Lumbar Core Muscle Stability Training Combined with Kinesiology Taping Technique in Rehabilitation Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of lumbar core muscle stability training combined with kinesiology taping technique in the rehabilitation treatment of lumbar disc herniation （LDH）. MethodsA total of 99 LDH patients treated in Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were selected and divided into control group （n=49） and observation group （n=50）. Kinesiology taping technique was applied to patients in the control group and patients in the observation group were treated with lumbar core muscle stability training combined with kinesiology taping technique， then we compared the therapeutic effect， lumbar function and pain degree， surface electromyography of lumbar extensor muscles， lumbar range of motion， LDH recurrence and skin allergies before and after the treatment between the two groups. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of treatment， compared with those in the control group， in the observation group， the visual analogue scale （VAS） and Oswestry disability index （ODI） scores were significantly lower （P<0.05）； the Japanese Orthopaedic Association （JOA） score， mean power frequency of lumbar extensor muscles， integral electromyography value and lumbar function score were significantly higher （P<0.05）. During the treatment， there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between two groups （P>0.05）. After 4 weeks of treatment， the observation group had a significantly lower LDH recurrence rate than the control group （P<0.05）. ConclusionLumbar core muscle stability training combined with kinesiology taping technique achieves a significantly better therapeutic effect than kinesiology taping technique in the rehabilitation treatment of LDH and can effectively relieve muscle fatigue， help alleviate lumbar spine pain and improve the function of lumbar spine.

The effectiveness of foraminal root block in relieving sciatic pain due to lumbar disc herniation / A eficácia do bloqueio radicular foraminal no alívio da dor ciática devido à hérnia discal lombar

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the clinical profile, pain improvement, and the need for surgical interventions in patients undergoing transforaminal block with the use of corticosteroids and anesthetics. Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind study with 45 patients with unilateral radicular pain in their lower limbs and a single-segment lumbar disc herniation diagnosis. In the intervention group, transforaminal blocks with bupivacaine, dexamethasone, and clonidine were applied and in the control group, distilled water and bupivacaine. The Oswestry questionnaire was applied. Results: We included 24 female (53.4%) and 21 male patients (46.6%). Of those with an occupation, 85.71% (n = 30) were relieved from their duties due to their illness and 14.29% (n = 5) continued to work with limitations. Those who underwent transforaminal block with an injection of corticosteroids, clonidine, and anesthetics showed immediate relief. However, such effect failed to alleviate patients' symptoms after three weeks. We observed that 52% of patients showed varying degrees of improvement. The control group experienced mild pain relief after one week, which also failed to last after three weeks. Moreover, 50% of patients improved in varying degrees. Conclusion: Further studies with larger samples, new epidemiological data, and longer follow-ups are necessary to validate our hypotheses. Level of Evidence II, Prospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil clínico, a melhora da dor e a necessidade de intervenções cirúrgicas em pacientes submetidos ao bloqueio transforaminal com uso de corticosteroides e anestésicos. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado e duplo-cego realizado com 45 pacientes com dor radicular unilateral em membros inferiores e diagnóstico de hérnia discal lombar em um único segmento. No grupo intervenção, os bloqueios transforaminais foram feitos com bupivacaína, dexametasona e clonidina; no controle, água destilada e bupivacaína. Foi aplicado questionário de Oswestry. Resultados: A amostra foi composta de 24 mulheres (53,4%) e 21 homens (46,6%). Dos pacientes com ocupação, 85,71% (n = 30) estavam afastados de suas funções devido à doença e 14,29% (n = 5) continuavam a trabalhar com limitações. Os que foram submetidos ao bloqueio transforaminal com injeção de corticoide, clonidina e anestésico apresentaram alívio imediato. Após três semanas, contudo, o efeito não perdurou de forma tão satisfatória, e 52% dos pacientes apresentaram melhora em graus variados. No grupo controle, houve discreto alívio álgico após uma semana, que não perdurou de forma satisfatória após três semanas, com 50% dos pacientes evoluindo para melhora em graus variados. Conclusão: Mais estudos com espaço amostral maior, novos dados epidemiológicos e seguimento mais prolongado são necessários para validar as hipóteses aventadas. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Prospectivo.

