Diagnostic accuracy of lumbar CT and MRI in the evaluation of chronic low back pain without red flag symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultation. Most of the patients will have nonspecific LBP, which usually are self-limited episodes. It is unclear which of the diagnostic imaging pathways is most effective and costeffective and how the imaging impacts on patient treatment. Imaging techniques are usually indicated if symptoms remain after 6 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the diagnostic imaging examination of choice in lumbar spine evaluation of low back pain; however, availability of MRI is limited. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT) with MRI (as standard of reference) in the evaluation of chronic low back pain (LBP) without red flags symptoms. To compare the results obtained by two radiologists with different grades of experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with chronic low back pain without red flags symptoms were retrospectively reviewed by two observers with different level of experience. Patients included had undergone a lumbar or abdominal CT and an MRI within a year. Once the radiological information was collected, it was then statistically reviewed. The aim of the statistical analysis is to identify the equivalence between both diagnostic techniques. To this end, sensitivity, specificity and validity index were calculated. In addition, intra and inter-observer reliability were measured by Cohen's kappa values and also using the McNemar test. RESULTS: 340 lumbar levels were evaluated from 68 adult patients with chronic low back pain or sciatica. 63.2% of them were women, with an average age of 60.3 years (SD 14.7). CT shows high values of sensitivity and specificity (>80%) in most of the items evaluated, but sensitivity was low for the evaluation of density of the disc (40%) and for the detection of disc herniation (55%). Moreover, agreement between MRI and CT in most of these items was substantial or almost perfect (Cohen's kappa-coefficient > 0'8), excluding Modic changes (kappa = 0.497), degenerative changes (kappa0.688), signal of the disc (kappa = 0.327) and disc herniation (kappa = 0.639). Finally, agreement between both observers is mostly high (kappa > 0.8). Foraminal stenosis, canal stenosis and the grade of the canal stenosis were overdiagnosed by the inexperienced observer in the evaluation of CT images. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: CT is as sensitive as lumbar MRI in the evaluation of most of the items analysed, excluding Modic changes, degenerative changes, signal of the disc and disc herniation. In addition, these results are obtained regardless the experience of the radiologist. The rising use of diagnostic medical imaging and the improvement of image quality brings the opportunity of making a second look of abdominal CT in search of causes of LBP. Thereby, inappropriate medical imaging could be avoided (2). In addition, it would allow to reduce MRI waiting list and prioritize other patients with more severe pathology than LBP.

Morfología y función del pie en pacientes con ciática. Un estudio descriptivo transversal / Morphology and function of the foot in patients with sciatica. A cross-sectional study

Objetivos: El objetivo de este trabajo es comparar las características articulares de los pies de pacientes con ciática, con las de los pies de personas sin esta patología. Pacientes y métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal. Se incluyeron 20 pacientes con ciática y 20 pacientes sin esta patología emparejados por edad y sexo. Se cuantificó el dolor del pie mediante la Numeric Pain Rating Scale 11 y se midió la movilidad de las articulaciones del tobillo, subastragalina, antepié, primer radio y primer dedo. Se clasificó el tipo de pie mediante el Foot Posture Index, y se cuantificó la discapacidad relacionada con el dolor del pie mediante el cuestionario Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index. Se compararon estas variables entre los dos grupos de participantes (con ciática y sin ciática). Resultados: Se observó un menor rango de movimiento de pronación subastragalina, así como mayor dolor en el pie y mayor discapacidad relacionada con el dolor en el pie, en los participantes con ciática en comparación con los del grupo control. La extensión del hallux también fue significativamente menor en los sujetos con ciática, aunque solo en el pie izquierdo. Además, la fuerza muscular en estos pacientes fue menor que en los que no tenían ciática. Los participantes de ambos grupos presentaron valores de flexión dorsal del tobillo por debajo de la normalidad. Conclusiones: Los participantes con ciática presentaron ciertas diferencias articulares y musculares con respecto al grupo control, aunque no se puede establecer una relación causa-efecto debido al diseño del estudio (AU)

Objectives: The objective of this work is to compare the joint characteristics of the feet of patients with sciatica, with those of people without this pathology. Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Twenty patients with sciatica and 20 patients without this pathology were included. Foot pain was quantified using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale 11, and mobility of the ankle, subtalar, forefoot, first ray, and hallux joints were measured. Foot type was classified using the Foot Posture Index, and disability related to foot pain was quantified using the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index questionnaire. These variables were compared between the two groups (participants with and without sciatica). Results: Less subtalar pronation range of motion, as well as greater foot pain and greater foot pain-related disability, were observed in participants with sciatica compared with those in the control group. Hallux dorsalflexion was also significantly less in subjects with sciatica, although only in the left foot. Muscle strength in these patients was lower than in those without sciatica. Participants in both groups presented values of ankle dorsiflexion below normal.Conclusions: The participants with sciatica presented certain joint and muscle differences with respect to the control group, although a cause-effect relationship cannot be established due to the study design (AU)

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.

