Fibrosis epidural postquirúrgica: presentación de un caso con enfoque médico legal / Postsurgical epidural fibrosis: presentation of a case with a medical-legal approach

Resumen La fibrosis epidural es un hallazgo clínico y radiológico el cual se encuentra relacionado directamente en su génesis con los procedimientos quirúrgicos realizados en la columna vertebral. Esta patología es la causa más frecuente del síndrome de cirugía fallida de columna, manifestada clínicamente como un dolor equiparable en severidad al presentado previo a la intervención quirúrgica realizada. La fibrosis epidural es parte del proceso de cicatrización usual de los tejidos circundantes de la columna vertebral, en otras palabras, es esperable que esta suceda, sin embargo, solo una mínima cantidad de las personas intervenidas desarrollan clínicamente la sintomatología. La importancia del análisis de esta patología radica en que estas valoraciones son ingresadas al Departamento de Medicina Legal por asunto de reagravación de alguna secuela ocasionada por algún evento traumático. Es imprescindible conocer a profundidad los diferentes aspectos etiológicos, fisiopatológicos, clínicos, radiológicos y terapéuticos que involucran esta patología vertebral, así como, el respectivo análisis médico legal en este tipo de casos, tomando en consideración todos los elementos de juicio que permitan relacionar este hallazgo con algún hecho denunciado. En el presente artículo se realizará un análisis médico legal de un caso de reagravación por fibrosis epidural valorado en el Departamento de Medicina Legal de Costa Rica, donde el peritado interpone una denuncia contra el ente asegurador al ser rechazada la posibilidad de reapertura del riesgo laboral presentado.

Abstract The epidural fibrosis is a clinical and radiological finding that is related with the surgical procedures performed on the spine. This pathology is the most frequent cause of failed back syndrome or post laminectomy syndrome, that is clinically manifested by an acute pain comparable in severity with the surgical intervention. Epidural fibrosis is part of the usual healing process of the surrounding tissues of the spine, in other words, it's to be expected as a result of this procedures, nevertheless, only a small number of people who have been intervened, actually develop the symptoms clinically. The importance of this pathology lies in the fact that these assessments are attended in the Legal Medicine Department due to the aggravation issues of any sequel caused by a traumatic event. It is essential to know such things as the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, radiological findings, and the therapeutic aspects that involve this vertebral disease, as well as, the respective forensic analysis, in order to use all the elements of judgment that allows to relate what is documented with the denounced findings.

Evaluation of rod breakage after three-column osteotomy / Avaliação da quebra de haste após realização de osteotomia das três colunas / Evaluación de la rotura de varilla después de realización de osteotomía de las tres columnas