Curative Effect of Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation Complicated with Nerve Root Canal Stenosis / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic spine system （TESSYS） in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation （LDH） complicated with nerve root canal stenosis. MethodsA retrospective study was done on 40 LDH patients complicated with nerve root canal stenosis who underwent TESSYS in our hospital from April 2019 to April 2021. The clinical efficacy of the patients was evaluated by the modified Mac Nab criteria 12 months after the surgery. We also measured and analyzed the scores of visual analogue scale （VAS）， Oswestry disability index （ODI） and Japanese orthopaedic association （JOA）， the changes of structural parameters of lumbar spine and inflammatory factor levels preoperatively， 6 and 12 months after the surgery. ResultsAll the 40 cases successfully underwent the surgery and follow-ups， with a 12-month post-operative clinical excellent and good rate of 90%. The preoperative， 6-month and 12-month post-operative VAS scores were （7.38±2.06）， （2.36±0.87） and （1.62±0.82）， respectively. The respective ODI scores were （55.54±11.19）， （26.52±7.61） and （18.14±4.36）； JOA scores （13.93±2.10）， （20.26±1.35） and （22.34±1.88）. The post-operative scores of VAS， ODI and JOA were significantly improved compared with those before the surgery （P<0.05）. The preoperative and post-operative lumbosacral angles were （37.23±6.84）° and （27.37±4.31）°， respectively， with the respective lumbar curvatures of （13.48±3.06） mm and （22.36±4.51） mm. The post-operative lumbosacral angle and lumbar curvature were significantly improved compared with those before the surgery （P<0.05）. The preoperative and post-operative high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） levels were （3.43±0.61） mg/L and （5.18±0.70） mg/L， respectively， with the respective tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α） levels of （1.44±0.27） mg/L and （2.07±0.44） mg/L. The post-operative levels of hs-CRP and TNF-α were significantly higher than those before the surgery （P<0.05）. ConclusionIn the treatment of LDH complicated with nerve root canal stenosis， TESSYS achieves a good clinical effect， improves the structure and function of the lumbar spine， reduces the degree of lumbar spine pain， and has a mild post-operative inflammatory reaction.

Correlation between spinous process deviation and lumbar disc herniation in young patients / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the relationship between spinous process deviation and lumbar disc herniation in young patients.@*METHODS@#From March 2015 to January 2022, 30 treated young (under the age of 30) patients with lumbar disc herniation were included as the young group. In addition 30 middle-aged patients (quinquagenarian group) with lumbar disc herniation and 30 patients with non-degenerative spinal diseases (young non-degenerative group) were selected as control groups. The angle of the spinous process deviation was measured on CT and statistically analyzed by various groups. All the data were measured twice and the average value was taken and recorded.@*RESULTS@#The average angle of spinous process deviation in the degenerative lumbar vertebra of young patients were (3.89±3.77) degrees, similar to the (3.72±2.98) degrees of quinquagenarian patients(P=0.851). The average angle of s spinous process deviation young non-degenerative group were (2.20±2.28) degrees, significantly less than young group(P=0.040). The spinous process deviation angle of the superior vertebral of the degenerative lumbar in the young group was (4.10±3.44) degrees, which similar to the (3.47±2.87) degrees in the quinquagenarian group (P=0.447). A total of 19 young patients had the opposite deviation direction of the spinous process of the degenerative lumbar vertebra and upper vertebra, while only 7 quinquagenarian patients had this condition(P=0.02). The type of lumbar disc herniation in young patients had no significant relationship with the direction of spinous process deflection of the degenerative or upper lumbar vertebra (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Spinous process deviation is a risk factor of young lumbar disc herniation patients. If the deviation directions of adjacent lumbar spinous processes are opposite, it will increase the incidence of lumbar disc herniation in young patients. There was no significant correlation between the type of disc herniation and the deviation direction of the spinous process of the degenerative or upper lumbar vertebra. People with such anatomical variation can strengthen the stability of spine and prevent lumbar disc herniation through reasonable exercise.

