Effects of Modic II changes on clinical outcomes of discectomy / 中国医师进修杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the effects of Modic II changes on clinical outcomes of discectomy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with low back pain associated with unilateral sciatica. Methods Sixty-five cases of LDH with low back pain associated with unilateral sciatica received single segment discectomy during January 2007 to January 2009.There were 30 cases with Modic Ⅱ changes in group A, 35 cases without Modic Ⅱ changes in group B. Assessed the clinical outcomes by using MacNab analyzing system and visual analog scale (VAS). Results Two groups of the postoperative clinical symptoms had significant relief, the follow-up of 12 - 36 months, average (20.6 ± 7.5) months. MacNab efficacy evaluation by group A of optimal 10 cases (33.33%), good 17 cases (56.67%), general 3 cases (10.00%). Group B optimal 28 cases (80.00%), good 5 cases (14.29%), general 2 cases (5.71%), there was significant difference in fine rate (P<0.05). Preoperative group A VAS was ( 8.67 ± 0.30) scores, group B was (8.60± 0.32 ) scores (P>0.05). Postoperative group A VAS was (2.63 ± 1.30) scores,group B was (1.09 ±0.50) scores (P< 0.05). Conclusion Modic Ⅱ changes may be one of the reasons which cause the residual low back pain after the discectomy for LDH.