Sensitivity of Laségue Sign and Slump Test in Hernia and Disc Bulging Diagnoses Compared with Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Sensibilidade das manobras de Laségue e de slump nos diagnósticos de hérnia e abaulamento discal em comparação com ressonância magnética

Abstract Objective To show the accuracy of the most used maneuvers in the clinical diagnosis of lumbosciatalgia, the slump test and the Laségue sign. Methods In order to perform the present study, 101 patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) discopathy (gold standard) were selected and had their medical records reviewed to identify which had the positive maneuvers on the initial physical examination. Results The sensitivity found for the slump test and the Laségue sign in the diagnosis of disc herniation was 55.3% and 18.1%, respectively. Nonetheless, when they were compared with each other for the diagnosis of disc bulging, the sensitivity obtained was of 85.7% for the slump test and of 28.6% for the Laségue sign. Conclusion Comparing both clinical exams with MRI, it was found that the slump test presents superior sensitivity compared with the Laségue sign for both the diagnosis of hernia and disc bulging, and should be more present in clinical practice.

Resumo Objetivo Mostrar a acurácia das manobras mais usadas no diagnóstico clínico da lombociatalgia, a manobra de slump ea de Laségue. Métodos Para a realização do presente estudo, foram selecionados 101 pacientes com discopatia na ressonância magnética (RM) (padrão ouro), sendo posteriormente realizada a revisão dos prontuários para identificar quais tiveram as manobras positivas no exame físico inicial. Resultados A sensibilidade encontrada para as manobras de slump e Laségue no diagnóstico de hérnia discal foi respectivamente 55,3% e 18,1%. Já quando comparamos as manobras para o diagnóstico de abaulamento discal, a sensibilidade obtida foi de 85,7% para a manobra de slump e de 28,6% para a manobra de Laségue. Conclusão Foi constatado que a manobra de slump apresenta sensibilidade superior à da manobra de Laségue tanto para o diagnóstico de hérnia quanto para o de abaulamento discal quando comparadas a RM, e deveria estar mais presente na prática clínica.

Plasma rico en plaqueta en el tratamiento de la enfermedad degenerativa discal / Platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of degenerative disc disease

Introducción: La enfermedad degenerativa discal es una entidad frecuente y uno de los principales motivos de consulta. Genera altas tasas de discapacidad, años útiles perdidos, así como altos costos económicos por asistencia médica y grandes pérdidas monetarias. Su tratamiento es generalmente conservador, aunque en la actualidad se incluyen terapias biológicas novedosas. Objetivo: Describir las principales propiedades biológicas que hacen del plasma rico en plaquetas una terapéutica efectiva para la enfermedad degenerativa discal. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión no sistemática de la bibliografía basada en artículos que se publicaron en bases de datos indexadas en Infomed como Hinari, Ebsco, Scielo, Pubmed, Cubmed, Cocrhane, Scopus, LILACS; en idioma español, inglés y portugués, durante los últimos diez años. Desarrollo: Se expusieron características clínico epidemiológicas de la enfermedad degenerativa discal, así como las propiedades biológicas que le permiten al plasma rico en plaqueta tener una función activa en la regeneración del disco intervertebral o el retraso de la cascada de degradación de este. Se resaltan los principales estudios de acuerdo a la vía de administración del plasma rico en plaquetas y sus resultados. Conclusiones: De acuerdo con lo publicado por los autores, el plasma rico en plaquetas es una alternativa efectiva en el tratamiento de la enfermedad degenerativa discal por la producción de factores derivados de las plaquetas, que intervienen en la degeneración del disco intervertebral, siendo la vía intradiscal la que más se emplea(AU)

Introduction: Degenerative disc disease is a frequent condition and one of the main reasons to attend the consultation. It generates high rates of disability, useful years lost, as well as high economic costs for medical assistance and large monetary losses. Its treatment is generally conservative, although novel biological therapies are currently included. Objective: To describe the main biological properties that make platelet-rich plasma an effective therapy against degenerative disc disease. Methods: A nonsystematic review of the bibliography was carried out based on articles published, during the last ten years, in databases indexed in Infomed, such as Hinari, Ebsco, Scielo, Pubmed, Cubmed, Cocrhane, Scopus, and LILACS, in Spanish, English and Portuguese. Development: Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of degenerative disc disease were presented, as well as the biological properties that allow platelet-rich plasma to have an active function in the regeneration of the intervertebral disc or the delay of its degradation cascade. The main studies are highlighted, according to the route of administration of platelet-rich plasma and their results. Conclusions: According to what has been published by authors, platelet-rich plasma is an effective alternative in the treatment of degenerative disc disease, due to the production of factors derived from platelets, which intervene in the degeneration of the intervertebral disc, being the intradiscal pathway the most used(AU)