Acute radiating low back pain impact on routine and function of the brazilian population: a cross-sectional study / Impacto da lombociatalgia aguda na rotina e função da população brasileira: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Acute radiating low back pain is a frequently occurring clinical condition among the population, and it represents a significant portion of urgent care in public health services. Objective: Consider the clinical characteristics, demographics, as well as the intensity of the pain, discomfort, and dysfunction of patients who show a clinical diagnosis that is compatible with acute radicular pain, new or reoccurring after an asymptomatic period. Methods: Patients that display a clinical diagnosis that is compatible with acute sciatic nerve pain, with the beginning of it starting within three months, without previous history of a similar occurrence, were seen in an orthopedic health clinic from July 2020 to January 2021. Results: A total of 42 patients were seen with a compatible diagnosis, which represents 1.4% of all medical visits. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have considered the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with acute radicular pain in the Brazilian population. This study has found a mean value on the disfunction index that is greater than what is suggested by the current literature. Conclusion: About 30% of individuals showed functional involvement that was considered crippling, which presented a stronger association with individuals with the presence of motor deficits, intensity of radiating pain, and professional inactivity. Level of Evidence IV, Cross-Sectional Study.

RESUMO A lombociatalgia aguda é uma condição clínica bastante frequente na população e representa uma porção expressiva dos atendimentos de urgência nos serviços de saúde pública. Objetivo: Avaliar as características clínicas e demográficas, bem como a intensidade da dor e da disfunção de pacientes com quadro clínico compatível com dor radicular aguda, inédita ou recorrente após período assintomático. Métodos: Consideraram-se pacientes com quadro clínico compatível com dor ciática aguda que tenha se iniciado em até três meses, sem história prévia de episódio semelhante e que foram atendidos em uma unidade de pronto atendimento ortopédico entre julho de 2020 e janeiro de 2021. Resultados: Foram atendidos 42 pacientes com quadro clínico compatível, representando 1,4% do total de atendimentos realizados no serviço. Não há relatos de estudos que buscaram avaliar as características clínicas e demográficas dos pacientes com dor radicular aguda na população brasileira. Neste estudo, contudo, encontrou-se um elevado valor médio no índice de disfunção em comparação com a literatura atual. Conclusão: Cerca de 30% dos indivíduos apresentaram acometimento funcional considerado incapacitante, sendo que a presença de déficits motores, a intensidade de dor irradiada e a inatividade trabalhista foram estatisticamente maiores nesse grupo em relação aos demais. Nível de Evidência IV, Estudo Transversal.

Clinical acute presentation of lumbar facet joint ganglia with bilateral sciatica / Apresentação clínica aguda de quistos facetários lombares com ciatalgia bilateral / Presentación clinica aguda de quistes facetarios lumbares con dolor ciático bilateral

ABSTRACT Facet joint ganglia are benign cystic lesions located adjacent to a facet joint. The majority is asymptomatic. However, can cause important low-back pain and radiculopathy. Neurogenic deficit, claudication, and cauda equina syndrome have also been reported. The authors report two cases of acute low back pain with bilateral sciatica, dorsal foot dysesthesia, and hallux dorsiflexion/extension deficit, due to the presence of encapsulated cysts adjacent to the facet joints causing a significant reduction of the spinal canal. Urgent surgical decompression was performed in both patients with an uneventful recovery. Symptomatic facet joint ganglia is a highly unusual cause of back pain, although it can present with acute onset of bilateral sciatica and canal stenosis requiring urgent surgical decompression. This paper highlights facet joint synovial as a differential diagnosis of lumbar pain and describes two different surgical approaches with good outcomes. Level of Evidence IV; Case Series.

RESUMO: Os quistos facetários são lesões císticas benignas localizadas adjacentes a uma articulação facetária. A maioria é assintomática. No entanto, podem ser causa de importante dor lombar e radiculopatia. Estão ainda relatados casos de déficit neurogénico, claudicação e síndrome de cauda equina. Os autores apresentam dois casos de dor lombar aguda com ciatalgia bilateral, disestesia do dorso do pé e défice na dorsiflexão/extensão do hálux, causados por uma redução significativa do canal medular devido à presença de quistos encapsulados adjacentes às articulações facetarias. Os doentes foram submetidos a descompressão cirúrgica urgente com uma excelente recuperação. Os quistos facetários sintomáticas são uma causa rara de lombalgia, porém podem apresentar-se inicialmente com um quadro agudo de ciatalgia bilateral e estenose canalar com necessidade de descompressão cirúrgica urgente. Este artigo realça os quistos facetários como diagnóstico diferencial de lombalgia e descreve duas abordagens cirúrgicas diferentes com bons resultados. Nível de Evidência IV; Série de Casos.