Characteristics of paravertebral muscles in patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the imbalance of paravertebral muscle group for patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation. MethodsFrom January, 2022 to January, 2023, 30 patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation (observation group) and 30 healthy people matching in general data (control group) were measured the tension and stiffness of multifidus and erector spinae with MyotonPRO, while the observation group was assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and the time of disease was also recorded. ResultsThe mean of bilateral tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae was more in the observation group than in the control group (|t| > 5.407, P < 0.001), and the tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae of the affected side were more than those of the unaffected side in the observation group (|t| > 11.219, P < 0.001). The tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae of the affected side were positively correlated with VAS score (r > 0.942, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with JOA score (|r| > 0.886, P < 0.001). ConclusionThe tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae of the affected side increase after unilateral lumbar disc herniation, resulting in asymmetry.

Investigation on Mechanisms of Osteoking Against Four Types of Bone Injury Diseases Based on Heterogeneous Information Network with Concept of "Treating Different Diseases with an Identical Treatment" / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo elucidate the mechanism of Osteoking against fracture， femoral head necrosis， osteoarthritis， and lumbar disc herniation by integrating heterogeneous information network mining and experimental validation. MethodOn the basis of the disease-related database and transcriptome expression profiling dataset， as well as the ETCM database， the gene sets related to four target diseases and the candidate target spectrum of Osteoking were obtained through the integration and analysis of bioinformatics data， and a "disease-syndrome-formula-target-pathway-effect" heterogeneous information network was constructed. In addition， by functional enrichment analysis， the core targets of Osteoking in interfering with the imbalance network of four kinds of bone injury diseases， the biological pathways involved， and the corresponding clinical symptoms were screened， and they were verified in animal experiments. ResultHeterogeneous information network mining indicates that Osteoking may commonly reverse the imbalance networks of fracture， femoral head necrosis， osteoarthritis， and lumbar disc herniation via regulating cell function and activity， inhibiting inflammatory response， reducing bone destruction， and improving the immune function of the body by modulating relevant core candidate targets such as RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase （Akt1）， catenin beta-1 （CTNNB1）， epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）， heat shock protein 90-alpha （HSP90AA1）， and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha isoform （PI3KCA）， as well as related biological pathways such as phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt）， janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription （JAK/STAT）， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）， nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB）， and Toll-like receptors. In particular， Osteoking may improve the blood supply of the fracture end by regulating blood circulation at the target site of the disease， and it may maintain the balance of bone metabolism by regulating hormone-related pathways to promote fracture healing. In addition， Osteoking may relieve lipid metabolism disorders by targeting and regulating lipid-related pathways， accelerate bone formation and bone repair， and delay the progression of femoral head necrosis. Osteoking may relieve the symptoms of pain by acting on neurological pathways to reduce local nociceptive stimulation in patients with osteoarthritis and lumbar disc herniation. Further experimental validation demonstrates that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is the most significantly enriched pathway for the key network targets of Osteoking for the four diseases. The candidate target of Osteoking may have the strongest association with the network of fracture-related genes. Therefore， this study chooses fracture as the target disease to verify the efficacy of Osteoking. The results show that Osteoking can accelerate bone formation and promote fracture healing by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling axis. ConclusionThe study shows that the main mechanism of "treating different diseases with an identical treatment" of four bone injury diseases with Osteoking involves cell function regulation and immune inflammation-related signaling pathways. Further experimental validation identifies that the PI3K/Akt signaling axis may be one of the key pathways of Osteoking to promote bone regeneration， bone reconstruction， and bone metabolism homeostasis.