Resultados en el tratamiento quirúrgico de hernia discal lumbar, reporte a siete años de seguimiento / Results in the surgical treatment of lumbar disc hernia, report of seven years follow up

Resumen: Introducción: La lumbalgia por hernia discal es provocada por el movimiento anormal intersomático, considerándose éste como factor etiológico de hernia discal, que en ocasiones es la indicación quirúrgica. Material y métodos: Con un diseño de estudio prospectivo, descriptivo, observacional y longitudinal en un período de Enero de 2000 a Diciembre de 2006. Muestra inicial de 195 pacientes, con 20 pacientes con criterios de inclusión a los siete años de seguimiento. Se tomaron en cuenta variables demográficas, dependientes e independientes. Se realizó análisis estadístico descriptivo comparando preoperatorio con la evolución a siete años. Resultados: Se englobaron los resultados en dos procedimientos: estabilización dinámica interespinosa y artroplastía, con 10 pacientes por cada procedimiento. Mediante la prueba de T y χ2 se observó significancia estadística al comparar los resultados de dolor y escala de Oswestry con parámetros de imagenología según Pfirrmann prequirúrgicos contra seguimiento final en los pacientes sometidos a estabilización dinámica. Para el grupo de artroplastía fue estadísticamente significativa la comparación de resultados de dolor con EVA (escala visual análoga) y función con escala de Oswestry, con una p < 0.05. Conclusión: Con este trabajo comprobamos que hubo significancia estadística al comparar los resultados clínicos de ambos procedimientos, observamos un porcentaje mínimo de complicaciones en los pacientes a quienes se les realizó estabilización dinámica en comparación con la artroplastía; por lo tanto, sugerimos realizar esta última sólo en casos en los que se reúnan adecuadamente todos los criterios para que los resultados clínicos y funcionales sean iguales a los esperados.

Abstract: Introduction: Low back pain by herniated disc is caused by abnormal intersomatic movement, considering this as an etiological factor of disc herniation and the surgical indication. Material and methods: A prospective, descriptive, observational, longitudinal study design, in a period from January 2000 to December 2006. Initial sample of 195 patients, with inclusion criteria in 20 patients at seven years follow up. Demographic, dependent and independent variables were taken into account. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted comparing preoperative with evolution to seven years. Results: Two groups were compared: dynamic interspinous stabilization and lumbar arthroplasty, with 10 patients for each procedure. Using T and χ2 test, statistical significance was observed when comparing the results of pain and Oswestry scale with parameters of imaging according to Pfirrmann pre surgical against final follow-up in patients undergoing dynamic stabilization. And for Arthroplasty was statistically meaningful comparison of results of pain with VAS (visual analogue scale) and function with Oswestry scale, with a p < 0.05. Conclusion: With this work we can see that there was statistical significance to compare clinical outcomes of both procedures, observing a minimum percentage of complications in patients who underwent dynamic stabilization compared with arthroplasty; therefore we suggest to perform the latter only in cases in all criteria, to meet adequately to be equal to the anticipated clinical and functional outcomes.

Microdiscectomia lombar: acessos interlaminar e intertransverso com uso de afastador de Caspar tubular cilíndrico e dreno de Penrose como auxiliar no afastamento da musculatura ­ estudo de 502 casos / Lumbar Microdiscectomy: Interlaminar and Intertransverso Access using Tubular Retractor Caspar Cylindrical and Penrose Drain as an Aid in Muscular Retraction ­ Study of 502 Cases

Os autores fazem uma revisão da literatura abordando conhecimentos neuroanatômicos da raiz e do gânglio da raiz dorsal. Descrevem a técnica para os acessos interlaminar e intertransverso com o uso de afastador de Caspar tubular cilíndrico e dreno de Penrose como auxiliares no afastamento da musculatura. Basearam-se em 502 casos operados em 25 anos. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever uma técnica com incisão pequena na pele, baixa agressividade para as estruturas anatômicas, sem perda funcional da musculatura paravertebral, campo cirúrgico amplo, facilidade de execução com as duas mãos, alta hospitalar precoce em torno de 24 horas e baixo custo.