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the incidence and possible risk factors associated with rod breakage in patients who underwent vertebral column resection (VCR) or pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) to treat complex deformities of the spine. Methods Retrospective analysis of a series of 32 patients operated from 2014 to 2018 in a single center. The patients were analyzed for demographic (sex, age), biometric (BMI), radiographical (pre- and postoperative angular variations), and surgical (arthrodesed and osteotomized levels) characteristics. Descriptive analyses were performed for the numerical variables (mean, standard deviation, maximum, median, and minimum) and frequency analysis was performed for the categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed for the dependent variable "rod breakage", using a stepwise technique to select the variables for the best model, assuming statistical significance of 0.05. Results Of the 32 patients selected, rod breakage occurred in 34.4%. Mean age was 36.6 years (± 19.8), ranging from 10 to 74 years, and the mean BMI was 25.1 (±6.0). Most patients were subjected to VCR (75.0%), were males (56.2%) and did not smoke (90.6%). Logistic regression analysis showed that "arthrodesed levels" were was positively associated with rod breakage (OR 1.72; CI95%: 1.13-3.10; p<0.05). The other factors were not associated with breakage. Conclusion Rod breakage is a frequent complication after three-column osteotomy, especially in long constructions. Level of evidence III; Retrospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivos Identificar a incidência e possíveis fatores de risco relacionados à quebra de hastes em pacientes submetidos à ressecção colunar vertebral (RCV) ou osteotomia de subtração pedicular (OSP) para o tratamento cirúrgico de doenças complexas da coluna vertebral. Métodos Análise retrospectiva de uma série de 32 pacientes operados de 2014 a 2018, em um único centro. Os pacientes foram avaliados quanto às características demográficas (sexo, idade), biométricas (IMC), radiológicas (variação angular antes e após a correção) e cirúrgicas (níveis artrodesados, níveis osteotomizados). As análises descritivas foram realizadas para as variáveis numéricas (média, desvio-padrão, máximo, mediana e mínimo) e, para as variáveis categóricas foi realizada a análise da frequência. Realizou-se análise de regressão logística para a variável dependente "quebra", utilizando a técnica stepwise para seleção das variáveis que compõem o melhor modelo, considerando o nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados Foram selecionados 32 pacientes; a proporção de quebra foi de 34,4%. Observou-se que a média de idade foi de 36,6 anos (± 19,8 anos), distribuindo-se entre 10 e 74 anos, e o IMC médio foi 25,1 (± 6,0). Verificou-se que a maior parte dos indivíduos foi submetida a técnica RCV (75,0%), era do sexo masculino (56,2%) e não fumava (90,6%). Na análise de regressão logística, "níveis artrodesados" associou-se positivamente à quebra (OR 1,72; IC95%; 1,13-3,10; p < 0,05). Os outros fatores não se associaram à quebra. Conclusão A quebra de hastes é uma complicação frequente das osteotomias das três colunas, principalmente, em construções longas. Nível de evidência III; Estudo Retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivos Identificar la incidencia y los posibles factores de riesgo relacionados a la rotura de varillas en pacientes sometidos a resección de la columna vertebral (RCV) u osteotomía de sustracción pedicular (OSP) para el tratamiento quirúrgico de enfermedades complejas de la columna vertebral. Métodos Análisis retrospectivo de una serie de 32 pacientes operados desde 2014 hasta 2018, en un único centro. Los pacientes fueron evaluados cuanto a las características demográficas (sexo, edad), biométricas (IMC), radiológicas (variación angular antes y después de la corrección) y quirúrgicas (niveles artrodesados, niveles osteotomizados). Los análisis descriptivos fueron realizados para las variables numéricas (promedio, desviación estándar, máximo, mediana y mínimo) y, para las variables categóricas fue realizado el análisis de frecuencia. Se realizó análisis de regresión logística para la variable dependiente «rotura¼, utilizando la técnica stepwise para selección de las variables que componen el mejor modelo, considerando el nivel de significancia de 0.05. Resultados Fueron seleccionados 32 pacientes; la proporción de rotura fue de 34,4%. Se observó que el promedio de edad fue de 36,6 años (± 19,8 años), distribuyéndose entre 10 a 74 años, y el IMC promedio fue de 25,1 (± 6,0). Se verificó que la mayor parte de los individuos fue sometida a la técnica RCV (75,0%), era del sexo masculino (56,2%) y no fumaba (90,6%). En el análisis de regresión logística, los "niveles artrodesados" se asociaron positivamente a la rotura (OR 1,72; IC 95%; 1,13-3,10; p <0,05). Los otros factores no se asociaron a la rotura. Conclusión La rotura de varillas es una complicación frecuente de las osteotomías de tres columnas, principalmente en construcciones largas. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio Retrospectivo.

Dolor crónico post cirugía de columna lumbar: magnitud del problema y opciones terapéuticas / Chronic pain after lumbar spine surgery: magnitude of the problem and therapeutic options

El dolor crónico postoperatorio de cirugía de columna lumbar tiene una incidencia entre un 10-50 por ciento de los pacientes postoperados, siendo de difícil manejo. Se ha denominado síndrome de fracaso de cirugía espinal lumbar (FBSS) a aquellos pacientes que han sido beneficiarios de una cirugía del raquis lumbosacro y en quienes no se logra una mejoría de manera satisfactoria, presentando dolor crónico lumbar, siendo su incidencia de alrededor de un 20 por ciento, y debido a una mala evolución del proceso de recuperación que puede ocasionar fibrosis en el canal medular. Existen diversas alternativas terapéuticas para afrontar este problema, donde destacan el tratamiento farmacológico, medicina física y el abordaje intervencionista no quirúrgico y quirúrgico implementados últimamente, con el fin de disminuir de manera efectiva el dolor en este grupo de pacientes. Sin embargo, a pesar de las terapias combinadas, existe un grupo de pacientes que debe ser sometido a una nueva intervención quirúrgica con resultados poco promisorios.