Analgesic Effect and Mechanism of Osteoking on Dorsal Root Ganglion Compression Model Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the analgesic effect and mechanism of Osteoking （OK） on nerve compression in lumbar disc herniation. MethodThe rat model of chronic compression of dorsal root ganglion （CCD） was established to simulate clinical lumbar disc herniation. The CCD rats were randomly divided into model group， low， medium， and high dose OK groups （1.31， 2.63， 5.25 mL·kg-1·d-1）， and pregabalin group （5 mg·kg-1）， with eight rats in each group. Another eight SD rats were taken as the blank group， and the same volume of normal saline was given by gavage. Behavioral tests， side effect evaluation， network analysis， Western blot， immunofluorescence， and antagonist application were used to explore the effect. ResultCompared with the blank group， the mechanical hyperalgesia threshold， thermal hyperalgesia threshold， and the expression of inflammatory factors in the spinal dorsal horn of the model group are significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the related indicators of the affected foot footprints are significantly down-regulated （P<0.01）. The expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）， vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA）， and phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinase （p-ERK） in microglia in the spinal dorsal horn is significantly increased in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， low， medium， and high dose OK groups can increase the mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia thresholds of CCD rats （P<0.05， P<0.01） in a dose-dependent manner， improve the gait of CCD rats （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors in the spinal dorsal horn （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The expression of STAT3， VEGFA， and p-ERK in the spinal dorsal horn microglia of CCD rats is significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the acetic acid-induced nociceptive response in rats is effectively reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In addition， there is no tolerance. The results of the body mass test， organ index， forced swimming， and rotation show that OK has no obvious toxic or side effects. Further antagonist experiments show that MRS1523 and RS127445 can reverse the transient analgesic effect of OK compared with the high dose OK group （P<0.01）. ConclusionOK has a good analgesic effect on the CCD model without obvious toxic side effects， and its mechanism may be related to the activation of ADORA3 and HTR2B and the inhibition of STAT3， VEGFA， p-ERK， and other elements in microglia.

Comparative study of endoscopic spine surgery with and without assistance of an electromagnetic navigation surgical robot in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To compair the clinical effect of endoscopic spine surgery with and without assistance of an electromagnetic navigation surgical robot(ENSR) system in the treatment of lumbar disc herniations(LDH).Methods:From March 2021 to December 2021, 73 patients with LDH underwent endoscopic minimally invasive treatment in the Department of Spine Surgery, Limin Hospital of Weihai High District. Thirty-eight patients were treated with endoscopic spine surgery assisted by domestic ENSR system(ENSR group), and 35 patients were treated with endoscopic spine surgery alone(endoscopic group). The patients received follow up regularly by telephone or Wechat. The intraoperative fluoroscopy times, puncture times, upper facet arthroplasty times, operation time, preoperative and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores(JOA), and the MOS item short from health survey(SF-36)were compared between the 2 groups. The early postoperative efficacy was evaluated by modified MacNab criteria at 1 week after surgery. SPSS 26.0 was used to analyse the data. P<0.05 was considered that the difference was statistically significant. Results:The age, gender, body mass index(BMI) and other general data of the 2 groups were basically the same, and there was no statistically significant difference( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the excellent and good rate of postoperative treatment between ENSR group(97.37%) and endoscopic group(94.29%)( Z=0.90, P>0.05). In terms of operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, puncture times, and plasty times, ENSR group[(67.00±17.00) min, (4±2) times, 1 time, 1 time, respectively] was compared with the endoscopic group[(82.00±16.00] min, (17±6) times, (9±5) times, (5±2) times], and the difference was statistically significant( t=3.87,12.62, 9.87, respectively, P<0.05). There were significant differences in VAS, JOA and SF-36 scores between the 2 groups between before and after surgery( F=106.42, 112.14, 26.88, respectively, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS, JOA and SF-36 scores before and after surgery between the 2 groups( F=0.95, 3.54, 0.97, respectively, P>0.05). Conclusion:The endoscopic spine surgery assisted by the ENSR can achieve satisfactory clinical results and is a safe and effective surgical assistance system. For the endoscopic surgery, assisted by the ENSR has obvious advantages in reducing the times of fluoroscopy, puncture, and facet arthroplasty, and shortening the operation time.

