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Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 97-B, Issue SUPP_7 | Pages 16 - 16
1 May 2015
Torrie A Harding I Hutchinson J Nelson I Adams M Dolan P
Full Access

The study aim was to simulate oblique spinous process abutment (SPA) in cadaveric spines and determine how this affects coupled motion in the coronal plane.

L4-S1 spinal segments from thirteen cadavers were loaded on a materials testing machine in pure compression at 1kN for 10 minutes. Reflective markers on the vertebral bodies were used to assess coronal motion using a motion analysis system. Oblique SPA was simulated by attaching moulded oblique aluminium strips to the L4 and L5 spinous processes. In each specimen, both a right- and left-sided SPA was simulated, in random order, and compression at 1kN was again applied. All tests were then repeated after endplate fracture. Coronal plane motion at baseline was compared with values following simulated SPA using Mann Whitney U-tests.

Pre-fracture, SPA increased coronal motion by 0.28° and 0.34° on right and left sides respectively, compared to baseline, only the former was significant (P=0.03). Post-fracture, SPA decreased coronal motion by 0.36° and 0.46° on right and left sides respectively, only the latter was significant (P=0.03). Simulated oblique SPA in the intact spine initiated an increase in coronal motion during pure axial loading. These findings provide limited evidence that oblique SPA may be causative in DLS.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 20 - 20
1 Oct 2014
Bertram W Nelson I Harding I Nelson I
Full Access

To identify the most cited British author, unit and country within Great Britain among the scoliosis and spinal deformity literature.

Using methods as described by Skovrlj (2014), a search of the Thomson Reuters Web of Science was performed using the terms ‘scoliosis’ and ‘spine deformity’ from 1900 to 2013 published from authors in the following countries: UK, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales. Additional citations searches were performed using PubMed and Google scholar. Results were sorted according to number of citations; papers applicable to scoliosis or spinal deformity were chosen.

The Top 25 citations from British authors were established. 80% of papers were published before 2000. Citation counts and therefore rankings varied for each of the three citation searches, producing differences in rank of as great as 28 for the same paper. Ruth Wynne-Davies from Edinburgh ranked number one in all three searches, followed by SG Boyd, R Dickson, and M McMaster. Half of the top ten papers were published by authors from Edinburgh.

The most cited author in Great Britain from all citation searches is Ruth Wynne Davies. However, the citation count of all papers varied depending on the search platform used, producing varying ranks for all other papers.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 3 - 3
1 Oct 2014
Clark E Taylor H Hutchinson J Nelson I Wordsworth B Harding I Tobias J
Full Access

AIS is present in 3–5% of the general population. Large curves are associated with increased pain and reduced quality of life. However, no information is available on the impact of smaller curves, many of which do not reach secondary care. The objective of this project was to identify whether or not there is any hidden burden of disease associated with smaller spinal curves.

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a population-based birth cohort that recruited over 14,000 pregnant women from the Bristol area between 1991–1992 and has followed up their offspring regularly. At aged 15 presence or absence of spinal curvature ≥6degrees was identified using the validated DXA Scoliosis Measure in 5299 participants. At aged 18 a structured pain questionnaire was administered to 4083 participants. Chi-squared was used to investigate any association between presence of a spinal curve at aged 15 and self-reported pain at aged 18 years. Sensitivity analyses were performed by rerunning analyses after excluding those who were told at aged 13 they had a spinal curve (n=27), and using a higher spinal curve cut-off of ≥10degrees.

Full data was available for 3184 participants. Of these, 56.8% were female, and 4.2% non-white reflecting the local population. 202 (6.3%) had a spinal curve ≥6degrees and 125 (3.9%) had a curve ≥10degrees. The mean curve size was 12degrees. 140/202 (69.3%) had single curves, and 57.4% of these were to the right. In total 46.3% of the 3184 participants reported aches and pains that lasted for a day or longer in the previous month, consistent with previous literature. 16.3% reported back pain. Those with spinal curves ≥6degrees were 42% more likely to report back pain than those without (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.00 to 2.02, P=0.047). In addition, those with spinal curves had more days off school, were more likely to avoid activities that caused their pain, were more likely to think that something harmful is happening when they get the pain, and were more afraid of the pain than people without spinal curves (P<0.05). Sensitivity analyses did not change results.

