Aims. To identify the incidence and risk factors for five-year same-site recurrent
Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the type of cervical
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
Multiple thoracic
Studies on recurrent
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to compare the appearance of the spine in 20 adolescents with proven symptomatic intervertebral disc herniations with that in 20 asymptomatic patients who acted as controls. Abnormality in the signal from the nucleus pulposus of one or more discs was present in all patients, while only four of the 20 controls had any abnormal signals. In all the patients the symptomatic disc produced an abnormal signal and in most a herniated fragment of the nucleus pulposus was identified. Fifteen of the 20 patients had multiple-disc abnormality: six had three abnormal discs and nine had two. This suggests there was an underlying diathesis in patients who later developed
We describe a rare herniation of the disc at the C2/C3 level in a 73-year-old woman. It caused hemicompression of the spinal cord and led to the Brown-Sequard syndrome. The condition was diagnosed clinically and by MRI six months after onset. Discectomy and fusion gave complete neurological resolution.
We evaluated the nerve roots of the cauda equina by CT myelography in 36 patients aged from 11 to 19 years with lumbar disc herniation. On straight-leg-raising tests, six younger patients had isolated hamstring tightness with no sciatica (group A) and 30 had sciatic pain (group B). CT myelography showed that no patient in group A had associated nerve-root swelling, and that the roots were displaced posteriorly, but not compressed. In 21 of the group-B patients, swelling of the nerve roots was confirmed, with compression between the herniated disc and the superior articular process. Our findings suggest that hamstring tightness in these patients may be caused by a different mechanism from that which causes sciatic pain.
Aims. The aim of the study was to determine if there was a direct correlation between the pain and disability experienced by patients and size of their disc prolapse, measured by the disc’s cross-sectional area on T2 axial MRI scans. Methods. Patients were asked to prospectively complete visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores on the day of their MRI scan. All patients with primary
Aims. Patients may present with concurrent symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine, with surgical treatment being indicated for both. Whether arthroplasty of the hip or spinal surgery should be performed first remains uncertain. Materials and Methods. Clinical scenarios were devised for a survey asking the preferred order of surgery and the rationale for this decision for five fictional patients with both OA of the hip and degenerative lumbar disorders. These were symptomatic OA of the hip and: 1) lumbar spinal stenosis with neurological claudication; 2) lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis with leg pain; 3) lumbar disc herniation with leg weakness; 4) lumbar scoliosis with back pain; and 5) thoracolumbar
In a prospective, consecutive study we determined the frequency of common symptoms and signs in 300 patients with lumbar nerve-root compression syndromes. We compared 100 patients with
Spinal stenosis and
The belief that an intervertebral disc must degenerate
before it can herniate has clinical and medicolegal significance,
but lacks scientific validity. We hypothesised that tissue changes
in herniated discs differ from those in discs that degenerate without
herniation. Tissues were obtained at surgery from 21 herniated discs
and 11 non-herniated discs of similar degeneration as assessed by
the Pfirrmann grade. Thin sections were graded histologically, and
certain features were quantified using immunofluorescence combined
with confocal microscopy and image analysis. Herniated and degenerated
tissues were compared separately for each tissue type: nucleus, inner
annulus and outer annulus. Herniated tissues showed significantly greater proteoglycan loss
(outer annulus), neovascularisation (annulus), innervation (annulus),
cellularity/inflammation (annulus) and expression of matrix-degrading
enzymes (inner annulus) than degenerated discs. No significant differences
were seen in the nucleus tissue from herniated and degenerated discs.
Degenerative changes start in the nucleus, so it seems unlikely
that advanced degeneration caused herniation in 21 of these 32 discs.
On the contrary, specific changes in the annulus can be interpreted
as the consequences of herniation, when disruption allows local
swelling, proteoglycan loss, and the ingrowth of blood vessels,
nerves and inflammatory cells. In conclusion, it should not be assumed that degenerative changes
always precede
Repeated lumbar spine surgery has been associated with inferior clinical outcomes. This study aimed to examine and quantify the impact of this association in a national clinical register cohort. This is a population-based study from the Norwegian Registry for Spine surgery (NORspine). We included 26,723 consecutive cases operated for lumbar spinal stenosis or lumbar disc herniation from January 2007 to December 2018. The primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), presented as the proportions reaching a patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS; defined as an ODI raw score ≤ 22) and ODI raw and change scores at 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were the Global Perceived Effect scale, the numerical rating scale for pain, the EuroQoL five-dimensions health questionnaire, occurrence of perioperative complications and wound infections, and working capability. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine how the number of previous operations influenced the odds of not reaching a PASS.Aims
Methods
The number of patients undergoing surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy has increased. In many countries, public hospitals have limited capacity. This has resulted in long waiting times for elective treatment and a need for supplementary private healthcare. It is uncertain whether the management of patients and the outcome of treatment are equivalent in public and private hospitals. The aim of this study was to compare the management and patient-reported outcomes among patients who underwent surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy in public and private hospitals in Norway, and to assess whether the effectiveness of the treatment was equivalent. This was a comparative study using prospectively collected data from the Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery. A total of 4,750 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy and were followed for 12 months were included. Case-mix adjustment between those managed in public and private hospitals was performed using propensity score matching. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Neck Disability Index (NDI) between baseline and 12 months postoperatively. A mean difference in improvement of the NDI score between public and private hospitals of ≤ 15 points was considered equivalent. Secondary outcome measures were a numerical rating scale for neck and arm pain and the EuroQol five-dimension three-level health questionnaire. The duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and complications were also recorded.Aims
Methods
Lumbar disc prolapse is a frequent indication for surgery. The few available long-term follow-up studies focus mainly on repeated surgery for recurrent disease. The aim of this study was to analyze all reasons for additional surgery for patients operated on for a primary lumbar disc prolapse. We retrieved data from the Swedish spine register about 3,291 patients who underwent primary surgery for a lumbar disc prolapse between January 2007 and December 2008. These patients were followed until December 2020 to record all additional lumbar spine operations and the reason for them.Aims
