A Retrospective Study Assessing Kampo Medicine for the Treatment of Lower Extremity Symptoms Caused by Lumbar Spinal Diseases / 日本東洋医学雑誌

We assessed the efficacy of Kampo medicine for lower extremity symptoms caused by lumbar spinal diseases, such as lumbar spondylosis, spinal canal stenosis, and post-spinal surgery syndrome. In particular, we evaluated its usefulness for lower extremity pain, coldness, and numbness. In addition, the efficacy of antecedent drug selection and pain treatment was also assessed. In accordance with Japanese traditional herbal medical practice, keishikajutsubuto, shimbuto, ryokyojutsukanto, tokishigyakukagoshuyushokyoto, goshajinkigan, and shakuyakukanzoto were prescribed primarily for lower extremity symptoms caused by lumbar disease. Thirty-two of 60 (53%) cases with lower extremity pain, 17 of 34 (50%) cases of pain with coldness, and 4 of 19 cases (21%) of pain with numbness were improved by these drugs. We conclude that the addition of keishikajutsubuto, shimbuto, ryokyojutsukanto, tokishigyakukagoshuyushokyoto, goshajinkigan, and shakuyakukanzoto after antecedent pain therapy was effective in treating lower extremity symptoms caused by lumbar disease.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Occurred in Psoas Muscle / 대한정형외과학회잡지

One fourth of cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma were reported as extranodal type and skeletal muscle involvement rarely seen as a primary event and local dissemination. The psoas involved lesion with spine mimicking pain is caused mainly by infection rather than non-infected conditions such as tumor. We report on a rare case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in psoas muscle, which required differentiation from a psoas abscess.

Eythromelalgia Mimicking Lower Leg Pain of Spinal Origin : Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Erythromelalgia is a rare condition, of uncertain etiology, characterized by episodic erythema, intense burning pain and warmth of the hands and/or feet. We present here a case of erythromelalgia that was almost mistaken for lower leg pain of spinal origin. The diagnosis is based on a thorough history and physical exam during a painful episode along with diagnostic test to exclude other causes. A 69-year-old man developed recurrent attacks of redness, swelling and burning painful sensations of both feet. His symptom was aggravation of pain with warm water immersion. His symptom improved by antidepressant and steroid. To be learned an important general lesson is to pay attention to performing extensive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. It should be appreciated that discontinuation of medication can also be used as a simple diagnostic test for clinical syndromes, such as erythermalgia.