RESUMEN: Los quistes facetarios son lesiones quísticas benignas situadas junto a una articulación facetaria. La mayoría es asintomática. Pero pueden causar dolor lumbar y radiculopatía importantes. También se han descrito déficit neurogénico, claudicación y síndrome de cauda equina. Los autores presentan dos casos de lumbalgia aguda con dolor ciático bilateral, disestesia del dorso del pie y déficit en la dorsiflexión/extensión del hallux, causados por una reducción significativa del canal medular debido a la presencia de quistes encapsulados adyacentes a las articulaciones facetarias. Los pacientes fueron sometidos a descompresión quirúrgica urgente con una excelente recuperación. Los quistes facetarios sintomáticos son una causa poco frecuente de lumbalgia, aunque pueden presentarse inicialmente con un cuadro agudo de dolor ciático bilateral y estenosis del canal que requiere descompresión quirúrgica urgente. Este artículo destaca los quistes facetarios como diagnóstico diferencial de la lumbalgia y describe dos abordajes quirúrgicos diferentes con buenos resultados. Nivel de Evidencia IV; Serie de Casos.

Ciática extrarraquídea: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Persistent sciatic artery: A case report and literature review

La arteria ciática persistente es una entidad poco frecuente, considerada como una malformación vascular congénita de tipo axial por falta de involución de la arteria ciática durante el desarrollo embrionario. Puede, o no, asociarse con alteraciones en el desarrollo de las arterias iliaca, femoral común y/o femoral superficial. Clínicamente los pacientes pueden ser asintomáticos, o pueden manifestar un dolor crónico tipo neuralgia ciática, por irritación nerviosa, al estar en contigüidad con el vaso anómalamente persistente, o por dolor isquémico, al sufrir trombosis de un aneurisma que con relativa frecuencia suele desarrollarse en este vaso anómalamente persistente, o por embolia arterial distal, pudiendo llegar a comprometer la viabilidad de la extremidad (AU)

The persistent sciatic artery is an uncommon disease, considered an axial congenital vascular malformation due to the lack of involution of the sciatic artery during embryonic development. It may be associated with abnormalities in the development of the iliac, common femoral and superficial femoral arteries. Patients may be asymptomatic, or they could present chronic pain, such as sciatic neuralgia, caused by nerve damage, since it is close to the abnormal persistent vessel, or due to ischemic pain, as a result of a thrombosis or embolism of an aneurysm, which could compromise the viability of the limb (AU)

Persistent sciatic artery: A case report and literature review.

The persistent sciatic artery is an uncommon disease, considered an axial congenital vascular malformation due to the lack of involution of the sciatic artery during embryonic development. It may be associated with abnormalities in the development of the iliac, common femoral and superficial femoral arteries. Patients may be asymptomatic, or they could present chronic pain, such as sciatic neuralgia, caused by nerve damage, since it is close to the abnormal persistent vessel, or due to ischemic pain, as a result of a thrombosis or embolism of an aneurysm, which could compromise the viability of the limb.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness and adverse events of gabapentin and pregabalin for sciatica pain / Revisión sistemática y metaanálisis sobre la efectividad y eventos adversos de gabapentina y pregabalina para el dolor de ciática

Aim: This SR aims to assess the effectiveness of pregabalin and gabapentin on pain and disability caused by acute sciatica and the adverse events associated with their clinical use.DesignSystematic review.DatabasesElectronic databases of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Clinical Trials.gov were searched from their inception until March 1st of 2021.Selection criteriaRandomized trials (RCT) with adults>18 years old with acute sciatica for a minimum of 1 week and a maximum of 1 year (at least moderate pain).Data treatmentThe outcomes were pain, disability and adverse events. Data was summarized using odds ratio and mean difference. GRADE was used to calculate the level of evidence.ResultsEight RCT involving 747 participants were included. The effect of pregabalin was assessed in 3 RCT and in one three-arm trial (pregabalin vs limaprost vs a combination of limaprost and pregabalin). Two trials assessed the effect of gabapentin compared with placebo and one compared with tramadol. One study assessed the effect of gabapentin vs pregabalin in a crossover head-to-head trial.A statistically significant improvement on leg pain at 2 weeks and leg pain with movement at 3 and 4 months was found in a RCT comparing gabapentin with placebo. There were no statistically differences on the remaining time periods assessed for leg pain, low back pain and functional disability.ConclusionsThis SR provides clear evidence for lack of effectiveness of pregabalin and gabapentin for sciatica pain management. In view of this, its routine clinical use cannot be supported.