Methods
In a prospective, consecutive study 93 patients who had had previous lumbar spinal surgery underwent repeat decompression for persistent or recurrent back and leg pain. The previous operations had been discectomies in 65 patients and decompression for spinal stenosis in 28; two of the latter group had also had posterolateral fusion. At the repeat operation,
Two collagen type IX gene polymorphisms that introduce a tryptophan residue into the protein’s triple-helical domain have been linked to an increased risk of lumbar disc disease. To determine whether a particular subset of symptomatic lumbar disease is specifically associated with these polymorphisms, we performed a prospective case-control study of 107 patients who underwent surgery of the lumbar spine. Patients were assigned to one of five clinical categories (fracture, disc degeneration,
This article reviews the current knowledge of
the intervertebral disc (IVD) and its association with low back
pain (LBP). The normal IVD is a largely avascular and aneural structure
with a high water content, its nutrients mainly diffusing through
the end plates. IVD degeneration occurs when its cells die or become
dysfunctional, notably in an acidic environment. In the process
of degeneration, the IVD becomes dehydrated and vascularised, and
there is an ingrowth of nerves. Although not universally the case,
the altered physiology of the IVD is believed to precede or be associated
with many clinical symptoms or conditions including low back and/or
lower limb pain, paraesthesia, spinal stenosis and
Cervical radiculopathy is a significant cause of pain and morbidity. For patients with severe and poorly controlled symptoms who may not be candidates for surgical management, treatment with transforaminal epidural steroid injections (CTFESI) has gained widespread acceptance. However, a paucity of high-quality evidence supporting their use balanced against perceived high risks of the procedure potentially undermines the confidence of clinicians who use the technique. We undertook a systematic review of the available literature regarding CTFESI to assess the clinical efficacy and complication rates of the procedure. OVID, MEDLINE, and Embase database searches were performed independently by two authors who subsequently completed title, abstract, and full-text screening for inclusion against set criteria. Clinical outcomes and complication data were extracted, and a narrative synthesis presented.Aims
Methods
Initial treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury remains as controversial in 2023 as it was in the early 19th century, when Sir Astley Cooper and Sir Charles Bell debated the merits or otherwise of surgery to relieve cord compression. There has been a lack of high-class evidence for early surgery, despite which expeditious intervention has become the surgical norm. This evidence deficit has been progressively addressed in the last decade and more modern statistical methods have been used to clarify some of the issues, which is demonstrated by the results of the SCI-POEM trial. However, there has never been a properly conducted trial of surgery versus active conservative care. As a result, it is still not known whether early surgery or active physiological management of the unstable injured spinal cord offers the better chance for recovery. Surgeons who care for patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries in the acute setting should be aware of the arguments on all sides of the debate, a summary of which this annotation presents. Cite this article:
The aim of this study was to determine the differences in spinal imaging characteristics between subjects with or without lumbar developmental spinal stenosis (DSS) in a population-based cohort. This was a radiological analysis of 2,387 participants who underwent L1-S1 MRI. Means and ranges were calculated for age, sex, BMI, and MRI measurements. Anteroposterior (AP) vertebral canal diameters were used to differentiate those with DSS from controls. Other imaging parameters included vertebral body dimensions, spinal canal dimensions, disc degeneration scores, and facet joint orientation. Mann-Whitney U and chi-squared tests were conducted to search for measurement differences between those with DSS and controls. In order to identify possible associations between DSS and MRI parameters, those who were statistically significant in the univariate binary logistic regression were included in a multivariate stepwise logistic regression after adjusting for demographics. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported where appropriate.Aims
Methods
To study the associations of lumbar developmental spinal stenosis (DSS) with low back pain (LBP), radicular leg pain, and disability. This was a cross-sectional study of 2,206 subjects along with L1-S1 axial and sagittal MRI. Clinical and radiological information regarding their demographics, workload, smoking habits, anteroposterior (AP) vertebral canal diameter, spondylolisthesis, and MRI changes were evaluated. Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-squared tests were conducted to search for differences between subjects with and without DSS. Associations of LBP and radicular pain reported within one month (30 days) and one year (365 days) of the MRI, with clinical and radiological information, were also investigated by utilizing univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.Aims
Methods
In recent years, machine learning (ML) and artificial neural networks (ANNs), a particular subset of ML, have been adopted by various areas of healthcare. A number of diagnostic and prognostic algorithms have been designed and implemented across a range of orthopaedic sub-specialties to date, with many positive results. However, the methodology of many of these studies is flawed, and few compare the use of ML with the current approach in clinical practice. Spinal surgery has advanced rapidly over the past three decades, particularly in the areas of implant technology, advanced surgical techniques, biologics, and enhanced recovery protocols. It is therefore regarded an innovative field. Inevitably, spinal surgeons will wish to incorporate ML into their practice should models prove effective in diagnostic or prognostic terms. The purpose of this article is to review published studies that describe the application of neural networks to spinal surgery and which actively compare ANN models to contemporary clinical standards allowing evaluation of their efficacy, accuracy, and relatability. It also explores some of the limitations of the technology, which act to constrain the widespread adoption of neural networks for diagnostic and prognostic use in spinal care. Finally, it describes the necessary considerations should institutions wish to incorporate ANNs into their practices. In doing so, the aim of this review is to provide a practical approach for spinal surgeons to understand the relevant aspects of neural networks. Cite this article:
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) can be associated with chronic severe lower back pain and long-term autonomic dysfunction. This study assesses the recently defined core outcome set for CES in a cohort of patients using validated questionnaires. Between January 2005 and December 2019, 82 patients underwent surgical decompression for acute CES secondary to massive lumbar disc prolapse at our hospital. After review of their records, patients were included if they presented with the clinical and radiological features of CES, then classified as CES incomplete (CESI) or with painless urinary retention (CESR) in accordance with guidelines published by the British Association of Spinal Surgeons. Patients provided written consent and completed a series of questionnaires.Aims