The authors review the literature addressing neuro-anatomical knowledge of the root and root ganglion dorsal. Describe the technique for the interlaminar and intertransverso access using tubular retractor Caspar cylindrical Penrose drain as an aid in muscular retraction. Based-seem 502 cases operated in 25 years. The objective of this paper is to describe a technique with small skin incision, low aggressiveness anatomical structures without functional loss of paraspinal musculature, broad surgical field, easy work with both hands, high early hospital about 24 hours and low cost.

Spontaneous Remission of a Big Subligamentous Extruded Disc Herniation: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Spontaneous Regression of a Big Subligamentous Extruded Disc Herniation: Case Report And Review of The Literature The most efficient method for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation is still controversial. The most important aspect is the application of the suitable conservative or surgical treatment to the right patient at the right time. In lumbar disc herniation patients, one must not precipitate except for cases that require surgical indications as in cauda equina syndrome, evolutive motor deficit and persistence of pain in spite of the narcotics. However, the spontaneous regression mechanism has not been completely determined yet. The proposed hypotheses are; dehydration, retraction of the disc to the hernia in the annulus fibrosis, enzymatic catabolism and phagocytosis. In this study, the case of a patient with huge lumbar disc hernia regressing by itself has been presented and the potential mechanisms of disc regression have been discussed.

The diagnosis and surgical treatment for compressive lesions of spinal nerve root, spinal cord of cervix, thorax and lumbar spine in Mongolia / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Background: Spine disorder is the first cause of disability of workers below 45 years and economicalburden costs 20-50 billion us.dol, in European countries. Lumbar disc hernia estimates 40% of 30-50aged population in U.S and in Japan 26/10000. In last 5 years, spine surgeries increased in 4-5 timesdue intervertebral disc hernia, at Shastin State Third Central hospital of Mongolia.Goal: To populate new methods of surgical treatment for compressive lesions of spinal cord, spinalnerve root of cervix, thorax and lumbar spineMaterials and Methods: We did clinical research involving patients who had spine surgery at ourdepartment due “compressive lesion of spinal nerve root and spinal cord”. From, total 217 patients,excluded 9. Excluded cases are: declined from surgery 3, Arnold-Chiari malformation 5, and epiduralabscess 1. We collected data with permission of patient and did statistical analysis by IBM SPSS 17.Results: The surgery for intervertebral disc hernia takes 84.6% (176) of total surgery and 94.9% (167)of lumbar disease. Tumor of spinal cord estimates 9.1% (19) of total case, dominates in lumbar area(57.9%). We used posterior approach mostly, because it is frequently used in lumbar spine. The surgerycontinued 36-750 min (204.6, SD 128.5) ten patients (4.8%) had complications. In this project weused 5 surgical methods totally in solitary or combined. Spondilodesis is the most combined methodamong them. We used Oswestry disability index in Mongolia at first, to count treatment effect. Currentindex evaluated pre and post surgery period. Patient complaint and difficulty of daily life progressivelydecreased after surgery and almost disappeared at third month (p<0.00).Conclusion:1. It is possible to develop international standard surgical treatment of compressive lesions of spinalnerve root, spinal cord of cervix, thorax and lumbar spine in Mongolia.2. We used Oswestry disability index in Mongolia at first, so this questionnaire is simpler and accuratemethod for spine, spinal cord induced disability.3. Twenty seven point nine percent of patients who had surgical treatment has minimal to moderatedisability by Oswestry disability index, so it means we have to process standard of spine surgeryand increase non surgical treatment efficiency.4. Working ability recovers faster when spine surgery has been done.5. These new methods of spine surgery are cost effective than same surgery which will be doneabroad.

Lumbar Disc Herniation in a Patient With Congenital Vertebral Body Anomaly: A Case Report

Lumbar disc herniation is characterized with low back and leg pain resulting from the degenerated lumbar disc compressing the spinal nerve root. The etiology of degenerative spine is related to age, smoking, microtrauma, obesity, disorders of familial collagen structure, occupational and sports-related physical activity. However, disc herniations induced by congenital lumbar vertebral anomalies are rarely seen. Vertebral fusion defect is one of the causes of congenital anomalies. The pathogenesis of embryological corpus vertebral fusion anomaly is not fully known. In this paper, a 30-year-old patient who had the complaints of low back and right leg pain after falling from a height is presented. She had right L5-S1 disc herniation that had developed on the basis of S1 vertebra corpus fusion anomaly in Lumbar computed tomography. This case has been discussed in the light of literature based on evaluations of Lumbar Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This case is unique in that it is the first case with development of lumbar disc herniation associated with S1 vertebral corpus fusion anomaly. Congenital malformations with unusual clinical presentation after trauma should be evaluated through advanced radiological imaging techniques.