Objetivo: Esta revisión sistemática evalúa la efectividad de pregabalina y gabapentina sobre el dolor y la discapacidad producidas por el dolor agudo causado por ciática, y los eventos adversos asociados al uso clínico.DiseñoRevisión sistemática.Bases de datosSe buscó en Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, y en Clinical Trials.gov desde su inicio hasta el 1 de marzo del 2021.Criterios de selecciónEnsayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) sobre adultos > 18 años con ciática aguda establecida entre una semana como mínimo y un año como máximo (al menos con dolor moderado).Tratamiento de datosLos resultados fueron dolor, discapacidad y eventos adversos. Los datos fueron resumidos usando odds ratio y diferencia de medias. Para calcular el nivel de evidencia se empleó GRADE.ResultadosSe incluyeron 8 ECA con un total de 747 participantes. El efecto de la pregabalina fue evaluado en 3 ECA y en un ensayo de 3 brazos (pregabalina vs. limaprost vs. una combinación de limaprost y pregabalina). Dos ensayos evaluaron el efecto de gabapentina comparado con placebo y uno lo comparó con tramadol. Un estudio evaluó el efecto de gabapentina vs. pregabalina en un ensayo cruzado.En un ECA se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la mejora del dolor de piernas a las 2 semanas y en el dolor de piernas con el movimiento a los 3 y 4 meses, con gabapentina comparado frente a placebo. No hubo diferencias en el resto de los periodos estudiados para el dolor de piernas, dolor en la zona lumbar o en la discapacidad funcional.ConclusionesEsta revisión sistemática ofrece evidencia clara de la falta de pruebas sobre la efectividad de pregabalina o gabapentina para el manejo del dolor derivado de la ciática. Por tanto, su uso clínico rutinario no está avalado.

Improvement in Radicular Pain after Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy at Discs with Advanced Degenerative Changes / Melhora da dor radicular após discectomia lombar transforaminal endoscópica em discos com alterações degenerativas avançadas

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the correlation between radiologic changes (Pfirrmann and Modic) and radicular pain intensity in patients who underwent transforaminal endoscopic surgery for lumbar disc herniation. Methods Series of cases with 39 patients, 50 intervertebral discs in preoperative evaluation from January 29, 2018 to August 28, 2019 in an endoscopic spine surgery service. Demographic data, surgical indication, operative details and complications were obtained from medical records. The patients were divided into three groups based on the Modic classification (Modic absence, Modic 1 and Modic 2) and into two groups considering the Pfirrmann classification (Pfirrmann IV and Pfirrmann V). Data were processed in IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), with a significance level of p< 0,05. Results There was no difference between genders; age: 50,36 ± 15,05 years old; disease level: L2-L3 1 (2%), L3-L4 2 (4%), L4-L5 9 (18%), L5-S1 8 (16%), L3-L4 + L4-L5 4 (8%), and L4-L5 + L5-S1 26 (52%); location: right foraminal 7 (14%), left foraminal 15 (30%), central 9 (18%) and diffuse 19 (38%); radicular pain: left 25 (50%), right 11 (22%), and bilateral 14 (28%); preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS): 9,5 ± 0,91, postoperative: 2,5 ± 1,79; surgery duration: 100 ± 31,36 minutes; and follow-up: 8,4 ± 6,7 months. Less postoperative sciatica was registered in the Modic 2 versus Modic 1 group (p< 0,05). There was no difference in the postoperative radicular pain between the Pfirrmann groups (IV versus V). Conclusion Although there is no clinical difference between the groups, in advanced stages of disc degeneration, endoscopic transforaminal discectomy proved to be effective in diminishing radicular pain in patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar a correlação entre as alterações radiológicas (Pfirrmann e Modic) e a intensidade da dor radicular em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia endoscópica transforaminal para hérnia de disco lombar. Métodos Uma sequência de casos com 39 pacientes, 50 discos intervertebrais em avaliação pré-operatória, no período de 29 de janeiro de 2018 a 28 de agosto de 2019, no serviço de cirurgia endoscópica da coluna vertebral. Os dados demográficos, indicação cirúrgica, detalhes operatórios e complicações foram todos obtidos junto aos prontuários clínicos. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos, com base na classificação Modic (ausência de Modic, Modic 1 e Modic 2) e em dois grupos, considerando a classificação de Pfirrmann (Pfirrmann IV e Pfirrmann V). Os dados foram processados no software IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, versão 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, EUA), com nível de significância de p <0,05. Resultados Não houve diferença entre os gêneros; idade: 50,36 ± 15,05 anos; nível da doença: L2-L3 1 (2%), L3-L4 2 (4%), L4-L5 9 (18%), L5-S1 8 (16%), L3-L4 + L4-L5 4 (8%), e L4-L5 + L5-S1 26 (52%); localização: foraminal direito em 7 pacientes (14%), foraminal esquerdo em 15 pacientes (30%), central em 9 pacientes (18%), e difuso em 19 pacientes (38%); dor radicular: esquerda em 25 pacientes (50%), direita em 11 pacientes (22%), e bilateral em 14 pacientes (28%); escala visual analógica (EVA) pré-operatório: 9,5 ± 0,91, pós-operatório: 2,5 ± 1,79; tempo cirúrgico: 100 ± 31,36 minutos; e acompanhamento de 8,4 ± 6,7 meses. Foi registrada menos dor ciática pós-operatória nos grupos Modic 2 versus Modic 1 (p< 0,05). Não houve diferença na dor radicular pós-operatória entre os grupos Pfirrmann (IV versus V). Conclusão Embora não exista diferença clínica entre os grupos, em estágios avançados da degeneração discal, a discectomia transforaminal endoscópica mostrou-se eficaz na redução da dor radicular em pacientes com hérnia de disco lombar.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness and adverse events of gabapentin and pregabalin for sciatica pain.