The effects on lumbar disc herniation of supplementing rehabilitation training with repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effect of supplementing conventional rehabilitation training with repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Methods:Seventy-two LDH patients were randomly divided into an rTMS group ( n=24), a training group ( n=24), and a combined group ( n=24). The rTMS group received 2Hz rTMS at an intensity of 80% resting motor threshold with a total of 1000 pulses, the training group was given Mackenzie therapy and lumbar core muscle stability training, while the combined group was provided with both. Each group was treated once a day, 6 times a week for 8 weeks. The participants rated their pain using a visual analog scale (VAS), and the Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) was also used to evaluate the degree of pain and dysfunction in all three groups before and right after the treatment, as well as 8 weeks later. After the treatment, its therapeutic effect was evaluated using the improved Macnab standard. Each patient was followed up for 12 months and any recurrence was recorded. Results:Before treatment there was no significant difference in average VAS ratings or ODI scores among the three groups. Afterward, pain and dysfunction were relieved significantly in all three groups. Compared with the rTMS group, the average VAS rating in the training group was significantly higher and the average ODI score was significantly lower after the treatment and during the follow-up. Moreover, the average VAS rating and ODI score of the combined group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups after the treatment and during follow-up. The total effectiveness rate in the rTMS group was assessed as 62.5% compared with 95.8% in the training group and 100% in the combined group-a significant difference for the rTMS group. Follow-up showed that the recurrence rates of the rTMS group, training group and combined group were 37.5%, 25% and 8.3%, respectively-a significant difference in the case of the combined group.Conclusion:rTMS combined with rehabilitation training can relieve pain, improve lumbar function and reduce the recurrence of LDH.

Study on the medication law and mechanism of treatment of lumbar disc herniation by national Traditional Chinese Medicine master Liu Bailing based on data mining and network pharmacology / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the core prescriptions and mechanism of national TCM master Liu Bailing in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) based on data mining and network pharmacology methods; To provide the clinical reference for the treatment of LDH.Methods:The cases of LDH treated by Professor Liu in Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2019 were collected and analyzed. Hierarchical clustering and association rules were used to analyze the medication rules and core prescriptions. TCMSP, GeneCards, ETCM, SymMap, DAVID, etc. were used to analyze the network pharmacology of the core compounds in treating LDH and symptoms, and reveal the mechanism.Results:A total of 1 334 prescriptions were included, involving 201 kinds of Chinese materia medica, among which the medicinal property was mainly warm, the flavor was mainly sweet and the meridians were mainly liver meridian and kidney meridian; the core medicines for the treatment of LDH included Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Spatholobi Caulis, Cinnamomi Cortex, Corydalis Rhizoma, Eucommiae Cortex, Paederia Foetida and Amomi Fructus, reflecting that Professor Liu Bailing often treats LDH from the perspective of kidney deficiency, and commonly uses the treatment methods of dispelling wind, relieving pain, warming yang and benefiting the kidney. The core prescriptions mainly participated in three pathways of cancer, immunity and cell metabolism, including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway. Conclusion:Professor Liu Bailing's treatment of LDH focuses on overall dialectical treatment, which mainly dispels wind, relieves pain, warms yang and benefits the kidney and the mechanism of the core prescriptions may lie in diminishing the inflammatory response. The core prescriptions may treat LDH by regulating the immune response and cellular physiological functions.

A Case Where the Epidural Block Was Useful for the Differential Diagnosis of Low Back Pain in a Patient with Esophageal Cancer and Lumbar Disc Herniation

Introduction: We experienced a case in which an epidural block was useful in estimating the cause of low back pain in a patient suffering from esophageal cancer with liver and paraaortic lymph node metastases. Case: A 69-year-old male with a history of surgery for lumbar disc herniation (at the age of 20). He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and during follow-up, he noticed low back pain, followed by epigastric pain. MRI revealed L1/2 and L2/3 intervertebral disc herniation. The thoracic epidural block was performed from Th8/9 under X-ray fluoroscopy to alleviate symptoms and identify the cause of low back pain. After confirming the analgesic effect, we conducted a splanchnic nerve block using neurolytic agent (anhydrous ethanol), resulting in total pain elimination. Subsequently, the patient passed away under good pain control without increasing the dose of analgesics. Conclusion: By confirming the effectiveness of epidural block at the thoracic level in advance, the complicated pain was thought to be derived from not lumber disc herniation, but the visceral nerves. An epidural block was useful for the selection of subsequent analgesic therapy.