Methods
A prospective study of 480 patients who underwent enzymatic dissolution of the nucleus pulposus with chymopapain is reported. Seventy per cent of patients with the clincial criteria for a
Transitional vertebrae (TV) may be one of the risk factors for lumbar disc herniation. It is not clear, however, whether the presence of TV can affect the development of nerve-root symptoms. Our aim was to clarify this relationship. A total of 501 patients with lumbar degenerative disease and nerve-root symptoms was studied in respect of their level and the presence of TV. As a control group, 508 patients without low back pain or nerve-root symptoms were studied to establish the incidence of TV. In patients with
We measured the serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) by a high-sensitive method in patients with lumbar disc herniation. There were 48 patients in the study group and 53 normal controls. The level and type of herniation were evaluated. The clinical data including the neurological findings, the angle of straight leg raising and post-operative recovery as measured by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, were recorded. The high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) was measured by an ultrasensitive latex-enhanced immunoassay. The mean hs-CRP concentration was 0.056 ± 0.076 mg/dl in the patient group and 0.017 ± 0.021 mg/dl in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.006). There was no other correlation between the hs-CRP concentration and the level and type of herniation, or the pre-operative clinical data. A positive correlation was found between the concentration of hs-CRP before operation and the JOA score after. Those with a higher concentration of hs-CRP before operation showed a poorer recovery after. The significantly high concentration of serum hs-CRP might indicate a systemic inflammatory response to impingement of the nerve root caused by
Between 1986 and 1995, we treated with foraminal injection of local anaesthetic and steroids 30 patients with severe lumbar radiculopathy secondary to foraminal and extraforaminal
The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of additional surgery in the lumbar spine and to describe long-term changes in patient-reported outcomes after surgery for lumbar disc herniation in adolescents and young adults. We conducted a retrospective study design on prospectively collected data from a national quality register. The 4537 patients were divided into two groups: adolescents (≤ 18 years old, n = 151) and young adults (19 to 39 years old, n = 4386). The risk of additional lumbar spine surgery was surveyed for a mean of 11.4 years (6.0 to 19.3) in all 4537 patients. Long-term patient-reported outcomes were available at a mean of 7.2 years (5.0 to 10.0) in up to 2716 patients and included satisfaction, global assessment for leg and back pain, Oswestry Disability Index, visual analogue scale for leg and back pain, EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Mental Component Summary and Physical Component Summary scores. Statistical analyses were performed with Cox proportional hazard regression, chi-squared test, McNemar’s test, Welch–Satterthwaite Aims
Patients and Methods
This study, using a surgeon-maintained database, aimed to explore the risk factors for surgery-related complications in patients undergoing primary cervical spine surgery for degenerative diseases. We studied 5,015 patients with degenerative cervical diseases who underwent primary cervical spine surgery from 2012 to 2018. We investigated the effects of diseases, surgical procedures, and patient demographics on surgery-related complications. As subcategories, the presence of cervical kyphosis ≥ 10°, the presence of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) with a canal-occupying ratio ≥ 50%, and foraminotomy were selected. The surgery-related complications examined were postoperative upper limb palsy (ULP) with a manual muscle test (MMT) grade of 0 to 2 or a reduction of two grade or more in the MMT, neurological deficit except ULP, dural tear, dural leakage, surgical-site infection (SSI), and postoperative haematoma. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.Aims
Methods
We analysed prospectively 26 patients who had revision operations for ipsilateral recurrent radicular pain after a period of pain relief of more than six months following primary discectomy. They were assessed before the initial operation, between the two procedures and at a minimum of two years after reoperation. MRI was performed before primary discectomy and reoperation. Fifty consecutive patients who had a disc excision during the study period but did not have recurrent radicular pain, were analysed as a control group. Of the study group 42% related the onset of recurrent radicular pain to an isolated injury or a precipitating event, but none of the control group did so (p <
0.001). T2-weighted MRI performed before primary discectomy showed that patients in the study group had significantly more severe disc degeneration compared with the control group (p = 0.02). Intraoperative findings revealed recurrent
With the identification of literature shortfalls on the techniques employed in intraoperative navigated (ION) spinal surgery, we outline a number of measures which have been synthesised into a coherent operative technique. These include positioning, dissection, management of the reference frame, the grip, the angle of attack, the drill, the template, the pedicle screw, the wire, and navigated intrathecal analgesia. Optimizing techniques to improve accuracy allow an overall reduction of the repetition of the surgical steps with its associated productivity benefits including time, cost, radiation, and safety. Cite this article:
Chronic low back pain due to degenerative disc disease is sometimes treated with fusion. We compared the outcome of three different fusion techniques in the Swedish Spine Register: noninstrumented posterolateral fusion (PLF), instrumented posterolateral fusion (IPLF), and interbody fusion (IBF). A total of 2874 patients who were operated on at one or two lumbar levels were followed for a mean of 9.2 years (3.6 to 19.1) for any additional lumbar spine surgery. Patient-reported outcome data were available preoperatively (n = 2874) and at one year (n = 2274), two years (n = 1958), and a mean of 6.9 years (n = 1518) postoperatively and consisted of global assessment and visual analogue scales of leg and back pain, Oswestry Disability Index, EuroQol five-dimensional index, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and satisfaction with treatment. Statistical analyses were performed with competing-risks proportional hazards regression or analysis of covariance, adjusted for baseline variables.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aims of this study were to determine the rates of surgical complications, reoperations, and readmissions following herniated lumbar disc surgery, and to investigate the impact of sociodemographic factors and comorbidity on the rate of such unfavourable events. This was a longitudinal observation study. Data from herniated lumbar disc operations were retrieved from a large medical database using a combination of procedure and diagnosis codes from all public hospitals in Norway from 1999 to 2013. The impact of age, gender, geographical affiliation, education, civil status, income, and comorbidity on unfavourable events were analyzed by logistic regression.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to determine the influence of developmental spinal stenosis (DSS) on the risk of re-operation at an adjacent level. This was a retrospective study of 235 consecutive patients who had undergone decompression-only surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis and had a minimum five-year follow-up. There were 106 female patients (45.1%) and 129 male patients (54.9%), with a mean age at surgery of 66.8 years (Aims