AIM: This SR aims to assess the effectiveness of pregabalin and gabapentin on pain and disability caused by acute sciatica and the adverse events associated with their clinical use. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATABASES: Electronic databases of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Clinical Trials.gov were searched from their inception until March 1st of 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized trials (RCT) with adults>18 years old with acute sciatica for a minimum of 1 week and a maximum of 1 year (at least moderate pain). DATA TREATMENT: The outcomes were pain, disability and adverse events. Data was summarized using odds ratio and mean difference. GRADE was used to calculate the level of evidence. RESULTS: Eight RCT involving 747 participants were included. The effect of pregabalin was assessed in 3 RCT and in one three-arm trial (pregabalin vs limaprost vs a combination of limaprost and pregabalin). Two trials assessed the effect of gabapentin compared with placebo and one compared with tramadol. One study assessed the effect of gabapentin vs pregabalin in a crossover head-to-head trial. A statistically significant improvement on leg pain at 2 weeks and leg pain with movement at 3 and 4 months was found in a RCT comparing gabapentin with placebo. There were no statistically differences on the remaining time periods assessed for leg pain, low back pain and functional disability. CONCLUSIONS: This SR provides clear evidence for lack of effectiveness of pregabalin and gabapentin for sciatica pain management. In view of this, its routine clinical use cannot be supported.

Síndrome do piriforme: diagnóstico e tratamento: um estudo retrospectivo / Piriformis syndrome: diagnosis and treatment: a retrospective study

Introdução: A síndrome do piriforme (SP) é uma causa de dor ciática pouco entendida e conhecida, por isso, subdiagnosticada. Possui múltiplas possibilidades etiológicas e a abordagem terapêutica corrente privilegia o tratamento conservador. Objetivo: Neste estudo retrospectivo são destacados o diagnóstico, a etiologia, o diagnóstico diferencial e analisados os resultados do tratamento instituído. Métodos: 34 casos com seguimento mínimo de seis meses e máximo de 12 meses avaliados por uma escala simplificada de graduação de sintomas. Resultados: O tratamento clínico-conservador obteve excelentes resultados em 23 pacientes (67,6%), bom em nove pacientes (26,4%) e razoáveis (insatisfatórios) em dois pacientes (5,8%). Conclusões: Na dor com característica ciática, contínua ou intermitente e sem evidências de compressão radicular ou herniação discal lombar, deve-se pesquisar a possibilidade de síndrome do piriforme como um diagnóstico eminentemente clínico e de exclusão. O tratamento conservador apresenta resultados satisfatórios na maioria dos casos e a indicação cirúrgica está reservada como último recurso às falhas da terapia conservadora.

