Aims

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine with associated rotation, often causing distress due to appearance. For some curves, there is good evidence to support the use of a spinal brace, worn for 20 to 24 hours a day to minimize the curve, making it as straight as possible during growth, preventing progression. Compliance can be poor due to appearance and comfort. A night-time brace, worn for eight to 12 hours, can achieve higher levels of curve correction while patients are supine, and could be preferable for patients, but evidence of efficacy is limited. This is the protocol for a randomized controlled trial of ‘full-time bracing’ versus ‘night-time bracing’ in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Purpose and background. Research on people's own experiences of living with sciatica is limited and this study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of sciatica and its treatment. Methods. Longitudinal study based on in-depth interviews at baseline, six and twelve months follow-up. Thirty seven people were interviewed (15 men, 22 women) using a topic guide that allowed for detailed exploration of their story. All interviews were digitally recorded, fully transcribed, imported in the NVivo data management system and analysed thematically using the constant comparative method. Results. Leg pain was considered to be difficult to cope with as painkillers were limited in effectiveness, and many people were hampered in activities of daily living, work and leisure. The need for a clear diagnosis, prognosis, assessment of treatment options and potential outcomes was considered important. Comparing the patient's own story with the clinical explanation was seen to contribute to more effective therapeutic relationships. Conclusion. Acknowledging people's own accounts of sciatica is essential for achieving effective clinical processes and outcomes. The recognition of the specifically invasive nature of leg pain is crucial to a shared understanding of problems in daily life and in searching for solutions. Appropriate diagnosis and explanation and adequate pain relief seemed most important to the patients suffering with sciatica

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of repeat epidural steroid injections as a form of treatment for patients with insufficiently controlled or recurrent radicular pain due to a lumbar or cervical disc herniation.