O tratamento de pacientes com fibrose epidural pela reeducação postural global - RPG / Treatment of patients with epidural fibrosis withglobal postural reeducation - GPR

Muitos pacientes têm convivido com a fibrose epidural no pós-operatório de hérnia de disco lombar, doença que pode contribuir para o afastamento destes pacientes de suas atividades da vida profissional, além de interferir em outros aspectos de suas vidas, impossibilitando-as de desenvolver suas atividades habituais, em decorrência do desconforto produzido pela dor. Este trabalho teve como objetivo esclarecer a importância da fisioterapia no tratamento desta doença e mostrar a eficácia da Reeducação Postural Global (RPG), para amenizar a dor, propiciando uma melhor qualidade de vida para estes pacientes. Este trabalho foi realizado no Instituto de Neurologia Deolindo Couto da UFRJ, no ambulatório de fisioterapia. Fizeram parte deste estudo 18 pacientes de ambos os sexos, com fibrose epidural comprovada por ressonância magnética (RM). Todos os pacientes responderam ao Questionário de Dor e Incapacidade Lombar de Roland-Morris, e foram avaliados por uma Escala Visual Analógica (EVA). Essas medidas de avaliação de dor foram utilizadas sempre no momento inicial do tratamento, durante as sessões de RPG. Foram realizadas 15 sessões de RPG. Todos os pacientes envolvidos no trabalho concordaram em participar do programa proposto mediante préinformação e livre consentimento. Após o término do tratamento os pacientes foram reavaliados em um período de três e seis meses.

Many patients have been living with epidural fibrosis during the postoperative of lumbar disc hernia, a kind of disorder that take the patients away from their professional activities, and also away from other aspects of their lives. It impairs their daily activities due to the discomfort produced by the pain. This work has an objective of clarifying the importance of the Physiotherapy for the treatment of this disorder, and to show the efficacy of the Global Postural Reeducation (GPR) to diminish the pain, giving to these patients a better quality of life. This work was performed in Deolindo Couto Neurology Institute û UFRJ, at the Physiotherapy Clinic. Eighteen patients, of both sexes, were included in this study, with epidural fibrosis seen by Magnetic Resonance. All patients answered to the Questionnaire of Pain and Lumbar Incapacity of Roland-Morris, and were also evaluated by a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). These methods of pain evaluation were always used on the time of initial treatment, during GPR sessions. All patients involved in the work agreed in participating of the program, by preinformation and free assent. After the treatment, the patients were reevaluated after a three and six month's period.

Rehabilitation exercises for preventing recurrence of lumbar vertebral disc hernia

A monitoring of 150 cases of stabilized lumbar disc herniation showed that in the group of subjects who dit not practise physical exercises, the recurrent rate was rather high, 34% within 6 months, 44% in 12 months, while in subjects practized the exercises, these indices were 4% and 6% respectively. Moreover in these practized subjects, the severity of recurrent condition was mild with the syndrome of lumbar spinal column and rarely lumbar radicle. Heavy works such as military works, agriculture and industrial works were still the cause of recurrence of lumbar disc herniation.

Primary evaluation of nonoperative management for cervical disc herniation

Participants in this study were 28 patients who were diagnosed with cervical disc herniation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the Internal Medicine Department of the Military Hospital 108 between July 1997 and July 2001. Mean age of patients was 47.54 years, ranged from 34 to 66. Males: 19, females: 9. It was found that that out of these, 10 patients had 1-segment cervical disc herniation, 15 patients had 2-segment cervical disc herniation, and 3 patients had 3-segment cervical disc herniation. Total of herniated cervical discs was 49 per 28 patients. Good and moderate results of nonoperative management were achieved in 84% of root syndrome sub-group, in 33.3% of myelo-root syndrome sub-group and in 78.57% of total group. Internal management included cervical immobility, analgesics, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin B, muscle dilation, sedation, cervical block and manipulation, and physiotherapy.