Introduction: Piriformis syndrome is a cause of sciatalgy barely understood and frequently unrecognized. It has multiple possible etiologic factors and the treatment of option is largely conservative. Objective: In this retrospective study, the diagnostic signs, the ethiology, the diferential diagnosis and the treatment results are discussed. Methods: 34 patients were followed-up for 6-12 months and evaluated by a simplified symptom rating scale. Results: Excellent results in 23 patients (67,6%), good in 9 patients (26,4%) and fair (unsatisfactory) in 2 patients (5,8%). Conclusions: In patients with sciatic pain without proved rachidian or discal lumbar disease, the possibility of Piriformis Syndrome must be investigated mainly by proper clinical examination and seen as a diagnosis of exclusion. The conservative treatment has satisfactory outcomes in most of cases and surgical procedure is reserved as a last resort in case of failure of the conservative management.

Axial and sciatic arteries: a new interpretation / Arterias axiales y ciáticas: una nueva interpretación

SUMMARY: In an investigation of 92 female and 79 male cadavers persistent sciatic and axial arteries were identified and classified based on their origin and location. Sciatic arteries were observed to arise from a number of different arteries in 68 specimens: anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery (12 specimen); internal pudendal artery (1 specimen); posterior trunk of the internal iliac artery (44 specimens); anterior and posterior trunks as a double artery (4 specimens); superior gluteal artery (7 specimens). In addition, the sciatic arteries were observed to give the superior and inferior gluteal arteries (12 and 9 specimens respectively). It is of note that a persistent sciatic artery was observed to give the superior or inferior gluteal artery rather than the superior or inferior gluteal artery giving the persistent sciatic artery: a persistent sciatic artery was also observed to exist with the superior or inferior gluteal artery. This questions the general embryological origin of a persistent sciatic artery. The embryological origin of the proximal part of the axial artery and whether it forms the superior or inferior gluteal artery is discussed, together with the general arrangement of the internal iliac and femoral arterial systems. Presentation of the sciatic artery is also discussed with respect to existing embryological theories and from a new perspective. A number of embryological vascular anomalies are also discussed.

RESUMEN: En este studio se identificaron y clasificaron las arterias ciáticas y axiales persistentes según su origen y ubicación en 92 cadáveres femeninos y 79 masculinos, Se observó que las arterias ciáticas surgían de varias arterias diferentes en 68 especímenes: tronco anterior de la arteria ilíaca interna (12 especímenes); arteria pudenda interna (1 espécimen); tronco posterior de la arteria ilíaca interna (44 especímenes); troncos anterior y posterior como una arteria doble (4 especímenes); arteria glútea superior (7 especímenes). Además, se observó que las arterias ciáticas daban las arterias glúteas superior e inferior (12 y 9 especímenes respectivamente). Cabe señalar que se observó que una arteria ciática persistente daba lugar a la arteria glútea superior o inferior en lugar de que la arteria glútea superior o inferior diera lugar a la arteria ciática persistente: también se observó que existía una arteria ciática persistente con la arteria glútea superior o inferior. Esto cuestiona el origen embriológico general de una arteria ciática persistente. Se discute el origen embriológico de la parte proximal de la arteria axial y si forma la arteria glútea superior o inferior, junto con la disposición general de los sistemas arteriales ilíaco interno y femoral. También se observó desde una nueva perspectiva la presentación de la arteria ciática con respecto a las teorías embriológicas existentes. Además se discuten varias anomalías vasculares embriológicas.

Infección de heridas quirúrgicas en un paciente con neuropatía ciática: caso clínico / Surgical wound infection in a patient with sciatic neuropathy: a case report

La neuropatía ciática es una patología que se manifiesta en alteraciones mecánicas, funcionales y sensitivas de la extremidad afectada. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con neuropatía ciática iatrogénica que mostró evolución tórpida de las heridas quirúrgicas tras intervención de dedos en garra con inmovilización por agujas de Kirschner. Con un tratamiento basado en desbridamiento, cura húmeda y abordaje de la colonización crítica se consiguió alta en 45 días, con curas realizadas en domicilio por el paciente, y resolución completa en 60 días (AU)

Sciatic neuropathy is a pathology manifested in mechanical, functional and sensitive disorders in the affected limb. We report a case of iatrogenic sciatic neuropathy in a patient showing torpid evolution of postsurgical wounds after claw toes surgery with K-wire immobilization. Treatment was based in debridement, critical colonization contention and moist environment healing. The patient was released for self-treatment at home after 45 days and reported complete healing after 60 days (AU)

Tratamiento híbrido de arteria ciática persistente / Hybrid treatment of a persistent sciatic artery aneurysm