Patients and Methods
Patients seeking cervical spine surgery are thought to be increasing
in age, comorbidities and functional debilitation. The changing
demographics of this population may significantly impact the outcomes
of their care, specifically with regards to complications. In this
study, our goals were to determine the rates of functionally dependent
patients undergoing elective cervical spine procedures and to assess
the effect of functional dependence on 30-day morbidity and mortality
using a large, validated national cohort. A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons
National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data files from 2006
to 2013 was conducted to identify patients undergoing common cervical
spine procedures. Multivariate logistic regression models were generated
to analyse the independent association of functional dependence
with 30-day outcomes of interest.Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiographic
outcomes of microendoscopic laminotomy in patients with lumbar stenosis
and concurrent degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS), and to determine
the effect of this procedure on spinal stability. A total of 304 consecutive patients with single-level lumbar
DS with concomitant stenosis underwent microendoscopic laminotomy
without fusion between January 2004 and December 2010. Patients
were divided into two groups, those with and without advanced DS
based on the degree of spondylolisthesis and dynamic instability. A
total of 242 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 101
men and 141 women. Their mean age was 68.1 years (46 to 85). Outcome
was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association and Roland
Morris Disability Questionnaire scores, a visual analogue score
for pain and the Short Form Health-36 score. The radiographic outcome
was assessed by measuring the slip and the disc height. The clinical
and radiographic parameters were evaluated at a mean follow-up of
4.6 years (3 to 7.5).Aims
Patients and Methods
Little information is available about the incidence
and outcome of incidental dural tears associated with microendoscopic
lumbar decompressive surgery. We prospectively examined the incidence
of dural tears and their influence on the outcome six months post-operatively
in 555 consecutive patients (mean age 47.4 years (13 to 89)) who
underwent this form of surgery. The incidence of dural tears was
5.05% (28/555). The risk factors were the age of the patient and
the procedure of bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach.
The rate of recovery of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score
in patients with dural tears was significantly lower than that in
those without a tear (77.7% Cite this article:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the time course of changes
in parameters of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) such as fractional
anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in patients
with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. We also investigated the
correlation between the severity of neurological symptoms and these parameters. A total of 13 patients with unilateral radiculopathy due to herniation
of a lumbar disc were investigated with DTI on a 1.5T MR scanner
and underwent micro discectomy. There were nine men and four women,
with a median age of 55.5 years (19 to 79). The changes in the mean
FA and ADC values and the correlation between these changes and the
severity of the neurological symptoms were investigated before and
at six months after surgery. Aims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to determine whether chilled irrigation
saline decreases the incidence of clinical upper limb palsy (ULP;
a reduction of one grade or more on manual muscle testing; MMT),
based on the idea that ULP results from thermal damage to the nerve
roots by heat generated by friction during bone drilling. Irrigation saline for drilling was used at room temperature (RT,
25.6°C) in open-door laminoplasty in 400 patients (RT group) and
chilled to a mean temperature of 12.1°C during operations for 400
patients (low-temperature (LT) group). We assessed deltoid, biceps,
and triceps brachii muscle strength by MMT. ULP occurring within
two days post-operatively was categorised as early-onset palsy.Aims
Methods
The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of previous
lumbar surgery in patients who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA)
and to investigate their patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) one year
post-operatively. Data from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register and the Swedish
Spine Register gathered from 2002 to 2013 were merged to identify
a group of patients who had undergone lumbar surgery before THA
(n = 997) and a carefully matched one-to-one control group. We investigated
differences in the one-year post-operative PROMs between the groups.
Linear regression analyses were used to explore the associations
between previous lumbar surgery and these PROMs following THA. The
prevalence of prior lumbar surgery was calculated as the ratio of
patients identified with previous lumbar surgery between 2002 and
2012, and divided by the total number of patients who underwent
a THA in 2012.Aims
Patients and Methods
We retrospectively examined the prevalence and
natural history of asymptomatic lumbar canal stenosis in patients treated
surgically for cervical compressive myelopathy in order to assess
the influence of latent lumbar canal stenosis on the recovery after
surgery. Of 214Â patients who had undergone cervical laminoplasty
for cervical myelopathy, we identified 69 (32%) with myelographically
documented lumbar canal stenosis. Of these, 28Â (13%) patients with
symptomatic lumbar canal stenosis underwent simultaneous cervical
and lumbar decompression. Of the remaining 41 (19%) patients with
asymptomatic lumbar canal stenosis who underwent only cervical surgery,
39 were followed up for ≥ 1 year (mean 4.9 years (1 to 12)) and
were included in the analysis (study group). Patients without myelographic
evidence of lumbar canal stenosis, who had been followed up for ≥ 1
year after the cervical surgery, served as controls (135 patients;
mean follow-up period 6.5 years (1 to 17)). Among the 39 patients
with asymptomatic lumbar canal stenosis, seven had lumbar-related
leg symptoms after the cervical surgery. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that 89.6% (95% confidence interval
(CI) 75.3 to 96.0) and 76.7% (95% CI 53.7 to 90.3) of the patients
with asymptomatic lumbar canal stenosis were free from leg symptoms
for three and five years, respectively. There were no significant
differences between the study and control groups in the recovery
rate measured by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score or improvement
in the Nurick score at one year after surgery or at the final follow-up. These results suggest that latent lumbar canal stenosis does
not influence recovery following surgery for cervical myelopathy;
moreover, prophylactic lumbar decompression does not appear to be
warranted as a routine procedure for coexistent asymptomatic lumbar
canal stenosis in patients with cervical myelopathy, when planning
cervical surgery.