Chronic postoperative pain of lumbar spine surgery has an incidence between 10-50 percent of postoperative patients, being difficult to manage. The Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) has been referred to those patients who have been beneficiaries of lumbosacral spinal surgery and who do not achieve a satisfactory improvement, presenting chronic lumbar pain with an incidence around 20 percent and due to a poor evolution of the recovery process that can cause fibrosis in the medullary canal. There are several therapeutic alternatives to address this problem, which highlights the pharmacological treatment, physical medicine and the non-surgical and surgical intervention approach recently implemented, in order to effectively reduce pain in this group of patients. However, despite the combination therapies, there is a group of patients that must undergo a new surgical intervention with little promising results.

Clinical observation of long-term sacral nerve stimulation for anal rectal pain after lumbar surgery / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To observed the clinical effect of long-term sacral nerve stimulation on anal rectal pain after lumbar surgery.Methods A total of 18 cases with functional anorectal pain (FARP) after lumbar surgery in our hospital from April 2015 to March 2018were selected, of whom 3 cases refuse to accept the treatment, the other 15 cases received sacral nerve electrical stimulation.The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and simplified MPQ pain questionnaire were used to evaluate the clinical effect in preoperative and postoperative1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year respectively.Results Fifteen cases of permanent sacral nerve stimulation before and after , The MPQ scale and PSQI of 15 patients with implantation of permanent sacral nerve stimulation in postoperative 1 week were better than those before implantation , the differences were significant( P＜ 0. 05) . In the MPQ scale , the PPI and PRI at 6 months after operation was better than those before implantation , the difference was statistically significant ( P ＜ O. 01 ) ; PSQI and V AS score after 2 months were better than those before implantation , the difference were statistically significant( P ＜ 0.01) , meanwhile in 1-year of follow-up , the PSQI and VAS score continued to decline , but the change was not obvious. Conclusion Long-term sacral nerve electrical stimulation in the treatment of lumbar anorectal pain has a good clinical effect , which can improve patients ' quality of life.

Spinal cord stimulation for fail back surgery syndrome: literature review and clinical study / Estimulación de la médula espinal para el síndrome de cirugía de espalda fallida: revisión de la literatura y estudio clínico / Estimulação da medula espinhal para síndrome de cirurgia de retorno: revisão da literatura e estudo clínico

ABSTRACT Objective: Fail back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a common cause of pain following spine surgery, and is associated with persistent or recurrent pain despite anatomically correct intervention. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is regarded as one of the most effective methods of treatment for fail back surgery syndrome. Methods: We studied 34 patients who underwent test stimulation and chronic SCS for FBSS. Results: Six months postoperatively, mean improvement by the visual analog scale (VAS) of average and maximum daily pain, and the painDETECT score, were 54.4%, 50.7% and 57.3%, respectively. This meets the criteria for effectiveness of the method, according to the literature. Most of patients reported significant improvements in life quality and less need for analgesics. Complications were seen in nine patients (26.4%) and included: intraoperative dura injury (one patient, 2.9%), wound infection (one patient, 2.9%), and electrode displacement (seven patients, 20.5%). No cases of postoperative neurological deterioration were seen. Conclusions: SCS is safe and effective for the treatment of neuropathic pain caused by FBSS. Level of Evidence IV; Case series.