Introducción: la arteria ciática persistente es una variante anatómica muy poco frecuente y en la mayoría de los casos presenta síntomas clínicos debido a la degeneración aneurismática del vaso.Caso clínico:presentamos un varón de 73 años, asintomático, que presenta una arteria ciática persistente con degeneración aneurismática como hallazgo en una angio-RMN. Se realizó un tratamiento híbrido mediante embolización de la arteria ciática persistente mediante dispositivo Amplatzer™ Vascular Plug II (AVP, St. Jude Medical, Plymouth, MN) y un bypass femoropoplíteo con una prótesis PTFE. El procedimiento transcurrió sin incidencias y el paciente no refiere clínica un año después de la intervención.Discusión:el tratamiento híbrido en estos casos es una opción sencilla que puede reducir la morbilidad quirúrgica del tratamiento quirúrgico convencional.(AU)

Introduction: a persistent sciatic artery is a very rare anatomic condition with frequently associated symptoms related with the aneurysmal degeneration of the vessel.Case report:we present a case of a 73-year-old patient with an aneurysmal persistent sciatic artery that was discovered on an MRI angiography. A hybrid surgical treatment was performed by embolization of the persistent sciatic artery using an Amplatzer™ Vascular Plug II (AVP, St. Jude Medical, Plymouth, MN) and a femoropopliteal bypass with a PTFE prosthesis. The procedure was uneventful and the patient reported no symptoms one year after the intervention.Discussion:hybrid treatment in these cases is a simple option that can reduce the surgical morbidity of conventional surgical treatment.(AU)

Persistent sciatic artery: A case report and literature review. / Ciática extrarraquídea: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura.

The persistent sciatic artery is an uncommon disease, considered an axial congenital vascular malformation due to the lack of involution of the sciatic artery during embryonic development. It may be associated with abnormalities in the development of the iliac, common femoral and superficial femoral arteries. Patients may be asymptomatic, or they could present chronic pain, such as sciatic neuralgia, caused by nerve damage, since it is close to the abnormal persistent vessel, or due to ischemic pain, as a result of a thrombosis or embolism of an aneurysm, which could compromise the viability of the limb.

[Role of B vitamins, thiamine, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin in back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions: a narrative review]. / Papel de las vitaminas B, tiamina, piridoxina y cianocobalamina en el dolor de espalda y otras condiciones musculoesqueléticas: revisión narrativa.

Low back pain, as well as other musculoskeletal disorders (neck pain, osteoarthritis, etc.), are a very frequent cause of consultation both in primary care and in other hospital specialties and are usually associated with high functional and work disability. Acute low back pain can present different nociceptive, neuropathic and nonciplastic components, which leads to consider it as a mixed type pain. The importance of the concept of mixed pain is due to the fact that the symptomatic relief of these pathologies requires a multimodal therapeutic approach to various pharmacological targets. The antinociceptive role of the B vitamin complex has been recognized for several decades, specifically the combination of Thiamine, Pyridoxine and Cyanocobalamin (TPC). Likewise, there is accumulated evidence that indicates an adjuvant analgesic action in low back pain. The aim of the present review is to present the existing evidence and the latest findings on the therapeutic effects of the TPC combination in low back pain. Likewise, some of the most relevant mechanisms of action involved that can explain these effects are analyzed. The reviewed evidence indicates that the combined use of PCT has an adjuvant analgesic effect in mixed pain, specifically in low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders with nociceptive and neuropathic components. This effect can be explained by an anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, neuroprotective and neuromodulatory action of the TPC combination on the descending pain system.

Estenosis lumbar degenerativa: conceptos básicos, evaluación clínica y manejo / Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: basic concepts, clinical evaluation, treatment

La estenorraquis lumbar es la disminución del volumen del canal raquídeo en la columna. Es la causa más frecuente de dolor lumbociático y lumbocrural en población mayor de 60 años. Existen múltiples causas. La más común es la degenerativa que consiste en una disminución del canal secundario a varios factores como protrusión del disco intervertebral, hipertrofia y abombamiento del ligamento amarillo, engrosamiento de la capsula articular y por osteofitos. Los síntomas principales son el dolor lumbar irradiado a extremidades inferiores tipo lumbociática o lumbocruralgia y la claudicación neural intermitente. Generalmente no hay déficit motor ni sensitivo. La resonancia magnética es el estudio de elección para el diagnóstico, pero debe complementarse con radiografías y con frecuencia con tac para una mejor valoración de la patología. El tratamiento inicial siempre es conservador, que incluye uso de antiinflamatorios, analgésicos, relajantes musculares, kinesioterapia e infiltraciones de columna (epidurales o radiculares). La mayoría de los pacientes responden satisfactoriamente a este manejo. El tratamiento quirúrgico está indicado a los pacientes que presentan un dolor intenso, que afecta su calidad de vida y que no mejora con el tratamiento conservador. Consiste en la descompresión quirúrgica de las raíces lumbares a través de laminectomía. En ocasiones se recomienda complementar la descompresión con artrodesis específicamente cuando la estenorraquis se asocia a otras condiciones como espondilolistesis degenerativa, escoliosis, desbalance sagital o coronal, inestabilidad segmentaria y en enfermedad del segmento adyacente.