We present the first results from a population-based study of the impact of small spinal curves and identify an important hidden burden of disease. Our results highlight that small scoliotic curves that may not present to secondary care are nonetheless associated with increased pain, more days off school and avoidance of activities.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 9 - 9
1 Apr 2014
Grannum S Miller A Patel M Hutchinson J Hutchinson J Nelson I
Full Access

Aim:

The Lenke Classification for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) classifies curves as nonstructural if they reduce to less than 25° on bending radiographs. We aimed to establish whether there is a significant difference in curves assessed as structural/ nonstructural when comparing bending radiographs to forced traction radiographs.

Methods:

We undertook a retrospective database review of 100 consecutive AIS patients having undergone surgical correction by the 2 senior authors, together with radiographic review. Curves were classified according to the Lenke system including modifiers. Magnitude of the minor curves were compared on plain PA standing radiographs, bending radiographs and forced traction radiographs.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 20 - 20
1 Apr 2014
Miller A Islam K Grannum S Morris S Hutchinson J Nelson I Hutchinson J
Full Access

Aim:

To compare the degree of deformity correction achieved using cobalt chromium versus titanium alloy rods in patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Method:

A retrospective comparison of two cohorts of patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis treated with posterior segmental pedicle screw fixation using either Titanium or Cobalt Chromium rods. The radiographs of 50 patients treated before 2009 (Ti group) and 50 patients after 2009 (CoCr group) were reviewed for changes in: Main Coronal Curvature Sagittal Balance (C7 Plumb Line) Kyphosis (T5-12)


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 28 - 28
1 Apr 2014
Lavelle D Morris S Torrie A Katsimihas M Hutchinson J Harding I Nelson I
Full Access

Aim:

Deep infection following paediatric spinal deformity surgery is a serious complication, which can also result in increased length of stay and significant cost implications. Our objective was to reduce deep infection rates following spinal deformity surgery.

Method:

All paediatric patients undergoing spinal deformity procedures between 2008 and 2010 (group 1) were prospectively followed up and deep infection rates recorded. In 2010, a review of infection rates necessitated a change in pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative practice. A scoliosis wound care pathway was implemented, which involved insertion of drains to protect wounds, strict dressing management performed by a Spinal Nurse Practitioner, and a telephone helpline for concerns about wound care and general peri-operative scoliosis care. The use of betadine wash and local antibiotic application intra-operatively were other measures instigated later in this period. All paediatric patients undergoing surgery between 2011 and 2012 (group 2) were then followed up and differences in infection rates between the two groups were analysed.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 11 - 11
1 Apr 2014
Torrie P Purcell R Morris S Harding I Dolan P Adams M Nelson I Hutchinson J
Full Access

Aim:

To determine if patients with coronal plane deformity in the lumbar spine have a higher grade of lumbar spine subtype compared to controls.

Method:

This was a retrospective case/control study based on a review of radiological investigations in 250 patients aged over 40 years who had standing plain film lumbar radiographs with hips present. Measurements of lumbar coronal plane angle, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt and pelvic incidence were obtained. “Cases” with degenerative scoliosis (n=125) were defined as patients with a lumbar coronal plane angle of >10°.

Lumbar spine subtype was categorised (1–4) using the Roussouly classification. Lumbar spine subtype was dichotomised into low (type 1,2) or high (type 3,4). Prevalence of lumbar spine subtype in cases versus controls was compared using the Chi squared test. Pelvic incidence was compared using an unpaired T-test. Predictors of lumbar coronal plane angle were identified using stepwise multiple regression. Significance was accepted at P<0.05.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 8 - 8
1 Apr 2014
Tokala D Grannum S Mehta J Hutchinson J Nelson I
Full Access

Aim:

To compare the ability of fulcrum bend and traction radiographs to predict correction of AIS using pedicle screw only constructs and to compare the fulcrum bending correction index (FBCI) with a new measurement: the traction correction index (TCI).