Comparison of effectiveness between unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion and endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis combined with intervertebral disc herniation / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effectiveness between unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF) and endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF) in treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis combined with intervertebral disc herniation.@*METHODS@#A clinical data of 64 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc herniation, who were admitted between April 2020 and November 2021 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 30 patients were treated with ULIF (ULIF group) and 34 patients with Endo-TLIF (Endo-TLIF group). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, disease duration, lesion segment, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of low back pain and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), spinal canal area, and intervertebral space height between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stays, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups, as well as the VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain, ODI, and imaging measurement indicators (spinal canal area, intervertebral bone graft area, intervertebral space height, and degree of intervertebral fusion according to modified Brantigan score).@*RESULTS@#Compared with the Endo-TLIF group, the ULIF group had shorter operation time, but had more intraoperative blood loss and longer hospital stays, with significant differences ( P<0.05). The cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 2 cases of Endo-TLIF group and 1 case of ULIF group, and no other complication occurred. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients in the two groups were followed up 12 months. The VAS scores of lower back pain and leg pain and ODI in the two groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between different time points after operation ( P>0.05). And there was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). Imaging examination showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in the change of spinal canal area, the change of intervertebral space height, and intervertebral fusion rate at 6 and 12 months ( P>0.05). The intervertebral bone graft area in the ULIF group was significantly larger than that in the Endo-TLIF group ( P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#For the patients with lumbar spinal stenosis combined with intervertebral disc herniation, ULIF not only achieves similar effectiveness as Endo-TLIF, but also has advantages such as higher decompression efficiency, flexible surgical instrument operation, more thorough intraoperative intervertebral space management, and shorter operation time.

Baimai Ointment relieves chronic pain induced by chronic compression of dorsal root ganglion in rats by regulating neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and HIF-1 signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

The Baimai Ointment with the effect of relaxing sinew and activating collaterals demonstrates a definite effect on Baimai disease with pain, spasm, stiffness and other symptoms, while the pharmacodynamic characteristics and mechanism of this agent remain unclear. In this study, a rat model of chronic compression of L4 dorsal root ganglion(CCD) was established by lumbar disc herniation, and the efficacy and mechanism of Baimai Ointment in the treatment of CCD were preliminarily explored by behavioral tests, side effect evaluation, network analysis, antagonist and molecular biology verification. The pharmacodynamic experiment indicated that Baimai Ointment significantly improved the pain thresholds(mechanical pain, thermal pain, and cold pain) and gait behavior of CCD model rats without causing tolerance or obvious toxic and side effects. Baimai Ointment inhibited the second-phase nociceptive response of mice in the formalin test, increased the hot plate threshold of normal mice, and down-regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord. Network analysis showed that Baimai Ointment had synergistic effect in the treatment of CCD and was related to descending inhibition/facilitation system and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, behavioral tests, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assay revealed that the pain-relieving effect of Baimai Ointment on CCD may be related to the regulation of the interaction between neuroactive ligand and receptors(neuroligands) such as CHRNA7, ADRA2A, and ADRB2, and the down-regulation of the expression of NOS2/pERK/PI3K, the core regulatory element of HIF-1 signaling pathway in spinal microglia. The findings preliminarily reveal the mechanism of relaxing sinew and activating collaterals of Baimai Ointment in the treatment of Baimai disease, providing a reference for the rational drug use and further research of this agent.

Empirical analysis on lumbar disc herniation treated with "sinew-bone three needling technique" of Chinese medicine / 中国针灸

The paper presents professor WU Han-qing's experience in treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with "sinew-bone three needling technique" of Chinese medicine. Based on the theory of meridian sinew, the points are located by "three-pass method" in terms of the distribution of meridian sinew and syndrome/pattern differentiation. The cord-like muscles and adhesion are relieved by relaxing technique to work directly on the affected sites and alleviate the local compression to the nerve root. The needle technique is operated flexibly according to the affected regions involved, due to which, the needling sensation is increased while the safety ensured. As a result, the meridian qi is enhanced, the mind and qi circulation is regulated; and the clinical effect is improved.