RESUMO Objetivos: A síndrome da cirurgia de falência reversa (SAF) é uma causa comum de dor após cirurgia de coluna e associada a dor persistente ou recorrente, apesar da intervenção anatomicamente correta. Estimulação da medula espinhal (SCS) é considerado como um dos métodos mais eficazes de tratamento para a síndrome de cirurgia de retorno. Métodos: Foram estudados 34 pacientes submetidos a estimulação de teste e SCS crônica para FBSS. Resultados: 6 meses de pós-operatório melhora a média de dor diária média e máxima diária na escala análoga visual (VAS), bem como a pontuação do PainDetect foram de 54,4%, 50,7% e 57,3%, respectivamente. Ele atende aos critérios de eficácia do método, de acordo com a literatura. A maioria dos pacientes relatou melhora significativa da qualidade de vida e menor necessidade de analgésicos. As complicações foram observadas em nove pacientes (26,4%) e incluíram: lesão da dura-máter intraoperatória (um paciente, 2,9%), infecção da ferida (um paciente, 2,9%), deslocamento do eletrodo (sete pacientes, 20,5%). Não houve casos de deterioração neurológica no pós-operatório. Conclusões: A SCS é segura e eficaz para o tratamento da dor neuropática causada pela FBSS. Nível de Evidência IV; Séries de casos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El síndrome de cirugía de espalda fallida (FBSS) es una razón común para el dolor después de la cirugía de la columna vertebral y se asocia con dolor persistente o recurrente a pesar de la intervención anatómicamente correcta. La estimulación de la médula espinal (SCS) se considera uno de los métodos de tratamiento más eficaces para el síndrome de cirugía de espalda fallida. Métodos: Se estudiaron 34 pacientes que se sometieron a estimulación de prueba y SCS crónica para FBSS. Resultados: A los seis meses la mejora promedio postoperatoria por la escala visual análoga (EVA) del dolor diario promedio y máximo diario, así como el puntaje de painDETECT fueron 54,4%, 50,7% y 57,3%, respectivamente. Esto cumple con los criterios de efectividad del método, según la literatura. La mayoría de los pacientes informaron una mejoría significativa de la calidad de vida y una menor necesidad de analgésicos. Las complicaciones se observaron en nueve pacientes (26,4%) e incluyeron: lesión duramadre intraoperatoria (uno paciente, 2,9%), infección de la herida (uno paciente, 2,9%), desplazamiento del electrodo (siete pacientes, 20,5%). No se observaron casos de deterioro neurológico postoperatorio. Conclusiones: SCS es seguro y efectivo para el tratamiento del dolor neuropático causado por FBSS. Nivel de Evidencia IV; Series de casos.

Current strategy for chronic pain after spinal surgery

Failed back surgery syndrome was recently renamed, as chronic pain after spinal surgery (CPSS) by international classification of disease-11. CPSS is a challenging clinical condition. It has a variety of causes associated with preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative periods. Also, psychosocial factors should be considered. Diagnostic tools must be used differently, for each patient. Imaging and interventional nerve block for diagnosis, should be used properly. Strategy of management requires a multidisciplinary approach. The effect of conservative management (medication, interventional management) and invasive procedure (spinal cord stimulator, intrathecal drug delivery system) has been studied by many researchers. However, an evidence-based guide on management of CPSS, remains necessary, and further research is needed. This review focuses on understanding and clinical approaches for CPSS.

Complication of epiduroscopy: a brief review and case report

Epiduroscopy is defined as a percutaneous, minimally invasive endoscopic investigation of the epidural space. Periduroscopy is currently used mainly as a diagnostic tool to directly visualize epidural adhesions in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), and as a therapeutic action in patients with low back pain by accurately administering drugs, releasing inflammation, washing the epidural space, and mechanically releasing the scars displayed. Considering epiduroscopy a minimally invasive technique should not lead to underestimating its potential complications. The purpose of this review is to summarize and explain the mechanisms of the side effects strictly related to the technique itself, leaving aside complications considered typical for any kind of extradural procedure (e.g. adverse reactions due to the administration of drugs or bleeding) and not fitting the usual concept of epiduroscopy for which the data on its real usefulness are still lacking. The most frequent complications and side effects of epiduroscopy can be summarized as non-persistent post-procedural low back and/or leg discomfort/pain, transient neurological symptoms (headache, hearing impairment, paresthesia), dural puncture with or without post dural puncture headache (PDPH), post-procedural visual impairment with retinal hemorrhage, encephalopathy resulting in rhabdomyolysis due to a dural tear, intradural cyst, as well as neurogenic bladder and seizures. We also report for first time, to our knowledge, a case of symptomatic pneumocephalus after epiduroscopy, and try to explain the reason for this event and the precautions to avoid this complication.

Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

The study aimed to review the etiology of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and to propose a treatment algorithm based on a systematic review of the current literature and individual experience. FBSS is a term that groups the conditions with recurring low back pain after spine surgery with or without a radicular component. Since the information on FBSS incidence is limited, data needs to be retrieved from old studies. It is generally accepted that its incidence ranges between 10% and 40% after lumbar laminectomy with or without fusion. Although the etiology of FBSS is not completely understood, it is possibly multifactorial, and the causative factors may be categorized into preoperative, operative, and postoperative factors. The evaluation of patients with FBSS symptoms should ideally initiate with reviewing the patients' clinical history (observing “red flags”), followed by a detailed clinical examination and imaging (whole-body X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography). FBSS is a complex and difficult pathology, and its accurate diagnosis is of utmost importance. Its management should be multidisciplinary, and special attention should be provided to cases of recurrent disc herniation and postoperative spinal imbalance.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A Review Article

Postsurgical spine syndrome is becoming an increasingly common challenge for clinicians who deal with spinal disorders owing to the expanding indications for spinal surgery and the aging world population. A multidisciplinary approach is most appropriate for patients who are unlikely to benefit from further formal surgical intervention. Anticonvulsant medications are effective in managing neuropathic pain after surgery, whereas opioids are rarely beneficial. Neuromodulation via a surgically implanted dorsal column neurostimulator is gaining popularity owing to its substantial superiority over conventional medical management and/or further surgical intervention. However, considering that prevention is always better than cure, spinal surgeons need to be well aware of the many poor prognostic indicators for spinal surgery, particularly psychosocial overlay.

Effects of ozone on the pain and disability in patients with failed back surgery syndrome / Efeitos do ozônio na dor e na incapacidade em pacientes com síndrome dolorosa pós-laminectomia

Summary Introduction: Low back pain is one of the painful disorders of higher prevalence. It has several etiologies and surgery may be indicated in the presence of neurological deficits or compression syndromes. However, in up to 40% of cases, patients develop worsening of pain and failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), which is an important cause of chronic pain with high morbidity and disability. In the last two decades, ozone has been shown to be a new therapeutic option for FBSS due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: To evaluate the effect of ozone therapy on pain and disability in patients with failed back surgery syndrome. Method: We selected 19 patients undergoing epiduroscopy and injection of ozone. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and 21 days after the procedure, using the following instruments: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Brief Pain Inventory, Roland-Morris Questionnaire Disability, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory and Douleur Neuropathique 4. Results: The patients showed significant pain relief, but no improvement was observed in the functional scales. Conclusion: Our results suggest that epidural ozone therapy can be a treatment option in FBSS to reduce the intensity of the pain.

Resumo Introdução: A dor lombar é um dos distúrbios dolorosos de maior prevalência. Tem diversas etiologias e, na presença de déficits neurológicos ou síndromes compressivas, pode ser indicada cirurgia. Entretanto, em até 40% dos casos os pacientes podem evoluir com piora da dor e síndrome dolorosa pós-laminectomia (SDPL), que se constitui em uma importante causa de dor crônica com grande morbidade e incapacidade. Nas últimas duas décadas, o ozônio tem se mostrado uma nova opção terapêutica para a SDPL em virtude das suas propriedades analgésicas e anti-inflamatórias. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da ozonioterapia na dor e na incapacidade de pacientes com SDPL. Método: Foram selecionados 19 pacientes, submetidos a epiduroscopia e aplicação de ozônio. Os pacientes foram avaliados no pré-operatório e 21 dias após o procedimento, por meio de Escala Visual Analógica, Inventário Breve de Dor, Questionário Roland-Morris de Incapacidade, Oswestry Disability Scale, Inventário de Sintomas de Dor Neuropática e Questionário de Dor Neuropática. Resultados: Os pacientes apresentaram redução significante nos escores das escalas de avaliação de dor; porém, essa redução não foi observada na avaliação da incapacidade funcional. Conclusão: Os dados obtidos sugerem que a ozonioterapia epidural pode ser uma opção de manejo da SDPL na diminuição da intensidade da dor.

Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Surgery

Neuropathic pain after spinal surgery, the so-called failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), is a frequently observed troublesome disease entity. Although medications may be effective to some degree, many patients continue experiencing intolerable pain and functional disability. Only gabapentin has been proven effective in patients with FBSS. No relevant studies regarding manipulation or physiotherapy for FBSS have been published. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been widely investigated as a treatment option for chronic neuropathic pain, including FBSS. SCS was generally accepted to improve chronic back and leg pain, physical function, and sleep quality. Although the cost effectiveness of SCS has been proved in many studies, its routine application is limited considering that it is invasive and is associated with safety issues. Percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis has also shown good clinical outcomes; however, its effects persisted for only a short period. Because none of the current methods provide absolute superiority in terms of clinical outcomes, a multidisciplinary approach is required to manage this complex disease. Further studies concerning the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and cost effectiveness of FBSS are warranted to deepen our understanding of this condition.

The Usefulness of Selective Nerve Root Block for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the improvement of symptoms and diagnosis using selective nerve root block (SNRB) for radiating pain after spine surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2012 to October 2013, 112 patients with failed back surgery syndrome (41 male and 71 female, with the mean age of 62.4 years and range of 35 to 78 years), who were admitted and underwent SNRB, were included. All patients were followed-up for more than 12 months. Three groups were classified: Group 1 included patients with no improvement or aggravation of symptoms, group 2 included those with improvement of radiating pain, and group 3 included those with recurrence of radiating. RESULTS: Among the 112 patients, there were 15 patients in group 1, 59 patients in group 2, and 38 patients in group 3. Laminectomy was the highest surgical procedure, inducing failed back surgery syndrome. In group 2, the occurrence of failed back surgery syndrome was higher in case that radiating pain was complained more than 1 year before the first surgery. There is statistically significant symptom improvement in accordance with the visual analogue scale and Korean version of Oswestry disability index on every group after SNRB (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is considered that SNRB is expected to improve the symptoms and to find the cause of symptoms as a diagnostic value even after spine surgery.

Spinal Cord Stimulation in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: Review of Clinical Use, Quality of Life and Cost-Effectiveness

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is complex and recurrent chronic pain after spinal surgery. Several important patient and surgery related risk factors play roles in development of FBSS. Inadequate selection of the candidates for the spinal surgeries is one of the most crucial causes. The guidelines suggest that conservative management featuring pharmacologic approaches and rehabilitation should be introduced first. For therapy-refractory FBSS, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is recommended in selected patients. Treatment efficacy for FBSS has increased over the years with the majority of patients experiencing pain relief and reduced medicinal load. Improved quality of life can also be achieved using SCS. Cost-effectiveness of SCS still remains unclear. However evidence for SCS role in FBSS is controversial, SCS can be beneficial for carefully classified patients.