The outcome of surgery for recurrent lumbar disc
herniation is debatable. Some studies show results that are comparable
with those of primary discectomy, whereas others report worse outcomes.
The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of revision
lumbar discectomy with that of primary discectomy in the same cohort
of patients who had both the primary and the recurrent herniation
at the same level and side. A retrospective analysis of prospectively gathered data was undertaken
in 30 patients who had undergone both primary and revision surgery
for late recurrent lumbar disc herniation. The outcome measures
used were visual analogue scales for lower limb (VAL) and back (VAB)
pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). There was a significant improvement in the mean VAL and ODI scores
(both p <
0.001) after primary discectomy. Revision surgery also
resulted in improvements in the mean VAL (p <
0.001), VAB (p
= 0.030) and ODI scores (p <
0.001). The changes were similar
in the two groups (all p >
0.05). Revision discectomy can give results that are as good as those
seen after primary surgery. Cite this article:
It has been proposed that intervertebral disc degeneration might be caused by low-grade infection. The purpose of the present study was to assess the incidence of herpes viruses in intervertebral disc specimens from patients with lumbar disc herniation. A polymerase chain reaction based assay was applied to screen for the DNA of eight different herpes viruses in 16 patients and two controls. DNA of at least one herpes virus was detected in 13 specimens (81.25%). Herpes Simplex Virus type-1 (HSV-1) was the most frequently detected virus (56.25%), followed by Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (37.5%). In two patients, co-infection by both HSV-1 and CMV was detected. All samples, including the control specimens, were negative for Herpes Simplex Virus type-2, Varicella Zoster Virus, Epstein Barr Virus, Human Herpes Viruses 6, 7 and 8. The absence of an acute infection was confirmed both at the serological and mRNA level. To our knowledge this is the first unequivocal evidence of the presence of herpes virus DNA in intervertebral disc specimens of patients with lumbar disc herniation suggesting the potential role of herpes viruses as a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of degenerative disc disease.
Wrong-level surgery is a unique pitfall in spinal
surgery and is part of the wider field of wrong-site surgery. Wrong-site
surgery affects both patients and surgeons and has received much
media attention. We performed this systematic review to determine
the incidence and prevalence of wrong-level procedures in spinal
surgery and to identify effective prevention strategies. We retrieved
12 studies reporting the incidence or prevalence of wrong-site surgery
and that provided information about prevention strategies. Of these,
ten studies were performed on patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery
and two on patients undergoing lumbar, thoracic or cervical spine procedures.
A higher frequency of wrong-level surgery in lumbar procedures than
in cervical procedures was found. Only one study assessed preventative
strategies for wrong-site surgery, demonstrating that current site-verification protocols
did not prevent about one-third of the cases. The current literature
does not provide a definitive estimate of the occurrence of wrong-site
spinal surgery, and there is no published evidence to support the
effectiveness of site-verification protocols. Further prevention
strategies need to be developed to reduce the risk of wrong-site surgery.
We have treated 15 patients with massive lumbar disc herniations non-operatively. Repeat MR scanning after a mean 24 months (5 to 56) showed a dramatic resolution of the herniation in 14 patients. No patient developed a cauda equina syndrome. We suggest that this condition may be more benign than previously thought.
Total hip replacement (THR) is a very common
procedure undertaken in up to 285 000 Americans each year. Patient
satisfaction with THR is very high, with improvements in general
health, quality of life, and function while at the same time very
cost effective. Although the majority of patients have a high degree
of satisfaction with their THR, 27% experience some discomfort,
and up to 6% experience severe chronic pain. Although it can be
difficult to diagnose the cause of the pain in these patients, this
clinical issue should be approached systematically and thoroughly.
A detailed history and clinical examination can often provide the
correct diagnosis and guide the appropriate selection of investigations, which
will then serve to confirm the clinical diagnosis made. Cite this article:
There have been a few reports of patients with
a combination of lumbar and thoracic spinal stenosis. We describe six
patients who suffered unexpected acute neurological deterioration
at a mean of 7.8 days (6 to 10) after lumbar decompressive surgery.
Five had progressive weakness and one had recurrent pain in the
lower limbs. There was incomplete recovery following subsequent
thoracic decompressive surgery. The neurological presentation can be confusing. Patients with
compressive myelopathy due to lower thoracic lesions, especially
epiconus lesions (T10 to T12/L1 disc level), present with similar
symptoms to those with lumbar radiculopathy or cauda equina lesions.
Despite the rarity of this condition we advise that patients who
undergo lumbar decompressive surgery for stenosis should have sagittal
whole spine MRI studies pre-operatively to exclude proximal neurological
compression. Cite this article:
The widespread use of MRI has revolutionised
the diagnostic process for spinal disorders. AÂ typical protocol
for spinal MRI includes T1 and T2 weighted sequences in both axial
and sagittal planes. While such an imaging protocol is appropriate
to detect pathological processes in the vast majority of patients,
a number of additional sequences and advanced techniques are emerging.