Effect of acupotomy on the fat infiltration degree of lumbar multifidus muscle in patients with lumbar disc herniation after percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupotomy on the fat infiltration degree of lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) in patients with lumbar disc herniation after percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED).@*METHODS@#A total of 104 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with PTED were randomly divided into an observation group (52 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (52 cases, 4 cases dropped off). Patients of both groups received rehabilitation training of two weeks 48 h after PTED treatment. The observation group was treated with acupotomy (L3-L5 Jiaji [EX-B 2]) once within 24 h after PTED. In the two groups, the fat infiltration cross sectional area (CSA) of LMM was compared before and 6 months after PTED, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score were observed before and 1, 6 months after PTED. The correlation between fat infiltration CSA of LMM in each segment and VAS score was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Six months after PTED, the fat infiltration CSA of LMM in L4/L5 and the total L3-S1 segments of the observation group was lower than that before PTED (P<0.05), and the fat infiltration CSA of LMM in L4/L5 of the observation group was lower than the control group (P<0.01). One month after PTED, the ODI and VAS scores of the two groups were lower than those before PTED (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). Six months after PTED, the ODI and VAS scores of the two groups were lower than those before PTED and 1 month after PTED (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01). There was a positive correlation between the fat infiltration CSA of LMM in the total L3-S1 segments and VAS scores in the two groups before PTED (r = 0.64, P<0.01). Six months after PTED, there was no correlation between the fat infiltration CSA of LMM in each segment and VAS scores in the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupotomy can improve the fat infiltration degree of LMM, pain symptoms and activities of daily living in patients with lumbar disc herniation after PTED.

Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy Through Ayurveda - A Case Study

Lumbar disc herniation is a major health problem, affecting the most productive population globally. It has closest resemblance with Gridhrasi mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. Treatments available in conventional sciences have limitations such as relapse of acute episodes. Here an effort was made to treat a case of L5-S1 disc extrusion with radiculopathy using a comprehensive Ayurveda treatment protocol. The protocol includes a set of treatment procedures along with certain internal medicines. Changes were analysed with the help of VAS scale, SLRT and Oswestry disability index and showed significant improvements. This case is an evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of Ayurveda treatments in case of LDH with radiculopathy.

CLINICO- MRI PROFILE OF LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION ON SCIATIC LUMBAR PAIN IN BI-RIVER HOSPITAL SETTINGS (CASES OF KINSHASA AND BRAZZAVILLE)

I. Objective: to highlight the clinico-MRI pro?le of lumbar disc herniation on sciatic lumboradiculgia in bi- river hospital settings (cases of Kinshasa and Brazzaville). This was a II. Materials and methods: retrospective, documentary and multicenter study of 302 patients who performed lumbar MRI examinations in 18 months in hospitals in Kinshasa and Brazzaville. The mean age of patients was 53.4 years. The most represented age group III. Results: was 50 to 59 years old. The female sex was predominant (55.4%) with a ratio of 0.79. The majority of patients (68.2%) came from Kinshasa. Lumboradiculalgia was the most predominant indication with (49.3%), followed by low back pain (48%). The majorityof MRI examinations (91.4%) were performed without injection of contrast product. T1 and T2 weightings were performed in 100% of patients. Diseased disc degeneration was found at (41.7%) and lumbar disc herniation at (27.2%). The MRI examination was normal in (47%) of the patients. Based on potentially clinically positive relevance, only 48.7% of our MRI diagnoses were clinically positive. Age (p=0.000), lumboradiculalgia (p=0.000) and specialist physician prescription (0.039) had a statistically signi?cant relationship with clinically positive diagnosis. HDL is a pathological reality in the hospitals of IV. Conclusion: Kinshasa and Brazzaville. The MRI pro?le found mainly corroborates the observations of the literature. Lumbar disc herniation and degenerative disc disease remain the most frequently encountered pathologies on magnetic resonance imaging in hospitals in Kinshasa and Brazzaville. They are at the origin of the lumbar spinal syndrome and affect the young population. The posterolateral disc herniation remains the most frequently encountered subtype with predominance of damage to the ?oors: L4-L5 and L5-S1