Method:

Retrospective radiographic analysis of eighty patients, average age 14 yrs, who underwent posterior correction of scoliosis using pedicle screw only construct. Analysis was carried out on the pre-op and immediate post-op PA radiographs and the pre-op fulcrum bend and traction radiographs. Correction rate, fulcrum flexibility, traction flexibility, FBCI and TCI was calculated.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 96-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 29 - 29
1 Apr 2014
Morris S Marriott H Walsh P Kane N Harding I Hutchinson J Nelson I
Full Access

Aim:

Recent guidelines have been published by the Association of Neurophysiological Scientists / British Society for Clinical Neurophysiology (ANS/BSCN) regarding the use of intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring (IOM) during spinal deformity procedures. We present our unit's experience with IOM and the compliance with national guidelines.

Method:

All patients undergoing intra-operative spinal cord monitoring during adult and paediatric spinal deformity surgery between Jan 2009 and Dec 2012 were prospectively followed. The use of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) was recorded and monitoring outcomes were compared to post-operative clinical neurological outcomes. Compliance with the national ANS/BSCN guidelines was assessed.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_1 | Pages 183 - 183
1 Jan 2013
Torrie A Stenning M Wynne-Jones G Hutchinson J Nelson I
Full Access

Objective

Pyogenic spinal infection (PSI) is an increasingly common presentation to spinal units in the UK. Its investigation and diagnosis is often delayed. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of the inflammatory marker levels on admission on achieving a positive microbiological diagnosis in patients with PSI.

Study design

Retrospective case series review of all patients presenting with PSI to our unit.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXVI | Pages 62 - 62
1 Jun 2012
Hughes D Hutchinson J Nelson I Harding I
Full Access

Computer assisted surgery is becoming more prevalent in spinal surgery with most published literature suggesting an improvement in accuracy and reduction in radiation exposure. This has been particularly highlighted in scoliosis surgery with regard to the placement of pedicle screws. Anecdotally this has been challenged with concerns with regard to the steep learning curve using this equipment and the high cost of purchasing said systems. The more traditional technique utilises the surgeon's knowledge of anatomic landmarks and tactile palpation added with fluoroscopy to place pedicle screws. We retrospectively looked at 161 scoliosis corrections performed using this technique over three years by 3 main surgeons at the same centre (Frenchay). With an average of 10 levels per procedure and over 2000 pedicle screws inserted. We reviewed the radiation time exposure and dose of radiation given during each case. Our results compared favourably to published data using computer and robot assisted surgery with an average exposure time of 80 seconds and a mean dose of 144 mGy using a standard C-arm guided fluoroscopy. Our study suggests that armed with good surgical knowledge and technique it is possible to obtained low levels of radiation exposure of benefit to both patient and the operating team.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_X | Pages 143 - 143
1 Apr 2012
Tokala D Mehtah J Hutchinson M Nelson I
Full Access

To compare the ability of fulcrum bend and traction radiographs to predict correction of AIS using screw only implants and to assess the fulcrum bending correction index (FBCI) with a new measurement: the traction correction index (TCI)

Retrospective radiographic analysis of case series (Level IV)

Radiographic correction of scoliosis based on correction rate does not take into consideration the curve flexibility. It has been suggested that fulcrum bending radiographs predict curve correction in AIS [1]. This has been questioned [2] and has been suggested that traction radiographs are more predictive in a mixed group of patients with hybrid and screw only constructs.

Twenty three patients average age 15, who underwent posterior correction of scoliosis using pedicle screw only construct.

Analysis was carried out on the pre-op and immediate post-op AP radiographs and the pre-op fulcrum bend and traction radiographs. Correction rate, fulcrum flexibility, traction flexibility, FBCI and TCI was calculated.

