再次损伤是导致腰椎间盘突出症患者术后发生迟发性下肢痛的可能原因。     

Restoration of lordosis and disk height after single‐level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Objective: To study radiographic and clinical outcomes after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in order to determine the impact of TLIF on lumbar lordosis, intervertebral height and improvement in clinical outcome measures. Methods: Forty‐five patients who had undergone a single‐level TLIF procedure for a single‐level degenerative condition were retrospectively reviewed and their clinical histories, degree of pre‐ and post‐operative lumbar lordosis, intervertebral height, and cage position recorded. Clinical assessment included use of modified Odom's criteria and a visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain. Results: At 21 months, the patients had gained an average of 3.6° of lumbar lordosis and 4.5 mm disc height. Change in disc height was significantly associated with an anterior cage position while lumbar lordosis was unaffected by cage position. A spondylolisthesis subgroup demonstrated 31% reduction in the magnitude of anterior slip. Less lordosis was associated with worse back and leg pain as assessed by VAS and greater disk heights were associated with higher Odom's criteria scores. Patients with persistent leg pain at final follow‐up had less lumbar lordosis and intervertebral height than patients without leg pain. Conclusions: Intervertebral height and lumbar lordosis reconstruction are important for achieving good surgical results; guidance regarding the likely changes in lumbar lordosis and disk height after TLIF is provided by our findings.     

Functional results and the risk factors of reoperations after lumbar disc surgery

Factors such as driving motor vehicles, sedentary occupations, vibration, smoking, previous full-term pregnancies, physical inactivity, increased body mass index (BMI), and a tall stature are associated with symptomatic disc herniations. Fitness and strength is postulated to protect an individual from disc rupture. The objective of our study was to determine the pain levels and differences of functional and economic situations of patients who had undergone one or more than one operation due to lumbar disc herniation and to put forward the effect of risk factors that may be potential, especially from the aspect of undergoing reoperation. Patients who had undergone one (n=46) or more than one operation (n=34) due to lumbar disc herniation were included in the study. It was a prospective study with evaluation on the day the patients were discharged and at second and sixth months after lumbar disc operation. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used in determining the functional disability associated with back pain; the Prolo Functional Economic Rating Scale (Prolo scale) was used in determining the effect of back pain on functional and economic situations. In the ODI measurements made in the postoperative second and sixth months, significant differences appeared in favor of patients who had undergone one operation (p<0.05). According to the Prolo scale, it was found that the economic situation was better in the sixth month and the functional situation was better in the second and sixth months in patients having undergone one operation (p<0.05). The logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the lack of regular physical exercise was a significant predictor for reoperation (OR, 4.595; CI, 1.38–15.28), whereas gender, age, BMI, occupation, or smoking did not indicate so much significance as regular exercise.     

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.     

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。