Psychosocial and quality of life impact on patients with failed back surgery syndrome / Impacto psicossocial e na qualidade de vida de pacientes com síndrome dolorosa após laminectomia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Triggering and chronicity of failed back surgery syndrome should consider psychosocial and emotional factors which impair quality of life. This study aimed at identifying such factors and at evaluating quality of life of failed back surgery syndrome patients. METHODS: This is a descriptive, exploratory, comparative, cross-sectional study with quantitative approach. Sample was made up of a test group (I) diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome (n=16) and a control group (II) undergoing inter-consultation in the Pain Clinic (n=15). Tools were the visual analog scale and Fischer dolorimeter. WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life and Beck Anxiety Inventory and Depression Inventory were used to evaluate emotional factors anxiety and depression. RESULTS: There has been predominance of females on both groups, mean age was 42.3±5.8 (group I), most were married and mean education was 8.4±3.0 years. Mean pain duration was 0.7±0.3 months after surgery in group I with lower pain threshold. Physical dimensions and social relations were the most affected on quality of life, as well as anxiety and depression levels. CONCLUSION: Our results have shown worse pain, quality of life, anxiety and depression in group I, suggesting a better knowledge of potential postoperative complications aiming at preventing the establishment of an abnormal functionality pattern. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O desencadeamento e a cronificação da síndrome dolorosa pós-laminectomia deve considerar fatores psicossociais e emocionais, que comprometem a qualidade de vida. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar esses fatores e avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com síndrome dolorosa pós-laminectomia. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório, comparativo, de corte transversal e abordagem quantitativa, com amostra de um grupo teste (I), com diagnóstico de síndrome dolorosa pós-laminectomia (n=16) e um grupo controle (II) submetido a interconsulta na Clínica da Dor (n=15). Os instrumentos foram a escala analógica visual e o dolorímetro de Fischer. Para avaliar a qualidade de vida, foi utilizado questionário WHOQOL-Bref e para os fatores emocionais ansiedade e depressão, o Inventario Beck de Ansiedade e de Depressão. RESULTADOS: Na amostra dos dois grupos houve predomínio do gênero feminino, média de idade de 42,3±5,8 anos (grupo I), maioria casada e média de escolaridade de 8,4±3,0 anos. O tempo médio de dor foi de 0,7±0,3 meses após a cirurgia no grupo I com limiar de dor mais baixo. As dimensões físicas e relações sociais foram as mais comprometidas na qualidade de vida, assim como os níveis de ansiedade e depressão. CONCLUSÃO: Esses resultados mostraram pior dor, qualidade de vida, ansiedade e depressão no grupo I, sugerindo maior conhecimento de possíveis complicações pós-operatórias buscando não permitir que se estabeleça um padrão anormal de funcionalidade. .

Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation Combined with Ozone Intradiscal and Extradiscal Injection in the Treatment of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome：Report of 58 Cases / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To explore the clinical effects and safety of radiofrequency thermocoagulation combined with ozone injection in the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Methods A total of 58 patients suffered from FBSS were treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation and ozone injection from October 2006 to December 2012.The changes of lumbar and leg functions were observed .The evaluation of clinical efficacy was made by visual analogue scale ( VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at one week, one month, three months, six months, and twelve months postoperatively , respectively. Results The operation was successfully completed in all the 58 patients , without serious complications .All the cases were followed for one year .The ODI was 20.3 ±3.1 at the last follow-up, which was significantly lower than that before operation (79.8 ±2.6, t=96.871, P=0.000).The VAS of back pain was (7.6 ±0.4) points preoperatively and (3.1 ±0.2) points at the last follow-up, which also showed statistical significance (t=45.206, P=0.000).According to the modified MacNab criteria, clinical outcomes showed excellent in 18 cases and good in 23 cases, with an excellent and good rate of operation being 70.7% (41/58). Conclusion Treatment of FBSS by using radiofrequency thermocoagulation and ozone injection is an effective option .