Preoperative mean Cobb angle of 66 degrees was corrected to 25 degrees postoperatively. The mean fulcrum bending Cobb angle was 38 degrees and traction Cobb angle 28 degrees. The mean fulcrum flexibility was 45%, traction flexibility 59% and correction rate 63%. The mean FBCI was 182% and TCI was112%.

When comparing fulcrum bend and traction radiographs, we found the latter to be more predictive of curve correction in AIS using pedicle screw constructs. The TCI better takes into account the curve flexibility than the FBCI.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_X | Pages 22 - 22
1 Apr 2012
Bertram W Katsimihas M Nelson I Hutchinson J Harding I
Full Access

Lumbar myelography was a commonly performed procedure but was superseded by MRI and CT which were low risk and provided cross-sectional information. The majority of MRI and CT evaluations are static and supine whereas myelography may be loaded and dynamic. This study evaluates the role of myelography in patients with degenerative scoliosis in a modern surgical practice.

Patients with degenerative scoliosis and full imaging (plain radiographs, supine MRI, myelography, including CT myelography) were identified from our database between 2006-2009. Differences between findings of MRI and myelography/CT myelography were noted and whether this subsequently affected treatment.

21 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Mean age 68 (45-82), 17 females. 18/21(85.7%) myelograms revealed findings not seen on MRI. 15 patients had a single abnormality, 1 had two and in 2 patients there were 3 new abnormalities. These were facet/ligamentous bulging in 13, a single spondylolisthesis, retrolisthesis and lateral subluxation. On CT a foraminal osteophyte and a pars defect were seen. In 4 cases supine investigation revealed more than MRI. In 7 patients management changed as a result of myelography/CT. There have been no complications of myelography in our unit of the total 270 performed.

Myelography is a safe and useful tool in the management of patients with degenerative scoliosis. MRI scan alone understates the true nature of central and lateral recess stenosis. Not only does myelography show more stenosis in the loaded spine, but static myelography and CT myelography are also an invaluable tool in these patients.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_X | Pages 109 - 109
1 Apr 2012
Bertram W Katsimihas M Harding I Nelson I Hutchinson J
Full Access

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is well recognised in children having repeated medical/surgical procedures. It has been suggested that it is common in young children undergoing growing rod treatment with ongoing lengthening and the inevitable accompanying complications.

We present an index case history, review the literature in order to infer a correlation for the incidence of PTSD and discuss diagnosis and management.

We present an index case history of PTSD in a young child undergoing growing rod treatment for scoliosis. The literature was reviewed for PTSD in paediatric surgery and pathologies requiring multiple treatments. Spinal surgery is compared with paediatric cancer, burns, organ failure/transplant, cardiopulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis and limb lengthening.

No published studies examine PTSD in children undergoing multiple spinal surgeries. One paper reports that children undergoing growing rod treatments show “behavioural alterations” and changes in psychosocial behaviour, including anxiety on entering the operating room and broken rod worries. A recent spine meeting presentation referred to this.

Psychosocial problems occur in up to 30% of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses which involve ongoing treatments. Factors such as age, parental anxiety and previous adverse medical experiences influence anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Based on our index case and methodological correlation with similar pathologies, we fell that PTSD is a genuine concern in children who have repeated spinal operations.

This paper is part of an ongoing study, but we believe that the spinal community should be aware of this diagnosis and its management.

Ethics approval: Audit Interest Statement: None


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 102 - 102
1 Feb 2012
Ockendon M Khan S Wynne-Jones G Ling J Nelson I Hutchinson M
Full Access

Purpose

To report a retrospective study of 103 cases of primary spinal infection, the largest ever such series from the UK, analysing presenting symptoms, investigations, bacteriology and the results of treatment.