The purpose of the article is to discuss both established techniques
that are gaining popularity in the field of spinal imaging and to
introduce some of the more novel ‘advanced’ MRI sequences with examples
to highlight their potential uses. Cite this article:
We investigated the pre-operative and one-year post-operative health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcome by using a Euroqol (EQ-5D) questionnaire in 263 patients who had undergone surgery for herniation of a lumbar disc. Data from the National Swedish Register for lumbar spinal surgery between 2001 and 2002 were used and, in addition, a comparison between our cohort and a Swedish EQ-5D population survey was performed. We analysed the pre- and post-operative quality of life data, age, gender, smoking habits, pain and walking capacity. The mean age of the patients was 42 years (20 to 66); 155 (59%) were men and 69 (26%) smoked. Pre-operatively, 72 (17%) could walk at least 1 km compared with 200 (76%) postoperatively. The mean EQ-5D score improved from 0.29 to 0.70, and the HRQOL improved in 195 (74%) of the patients. The pre-operative score did not influence the post-operative score. In most patients, all five EQ-5D dimensions improved, but did not reach the level reported by an age- and gender-matched population sample (mean difference 0.17). Predictors for poor outcome were smoking, a short pre-operative walking distance, and a long history of back pain.
The pathophysiology of intervertebral disc degeneration has been extensively studied. Various factors have been suggested as influencing its aetiology, including mechanical factors, such as compressive loading, shear stress and vibration, as well as ageing, genetic, systemic and toxic factors, which can lead to degeneration of the disc through biochemical reactions. How are these factors linked? What is their individual importance? There is no clear evidence indicating whether ageing in the presence of repetitive injury or repetitive injury in the absence of ageing plays a greater role in the degenerative process. Mechanical factors can trigger biochemical reactions which, in turn, may promote the normal biological changes of ageing, which can also be accelerated by genetic factors. Degradation of the molecular structure of the disc during ageing renders it more susceptible to superimposed mechanical injuries. This review supports the theory that degeneration of the disc has a complex multifactorial aetiology. Which factors initiate the events in the degenerative cascade is a question that remains unanswered, but most evidence points to an age-related process influenced primarily by mechanical and genetic factors.
No previous studies have examined the physical
characteristics of patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES). We compared
the anthropometric features of patients who developed CES after
a disc prolapse with those who did not but who had symptoms that
required elective surgery. We recorded the age, gender, height,
weight and body mass index (BMI) of 92 consecutive patients who
underwent elective lumbar discectomy and 40Â consecutive patients who
underwent discectomy for CES. On univariate analysis, the mean BMI
of the elective discectomy cohort (26.5Â kg/m2 (16.6 to
41.7) was very similar to that of the age-matched national mean
(27.6Â kg/m2, p = 1.0). However, the mean BMI of the CES
cohort (31.1Â kg/m2 (21.0 to 54.9)) was significantly
higher than both that of the elective group (p <
0.001) and the
age-matched national mean (p <
0.001). A similar pattern was
seen with the weight of the groups. Multivariate logistic regression
analysis was performed, adjusted for age, gender, height, weight
and BMI. Increasing BMI and weight were strongly associated with
an increased risk of CES (odds ratio (OR) 1.17, p <
0.001; and
OR 1.06, p <
 0.001, respectively). However, increasing height
was linked with a reduced risk of CES (OR 0.9, p <
0.01). The
odds of developing CES were 3.7 times higher (95% confidence interval
(CI) 1.2 to 7.8, p = 0.016) in the overweight and obese (as defined
by the World Health Organization: BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) than
in those of ideal weight. Those with very large discs (obstructing
>
75% of the spinal canal) had a larger BMI than those with small
discs (obstructing <
25% of the canal; p <
0.01). We therefore
conclude that increasing BMI is associated with CES.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is indicated
for many patients with pain and/or instability of the lumbar spine.
We performed 36 PLIF procedures using the patient’s lumbar spinous
process and laminae, which were inserted as a bone graft between
two vertebral bodies without using a cage. The mean lumbar lordosis
and mean disc height to vertebral body ratio were restored and preserved
after surgery. There were no serious complications. These results suggest that this procedure is safe and effective.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility
of using the intact S1 nerve root as a donor nerve to repair an avulsion
of the contralateral lumbosacral plexus. Two cohorts of patients
were recruited. In cohort 1, the L4–S4 nerve roots of 15 patients
with a unilateral fracture of the sacrum and sacral nerve injury
were stimulated during surgery to establish the precise functional
distribution of the S1 nerve root and its proportional contribution
to individual muscles. In cohort 2, the contralateral uninjured
S1 nerve root of six patients with a unilateral lumbosacral plexus
avulsion was transected extradurally and used with a 25 cm segment
of the common peroneal nerve from the injured leg to reconstruct
the avulsed plexus. The results from cohort 1 showed that the innervation of S1 in
each muscle can be compensated for by L4, L5, S2 and S3. Numbness
in the toes and a reduction in strength were found after surgery
in cohort 2, but these symptoms gradually disappeared and strength
recovered. The results of electrophysiological studies of the donor
limb were generally normal. Severing the S1 nerve root does not appear to damage the healthy
limb as far as clinical assessment and electrophysiological testing
can determine. Consequently, the S1 nerve can be considered to be
a suitable donor nerve for reconstruction of an avulsed contralateral
lumbosacral plexus. Cite this article:
C5 nerve root palsy is a rare and potentially
debilitating complication of cervical spine surgery. Currently,
however, there are no guidelines to help surgeons to prevent or
treat this complication. We carried out a systematic review of the literature to identify
the causes of this complication and options for its prevention and
treatment. Searches of PubMed, Embase and Medline yielded 60 articles
for inclusion, most of which addressed C5 palsy as a complication
of surgery. Although many possible causes were given, most authors supported
posterior migration of the spinal cord with tethering of the nerve
root as being the most likely. Early detection and prevention of a C5 nerve root palsy using
neurophysiological monitoring and variations in surgical technique
show promise by allowing surgeons to minimise or prevent the incidence
of C5 palsy. Conservative treatment is the current treatment of
choice; most patients make a full recovery within two years. Cite this article:
This review of the literature presents the current understanding of Scheuermann’s kyphosis and investigates the controversies concerning conservative and surgical treatment. There is considerable debate regarding the pathogenesis, natural history and treatment of this condition. A benign prognosis with settling of symptoms and stabilisation of the deformity at skeletal maturity is expected in most patients. Observation and programmes of exercise are appropriate for mild, flexible, non-progressive deformities. Bracing is indicated for a moderate deformity which spans several levels and retains flexibility in motivated patients who have significant remaining spinal growth. The loss of some correction after the completion of bracing with recurrent anterior vertebral wedging has been reported in approximately one-third of patients. Surgical correction with instrumented spinal fusion is indicated for a severe kyphosis which carries a risk of progression beyond the end of growth causing cosmetic deformity, back pain and neurological complications. There is no consensus on the effectiveness of different techniques and types of instrumentation. Techniques include posterior-only and combined anteroposterior spinal fusion with or without posterior osteotomies across the apex of the deformity. Current instrumented techniques include hybrid and all-pedicle screw constructs.