Epidural Fibrosis after Lumbar Disc Surgery: Prevention and Outcome Evaluation

STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled study designed and conducted over 10 years from 2002 to 2012. PURPOSE: The study aimed to monitor the effect of suction drains (SD) on the incidence of epidural fibrosis (EF) and to test, if the use of SD alone, SD with local steroids application, SD combined with fat grafts and local steroids application, or SD combined with fat grafts and without local steroids application, would improve outcome. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: EF contributes to significant unsatisfactory failed-back syndrome. Efforts have been tried to reduce postoperative EF, but none were ideal. METHODS: Between September 2002 and 2012, 290 patients with symptomatic unilateral or bilateral, single-level lumbar disc herniation were included in the study. Two groups were included, with 165 patients in group I (intervention group) and 125 patients in group II (control group). Group I was subdivided into four subgroups: group Ia (SD alone), group Ib (SD+fat graft), group Ic (SD+local steroids), and group Id (SD+fat graft+local steroids). RESULTS: The use of SD alone or combined with only fat grafts, fats grafts and local steroids application, or only local steroids application significantly improved patient outcome and significantly reduced EF as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CONCLUSIONS: This study has clearly demonstrated the fact that the use of suction drainage alone or combined with only fat grafts, fats grafts and local steroids application, or only local steroids application significantly improved patient outcome with respect to pain relief and functional outcome and significantly reduced EF as measured by an MRI. A simple grading system of EF on MRI was described.

Functional capacity and physical activity level in failed back surgery syndrome patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Failed back surgery syndrome refers to a condition in which a patient has undergone back surgery with a poor outcome. This syndrome leads to losses in daily living activities and hinders the return to physical exercise. The objective of this study was to analyze the relation between chronic low back pain and functional capacity and the physical activity level of these patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional study comprising 57 patients, mean age 51.07±12.93 years, who underwent low back surgery. These patients were divided into two groups, according to the presence of chronic low back pain. All patients filled in a questionnaire that covered demographic data, visual analog scale for pain, Rolland-Morris Questionnaire to evaluate functional incapacity and International Physical Activity Questionnaire to measure physical activity level. RESULTS: The following predominated: women (77%), obese (49%), surgery for spinal disc herniation (80%), underwent one low back surgery (52%). Patients with chronic low back pain refer a greater perception of disability and 81% of this group showed an average of 3.53±3.51 points in Roland-Morris. Chronic low back pain had no influence on the different levels of physical activity demonstrated in patients with chronic low back pain and results of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire showed no significant difference between the groups (p=0.54). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that there were other factors beyond chronic pain interfering with the physical activity level in these groups and further studies to explore lifestyle, physical exercise adherence and other dimensions of pain are still needed. Results contribute to the understanding and management of patients with chronic low back pain. .

Clinical experiences of performing transforaminal balloon adhesiolysis in patients with failed back surgery syndrome: two cases report / 대한마취과학회지

Epidural fibrosis is a contributing factor to the persistent pain that is associated with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and other pathophysiologies, particularly as it inhibits the passage of regional medications to areas responsible for pain. Therefore, effective mechanical detachment of epidural fibrosis can contribute to pain reduction and improve function in FBSS patients. In this report, we describe the successful treatment of FBSS patients with epidural adhesiolysis using a Fogarty catheter via the transforaminal approach.

Arteriovenous Fistula of the Filum Terminale Misdiagnosed and Previously Operated as Lower Lumbar Degenerative Disease

Filum terminale arteriovenous fistula (FTAVF) presenting as a cause of failed back surgery syndrome is a rare entity. We report a 48-year-old male patient who presented with clinical features of a conus medullaris/cauda equina lesion. He had upper and lower motor neuron signs in both the lower limbs with autonomic dysfunction. The patient was misdiagnosed and was operated twice earlier for lumbar canal stenosis and disc prolapse. After reviewing his clinical and radiological findings a diagnosis of FTAVF was made. He underwent surgery and there was a significant improvement in his neurological functions. We discuss the case and review the literature on FTAVF's.

Epidural Lysis of Adhesions

As our population ages and the rate of spine surgery continues to rise, the use epidural lysis of adhesions (LOA) has emerged as a popular treatment to treat spinal stenosis and failed back surgery syndrome. There is moderate evidence that percutaneous LOA is more effective than conventional ESI for both failed back surgery syndrome, spinal stenosis, and lumbar radiculopathy. For cervical HNP, cervical stenosis and mechanical pain not associated with nerve root involvement, the evidence is anecdotal. The benefits of LOA stem from a combination of factors to include the high volumes administered and the use of hypertonic saline. Hyaluronidase has been shown in most, but not all studies to improve treatment outcomes. Although infrequent, complications are more likely to occur after epidural LOA than after conventional epidural steroid injections.