Method

This is a retrospective review of all patients (54 Male, 49 Female) treated for primary spinal infection in a Teaching Hospital in the UK.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 93-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 46 - 47
1 Jan 2011
Kapur R Amirfeyz R Wylde V Blom A Nelson I
Full Access

Study Design: This is a retrospective study evaluating the use of BoneSave (Stryker, UK) in posterolateral inter-transverse spinal fusion.

Objectives. To evaluate the clinical outcomes and fusion success rates associated with the use of BoneSave in posterolateral spinal fusion.

Summary of Background Data: Achieving spinal fusion is the guiding principle behind surgical treatment for a range of pathologies of the spine. The use of a substantial amount of bonegraft is often required and autograft, commonly harvested from the iliac crest, represents the gold standard. Morbidities associated with graft harvest and a limited supply of graft material have led to the development of alternatives. BoneSave, a porous tricalcium phosphate-hydroxyapatite ceramic, is one such alternative which has been employed in spinal fusion over the past few years. Despite this the outcomes associated with its use lack research.

Methods: Clinical data was collected retrospectively from the case notes of all patients who underwent posterolateral inter-transverse spinal fusion at any level, involving the application of BoneSave, between June 2003 and January 2005 at Frenchay hospital, Bristol, UK. A postal questionnaire was used to collect the latest follow-up information, with an average follow-up of 46 months. Validated outcome instruments employed included the Short Form 36 and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index. In addition visual analogue scales for both back and leg pain, Patient Global Impression of Change data, work status, persisting symptoms, and patient satisfaction data was collected. Radiological evaluation of fusion was carried out from the most recent spinal radiographs available for each patient.

Results: There were 45 patients in the study group. Qualitative post-operative data was available in 96% and response rate to the follow-up questionnaire was 68.4%. Radiographical evaluation was possible in 67%. Significant post-operative improvements were seen across all outcome measures in the large majority of cases. Successful fusion was achieved in 56.7% of cases.

Conclusion: The clinical outcomes associated with the use of BoneSave are comparable to those available in the literature for more conventional techniques of spinal fusion. The fusion rate was not significantly lower than achieved with other techniques.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 426 - 426
1 Jul 2010
Bertram W Ahmad R Orpen N Barton T Nelson I Hutchinson J
Full Access

The main objective of our review was to access the inter-net websites providing information on non operative treatment of scoliosis and to assess the evidence for each treatment in the medical literature.

Methods: We identified top five search engines at the site www.searchengines.com. The search term “scoliosis treatment” was entered into each search engine. The websites were reviewed and each search engine produced from 145,354 to 5460,000 results. We identified twenty non operative treatments for scoliosis. We further evaluated and studied these non operative treatments by using each treatment as a search term. The accuracy of these treatments was checked by doing a medical literature review. We used Medline 1950 to November 2008 and Embase 1980 to November 2008.

Results: 260 websites were duplicated in the five search engines, 103 websites only mentioned surgical treatment of scoliosis, and 10 websites could not be accessed at the time of the study. We evaluated the remaining 127 websites using the key words “scoliosis treatment” to generate a list of twenty unique non operative scoliosis treatments. These treatments when entered individually into the search engines enabled us to produce a list of these treatments in decreasing order of frequency. This was based on the number of results that each treatment generated.

These treatments were then entered for search in Medline and Embase, only 45% (9/20) of these treatments were found to have been described in the medical literature.

Conclusion: Our study did reveal that information on non operative treatment of scoliosis leaves much to be desired. Based on this study we recommend that it is the duty of the treating surgeon to warn the patients of the potential danger of misinformation that is abundant on the internet.

Ethics approval: None

Interest Statement: None


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 383 - 383
1 Jul 2010
Orpen N Barton T Ahmad R Nelson I Hutchinson J
Full Access

Spinal lipomatosis is seldom reported in spinal literature and although the condition occurs commonly, we seldom recognise it in reviewing spinal MRI scans. We aim to highlight the condition and show MRI signs to allow easier recognition. We also introduce a new method of evaluation of the severity of the condition using T1 MRI axial views to evaluate the area of the spinal canal involved in the pathological process.