The indications for lumbar discectomy are pain and neurological dysfunction. This paper considers the extent and timing of neurological recovery following spinal decompression.
We carried out a study to determine the effect of facet tropism on the development of adolescent and adult herniation of the lumbar disc. We assessed 149 levels in 140 adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years and 119 levels in 111 adults aged between 40 and 49 years with herniation. The facet tropism of each patient was measured at the level of the herniated disc by CT. There was no significant difference in facet tropism between the herniated and the normal discs in both the adolescent and adult groups, except at the L4-L5 level in the adults. Facet tropism did not influence the development of herniation of the lumbar disc in either adolescents or adults.
Dysphagia is a common complication of anterior
surgery of the cervical spine. The incidence of post-operative dysphagia
may be as high as 71% within the first two weeks after surgery,
but gradually decreases during the following months. However, 12%
to 14% of patients may have some persistent dysphagia one year after
the procedure. It has been shown that female gender, advanced age,
multilevel surgery, longer operating time and severe pre-operative
neck pain may be risk factors. Although the aetiology remains unclear
and is probably multifactorial, proposed causes include oesophageal
retraction, prominence of the cervical plate and prevertebral swelling.
Recently, pre-operative tracheal traction exercises and the use
of retropharyngeal steroids have been proposed as methods of reducing
post-operative dysphagia. We performed a systematic review to assess the incidence, aetiology,
risk factors, methods of assessment and management of dysphagia
following anterior cervical spinal surgery. Cite this article:
We investigated the pre-operative and one-year post-operative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcome by using a Euroqol (EQ-5D) questionnaire in 230 patients who underwent surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. Data were obtained from the National Swedish Registry for operations on the lumbar spine between 2001 and 2002. We analysed the pre- and postoperative quality of life data, age, gender, smoking habits, pain and walking ability. The relative differences were compared to a Swedish EQ-5D population survey. The mean age of the patients was 66 years, and there were 123 females (53%). Before the operation 62 (27%) of the patients could walk more than 500 m. One year after the operation 150 (65%) were able to walk 500 m or more. The mean EQ-5D score improved from 0.36 to 0.64, and the HRQoL improved in 184 (80%) of the patients. However, they did not reach the level reported by a matched population sample (mean difference 0.18). Women had lower pre- and post-operative EQ-5D scores than men. Severe low back pain was a predictor for a poor outcome.
Patients with Bertolotti’s syndrome have characteristic lumbosacral anomalies and often have severe sciatica. We describe a patient with this syndrome in whom standard decompression of the affected nerve root failed, but endoscopic lumbosacral extraforaminal decompression relieved the symptoms. We suggest that the intractable sciatica in this syndrome could arise from impingement of the nerve root extraforaminally by compression caused by the enlarged transverse process.
Recurrence of back or leg pain after discectomy
is a well-recognised problem with an incidence of up to 28%. Once conservative
measures have failed, several surgical options are available and
have been tried with varying degrees of success. In this study,
42 patients with recurrent symptoms after discectomy underwent less
invasive posterior lumbar interbody fusion (LI-PLIF). Clinical outcome
was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short Form
36 (SF-36) questionnaires and visual analogue scales for back (VAS-BP)
and leg pain (VAS-LP). There was a statistically significant improvement
in all outcome measures (p <
0.001). The debate around which
procedure is the most effective for these patients remains controversial. Our results show that LI-PLIF is as effective as any other surgical
procedure. However, given that it is less invasive, we feel that
it should be considered as the preferred option.
We reviewed 75 patients (57 men and 18 women), who had undergone tension-band laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (42 patients) or compression myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (33 patients) and had been followed for more than ten years. Clinical and functional results were estimated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score. The rate of recovery and the level of postoperative axial neck pain were also recorded. The pre- and post-operative alignment of the cervical spine (Ishihara curve index indicating lordosis of the cervical spine) and the range of movement (ROM) of the cervical spine were also measured. The mean rate of recovery of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score at final follow-up was 52.1% (
Thoracic back pain caused by osteoarthritis of a single costovertebral joint is a poorly recognised condition. We report a series of five patients who were successfully treated by resection arthroplasty of this joint. Each had received a preliminary image-guided injection of local anaesthetic and steroid into the joint to confirm it as the source of pain. The surgical technique is described. There were no complications. The pain improved from a mean of 7.0 (6 to 8) on a visual analogue scale to 2.0 (0 to 4) post-operatively. The final post-operative Oswestry disability index was a mean of 19.4 (9 to 38). Isolated osteoarthritis of a costovertebral joint is a rare but treatable cause of thoracic back pain. It is possible to obtain excellent short- and intermediate-term relief from pain with resection arthroplasty in appropriately selected patients.