Features of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on 115 cases with cervical disc herniation

The study involved 115 patients who was diagnosed with cervical disc herniation by MRI at the Military Hospital 108 and ViÖt - §øc Hospital from January 1997 to July 2001. Among these, 82 patients underwent cervical discectomy and 33 patients were treated by medication. 15 patients were studied retrospectively, and 100 patients were studied prospectively. Mean age of patients was 49.15 years (ranged from 27 to 78). 93 men, 22 women. The results showed that 1-segment disc herniation was most common (53.9%), followed by 2-segment herniation. 3-segment herniation was seen only in 10 cases. 100% of patients in operative group have post-operative diagnosis as same as MRI diagnosis. 87.5% of patients have excellent and good outcome at 1 week after operation. It was suggested that the diagnosis of cervical disc herniation and operative indication was appropriate.

The diagnosis of the cervical spinal disc herniation by the magnetic resonance image

From November 1996 up to December 1998 with 90 MRI diagnosed cases of cervical disc herniation found in Hµ Néi region. 73 males patients and 23-68 years old (on average 45). We found that MRI is the best sensible method to determine the cervical disc herniation. The study is performed separately in two levels of the disc herniation: Bulging disc 44% and typical disc herniation 56%. Peak levels of the disc herniation occur at levels C4/C5 and C5/C6. Cervical canal stenosis and spondylosis may be combined with the disc herniation.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical disc herniation

From November 1996 to December 1998 within 90 MRI diagnosed cases of cervical disc herniation found in Hanoi region. 90 male patients with 23-68 years old (on average 45). The result showed that MRI is the best sensible method to determine the cervical disc herniation. The study is performed separately in two levels of the disc herniation: bulging disc 44% and typical disc herniation 56%, pick levels of the disc herniation occur at levels C4/C5 and C5/C6. Cervical canal stenosis and spondylosis may be combined with the disc herniation.

Clinical Observation of Acupuncture Treatment for the Ruptured Lumbar Disc Patient / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

In the 31st conference of this society, experience of acupunctural treatment of 15 cases of pain-related diseases in our orthopaedic section was already reported. In the present paper, some clinical observations on acupunctural treatment of ruptured lumbar disc, which is a representative orthopaedic disease, were reported.<br>METHOD<br>Treatment and observation were carried out on 47 ruptured lumbar disc patients (29 males and 18 females between 19 and 61 years of age, average age: 34.2 years) who were diagnosed in our clinic on the basis of findings in physical examination, myelograms, electromyograms, etc. in the two years since 1981. Using Chinese needles and an electro-anesthesia device (G 6805, made in China), several acupuncture techniques were performed: in situ technique, electrical stimulation, moxa needle, combination of electrical stimulation and moxa needle and so on. The patients were divided into two groups. Acupuncture-only group (29 cases) were treated with acupuncture alone. 21 cases of them showed good results, whereas the remaining 8 cases showed no excellent results and subsequently underwent other conservative treatment or operation. Combined-treatment group (18 cases) were treated with both acupucnture and other conservative treatment from the beginning.<br>RESULT<br>The effectiveness of the treatment was noted in 21 cases (72.4%) of Acupuncture-only group and in 15 cases (83.3%) of Combined-treatment group. In terms of age, the under forties showed better results than the over forties in both groups: the aging factors, which provoke lumbago or sciatica, were supposed. As to the period between the onset of the symptoms and the institution of treatment, fresh cases (the period is shorter) mostly showed better results than old cases (that is longer). The old cases in Combined-treatment group showed better results than those in Acupuncture-only group. The improvement rate of “tension sign” was fairlry high in both Acupuncture-only (70.9%) and Combined-treatment (81.2%) group, whereas that rate of “abnormal tendon reflex” or “sensory disorder” was not high. Nine of 11 cases without avail (8 cases in Acupuncture-only group and 3 cases in Combined-treatment group) underwent discectomy. A prolapsed disc was seen in 3 of the 9 cases, and severe compression and adhesion of the nerve root were observed in all of them. Their postoperative course was uneventful.<br>DISCUSSION<br>Using existing conservative treatment, most of ruptured lumbar disc patients can be ameliorated. Excellent results have been also obtained with acupuncture therapy in the present study. However, in consideration of social adaptation, there are operation-unavoidable cases among the ruptured disc patients who are undergoing acupuncture or other conservative treatment.