We have evaluated 30 patients with a diagnosis of spinal lipomatosis made on sagittal MRI scanning of the spine. The T1 and T2 axial images have been evaluated using standard digital software which allows calculation of the surface area occupied by fat and allows representation of this as a ratio to total canal diameter. This has then been correlated to the traditional method of classifying lipomatosis on sagittal MRI sequences.

We have found this method useful and believe it provides a more accurate representation of how fat in the canal may produce symptoms of nerve compression. This shows that the condition behaves more like our traditional understanding of spinal stenosis with symptoms more likely when the relationship of fat to canal reaches greater than 50%. This approach to spinal lipomatosis has not been described before but we feel produces a better understanding of the condition than we have had before by using a classification based on purely on sagittal MRI sequences.

Ethics approval: None Audit

Interest Statement: No conflict of interest


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_III | Pages 493 - 493
1 Sep 2009
Brown S Mehta J Nelson I Hutchinson J
Full Access

Background: Lenke 1 curves can be treated by a selective thoracic fusion. The lumbar curve, if flexible, can spontaneously correct itself in terms of the Cobb angle and the apical vertebral translation. De-rotation of the thoracic spine with current instrumentation systems has been reported. However, it is unclear what effect this would have on the un-instrumented lumbar curve.

Objective: We report on the changes in the apical rotation (AVR) of the un-instrumented lumbar curve following selective thoracic fusion in Lenke 1B and 1C curves.

Methods and patients: 32 patients with idiopathic scoliosis underwent a selective thoracic fusion for a Lenke 1B or 1C curves. We assessed the apical vertebral rotation of the lumbar curve before and after the selective thoracic fusion. This was measured by the Pedriolle method on the pre-, and post-operative erect radiographs. Cobb angle of the thoracic and lumbar curves before and after the fusion were also measured.

Results: The apical lumbar rotation changed form a mean of 10.7 deg (pre-op) to 7.33 deg (post-op), with a correction index of 19.8 %. The Cobb angle of the instrumented thoracic curve changed from a mean of 54.4 deg (pre-op) to a mean 24.9 deg (postop), the mean correction index was 52.9 %. The mean Cobb angle of the un-instrumented lumbar curve changed from 29.36 deg (pre-op) to 17.76 deg (post-op), with a correction index of 38.8 %.

Conclusion: Selective thoracic fusion of Lenke 1B and 1C leads to an improvement of the rotation un-instrumented lumbar curve.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 91-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 280 - 280
1 May 2009
Dolan P Greenfield K Costigan C Nelson I Nelson R
Full Access

Introduction: Impaired muscle function due to pain or inactivity may contribute to poor outcome following disc surgery. This study investigated the effects of postoperative exercise on pain, disability and spinal function in patients undergoing microdiscectomy.

Methods: Volunteers who gave informed consent (65M/26F) were blindly randomised to Exercise and Control groups. All patients were assessed the week before surgery. Posture and range of motion were measured using the 3-Space Fastrak, and back muscle fatigue was evaluated during the Biering-Sorensen test from changes in median frequency of the electromyographic signal. In 42 patients, intra-operative muscle biopsies were obtained. Four weeks after surgery, patients underwent a second functional assessment, after which the Exercise group began a 4-week exercise programme. Further assessments were performed at 2, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery. Pain, disability and psychological status were evaluated throughout using appropriate questionnaires.

Results: Marked type II fibre atrophy was evident at surgery, and this was reflected in pre-operative measures of median frequency. At 4 weeks, both groups showed significant improvements in pain, disability and psychological status but limited improvements in function. At 2 months, the Exercise group showed further improvements in pain, disability and psychological status, increased ranges of motion, and improved fatigability. Increases in initial median frequency in the fatigue test suggested fibre hypertrophy. Further improvements in the Control group generally achieved significance 6–12 months after surgery.

Conclusions: Surgery is effective in improving pain, disability and psychological status. Recovery of muscle function after surgery is naturally slow but can be accelerated by post-operative exercise.