The aim of this study was to determine whether the foundation programme for junior doctors, implemented across the United Kingdom in 2005, provides adequate training in musculoskeletal medicine. We recruited 112 doctors on completion of their foundation programme and assessed them using the Freedman and Bernstein musculoskeletal examination tool. Only 8.9% passed the assessment. Those with exposure to orthopaedics, with a career interest in orthopaedics, and who felt that they had gained adequate exposure to musculoskeletal medicine obtained significantly higher scores. Those interested in general practice as a career obtained significantly lower scores. Only 15% had any exposure to orthopaedics during the foundation programme and only 13% felt they had adequate exposure to musculoskeletal medicine. The foundation programme currently provides inadequate training in musculoskeletal medicine. The quality and quantity of exposure to musculoskeletal medicine during the foundation programme must be improved.
Between March 2000 and February 2006, we carried out a prospective study of 100 patients with a low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grade II or below), who were randomised to receive a single-level and instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion with either one or two cages. The minimum follow-up was for two years. At this stage 91 patients were available for review. A total of 47 patients received one cage (group 1) and 44 two cages (group 2). The clinical and radiological outcomes of the two groups were compared. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of post-operative pain, Oswestry Disability Score, clinical results, complication rate, percentage of post-operative slip, anterior fusion rate or posterior fusion rate. On the other hand, the mean operating time was 144 minutes (100 to 240) for patients in group 1 and 167 minutes (110 to 270) for those in group 2 (p = 0.0002). The mean blood loss up to the end of the first post-operative day was 756 ml (510 to 1440) in group 1 and 817 ml (620 to 1730) in group 2 (p <
0.0001). Our results suggest that an instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion performed with either one or two cages in addition to a bone graft around the cage has a low rate of complications and a high fusion rate. The clinical outcomes were good in most cases, regardless of whether one or two cages had been used.
Cervical spinal disc replacement is used in the management of degenerative cervical disc disease in an attempt to preserve cervical spinal movement and to prevent adjacent disc overload and subsequent degeneration. A large number of patients have undergone cervical spinal disc replacement, but the effectiveness of these implants is still uncertain. In most instances, degenerative change at adjacent levels represents the physiological progression of the natural history of the arthritic disc, and is unrelated to the surgeon. Complications of cervical disc replacement include loss of movement from periprosthetic ankylosis and ossification, neurological deficit, loosening and failure of the device, and worsening of any cervical kyphosis. Strict selection criteria and adherence to scientific evidence are necessary. Only prospective, randomised clinical trials with long-term follow-up will establish any real advantage of cervical spinal disc replacement over fusion.
This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of retrievable inferior vena cava filters in high-risk orthopaedic patients. A total of 58 patients had a retrievable inferior vena cava filter placed as an adjunct to chemical and mechanical prophylaxis, most commonly for a history of previous deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, polytrauma, or expected prolonged immobilisation. In total 56 patients (96.6%) had an uncomplicated post-operative course. Two patients (3.4%) died in the peri-operative period for unrelated reasons. Of the 56 surviving patients, 50 (89%) were available for follow-up. A total of 32 filters (64%) were removed without complication at a mean of 37.8 days (4 to 238) after placement. There were four filters (8%) which were retained because of thrombosis at the filter site, and four (8%) were retained because of incorporation of the filter into the wall of the inferior vena cava. In ten cases (20%) the retrievable filter was left in place to continue as primary prophylaxis. No patient had post-removal thromboembolic complications. A retrievable inferior vena cava filter, as an adjunct to chemical and mechanical prophylaxis, was a safe and effective means of reducing the acute risk of pulmonary embolism in this high-risk group of patients. Although most filters were removed without complications, thereby avoiding the long-term complications that have plagued permanent indwelling filters, a relatively high percentage of filters had to be left
We carried out a prospective study to determine whether the addition of a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) to a machined allograft spacer would improve the rate of intervertebral body fusion in the spine. We studied 77 patients who were to undergo an interbody fusion with allograft and instrumentation. The first 36 patients received allograft with adjuvant rhBMP-2 (allograft/rhBMP-2 group), and the next 41, allograft and demineralised bone matrix (allograft/demineralised bone matrix group). Each patient was assessed clinically and radiologically both pre-operatively and at each follow-up visit using standard methods. Follow-up continued for two years. Every patient in the allograft/rhBMP-2 group had fused by six months. However, early graft lucency and significant (>
10%) subsidence were seen radiologically in 27 of 55 levels in this group. The mean graft height subsidence was 27% (13% to 42%) for anterior lumbar interbody fusion, 24% (13% to 40%) for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, and 53% (40% to 58%) for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Those who had undergone fusion using allograft and demineralised bone matrix lost only a mean of 4.6% (0% to 15%) of their graft height. Although a high rate of fusion (100%) was achieved with rhBMP-2, significant subsidence occurred in more than half of the levels (23 of 37) in the lumbar spine and 33% (6 of 18) in the cervical spine. A 98% fusion rate (62 of 63 levels) was achieved without rhBMP-2 and without the associated graft subsidence. Consequently, we no longer use rhBMP-2 with allograft in our practice if the allograft has to provide significant structural support.
Discogenic low back pain is a common cause of disability, but its pathogenesis is poorly understood. We collected 19 specimens of lumbar intervertebral discs from 17 patients with discogenic low back pain during posterior lumbar interbody fusion, 12 from physiologically ageing discs and ten from normal control discs. We investigated the histological features and assessed the immunoreactive activity of neurofilament (NF200) and neuropeptides such as substance P (SP) and vasoactive-intestinal peptide (VIP) in the nerve fibres. The distinct histological characteristic of the painful disc was the formation of a zone of vascularised granulation tissue from the nucleus pulposus to the outer part of the annulus fibrosus along the edges of the fissures. SP-, NF- and VIP-immunoreactive nerve fibres in the painful discs were more extensive than in the control discs. Growth of nerves deep into the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus was observed mainly along the zone of granulation tissue in the painful discs. This suggests that the zone of granulation tissue with extensive innervation along the tears in the posterior part of the painful disc may be responsible for causing the pain of discography and of discogenic low back pain.