Síndrome de Brown-Séquard por hernia discal cervical / Brown-Séquard syndrome due to cervical disc herniation

RESUMEN Introducción: El síndrome de Brown-Séquard representa entre el 1 y el 4 % de todas las lesiones medulares espinales; es muy infrecuente. Compromete la mitad lateral de la médula espinal y se afectan unilateralmente las estructuras o funciones del segmento dorsal, el tracto corticoespinal y el tracto espinotalámico. Objetivo: Mostrar una forma de presentación atípica de la hernia discal cervical en una paciente joven sin antecedentes de traumatismo ni esfuerzo físico. Caso clínico: Paciente femenina de 24 años de edad, que presenta disminución de la fuerza muscular en los miembros del lado izquierdo, de forma progresiva, con dificultades para deambular, así como dolor cervical de intensidad moderada. Se le diagnostica una hernia discal cervical y se realiza tratamiento quirúrgico con evolución satisfactoria. Conclusiones: En el síndrome de Brown-Séquard causado por discopatía cervical, el tratamiento oportuno determina de forma esencial el mejoramiento de los síntomas de forma rápida; la fisioterapia y rehabilitación juegan un papel fundamental en la recuperación motora.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Brown-Séquard syndrome accounts for 1 to 4 % of all spinal cord injuries, very infrequent. It involves the lateral half of the spinal cord and the structures and/or functions of the dorsal segment, the corticospinal tract and the spinothalamic tract are unilaterally affected. Objective: To show an atypical presentation of cervical disc herniation in a young female patient with no history of trauma or physical exertion. Clinical case: A 24-year-old female patient presented with a progressive decrease in muscle strength on the left side of the limbs, with difficulty in walking, as well as moderate cervical pain. She was diagnosed with a cervical disc herniation and surgical treatment was performed with satisfactory evolution. Conclusions: In Brown-Séquard Syndrome caused by cervical disc disease, timely treatment is essential for rapid improvement of symptoms; physiotherapy and rehabilitation play a key role in motor recovery.

MRI-based analysis of predictive factors for nucleus pulposus resorption in patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with three-dimensional balanced chiropractic technique / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To observe the effectiveness of the three-dimensional balanced chiropractic technique in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and analyze predictive factors for resorption of the herniated nucleus pulposus based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods From June 2015 to June 2021, 95 patients with LDH treated with the three-dimensional balanced chiropractic techniquein our hospital were followed up for clinical and MRI data. They were divided into resorption group and non-resorption group based on the nucleus pulposus resorption rate. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of 12 factors (sex, age, course of disease, etc.)with nucleus pulposus resorption. Results Thirty-two cases (33.7%)were found at follow-up to have nucleus pulposus resorption (resorption rate≥30%). Resorption was most likely to occur in patients with a disease course of less than a year (P < 0.001), type 3 LDH accoding to the Michigan State University (MSU) classification (P = 0.014), leg numbness (P = 0.006), and a L4/5 or L5/S1 disc herniation (P < 0.001). Conclusion MRI can be used as an important tool to observe nucleus pulposus resorption in LDH. A disease course of less than a year, MSU type 3, leg numbness, a L4/5 or L5/S1 disc herniation are associated with a higher possibility of nucleus pulposus resorption, which can be used as indicators predicting the outcome of patients with LDH treated with the three-dimensional balanced chiropractic technique.

Lumbar disc herniation in pregnancy:a report of two cases / 中华全科医师杂志

Two cases of pregnant women with lumbar disc herniation causing neurologic deficits are reported. The first case received percutaneous endoscopic discectomy following the cesarean section; and the second case underwent micro-discectomy in the left lateral position under local anesthesia at 23-week gestation. After surgery, satisfactory outcomes were obtained in both cases. The management of these two cases indicates that the disc surgery is a safe procedure for patients during pregnancy.