Spinal lumbar stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar spine. Is the most frequent cause of sciatic pain or cruralgia in the elderly population over 60 years old. Exist many etiologies. The most common is degenerative caused by many factors including bulging disc, hypertrophy of flavum ligament as well as facet capsule thickening and by osteophytes formation. The main symptoms of spinal stenosis are radicular pain and neurogenic claudication. Lumbar flexion usually improves the symptom and deambulation often worsens the pain. Most of the time neurologic examination is normal. The gold standard study is mri but is necessary to complement with x rays and ct to obtain a better evaluation. Initial treatment is always conservative and consists in nsaid's, muscle relaxants, physical therapy and steroid spinal injections. Most of the patients respond well to this treatment. Surgical treatment is indicated when the patient has a severe pain, quality of life is miserable and conservative treatment fails. Decompression is the gold standard surgical treatment. The addition of an arthrodesis or spinal fusion is recommended in degenerative spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, sagital or coronal imbalance, deformity correction, recurrent spinal stenosis and in cases of adjacent level disease problem.

Hernia del disco intervetebral lumbar: revisión narrativa de clínica y manejo / Lumbar herniated disc: narrative review on clinical management

Los cuadros de lumbociática secundarios a hernia del disco intervertebral (hdi) son frecuentes y causantes de importante morbilidad. En esta revisión narrativa, nos enfocaremos en los aspectos clínicos y de manejo de esta frecuente patología. Se tiene que mantener un algo grado de sospecha, pues no siempre los cuadros clínicos son similares a lo descrito clásicamente. Los signos radiculares irritativos y un examen neurológico exhaustivo son fundamentales, asimismo la correlación entre este cuadro y las imágenes. El curso natural de la hdi es en general hacia la resolución y, por lo tanto, el tratamiento de elección es inicialmente conservador. La cirugía tiene un rol generalmente en pacientes que han fracasado con el manejo conservador. Esta tiene mejores resultados en el corto plazo que el tratamiento conservador continuo, pero en el largo plazo son equivalentes. Es fundamental discutir estos aspectos con el paciente, para lograr una elección informada del tratamiento, de acuerdo a sus preferencias

Sciatic pain caused by a herniated disk (ldh) is frequent and cause of significant morbidity. In this narrative review, we will discuss the clinical aspects and management of ldh diagnosis and management. High suspicion for ldh diagnosis must be kept, since its clinical picture is not always classical. Tension signs and neurological examination are key, along with correlation with images. Ldh natural history is generally towards resolution and therefore, conservative treatment is the first choice. Surgery has its role for patients who have failed conservative treatment. Surgery achieves a faster pain alleviation than conservative treatment, but on the long-term results tend to become equivalent. Ample and detailed discussion of these aspects with the patient are clue for an informed consent and satisfactory results.

Association of low back pain and sciatica with signal changes in the vertebral endplate / Associação da dor lombar e ciática a alterações de imagem na placa vertebral terminal / Asociación del dolor lumbar y ciático con alteraciones de imagen en la placa vertebral terminal

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate whether vertebral endplate signal changes (VESCs) influence the prognosis of patients submitted to conservative or surgical treatment for low back pain and lumbosciatica. Methods Study with 241 patients who underwent conservative treatment, infiltration or surgery with 12 months of follow-up. They were evaluated for pain by the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS), for function by the Roland Morris questionnaire and for quality of life by the EuroQoI5 (EQ-5D). Results The VESCs did not have a significant effect on the treatment responses for the VAS (F = 0.03; P = 0.97), Roland Morris (F = 0.51; P = 0.60) and EQ-5D (F = 2.67; P = 0.07) variables, nor was there any interaction between VESC and treatment for VAS (F = 2.15; P = 0.08), Roland Morris (F = 1.55; P = 0.19) and EQ-5D (F = 2.15; P = 0.08). There was a significant effect for all treatments, however, the effect of the surgical procedure was superior when compared to the others (P <0.001). The VESC frequency was 48.33% for type 0, 29.17% for type I and 22.50% for type II. Conclusions The presence of VESC and its different types is not associated with a worse prognosis, nor was a higher prevalence of VESC observed in the patients with low back pain and lumbosciatica. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective cohort study.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar se as alterações de sinal do platô vertebral (ASPV) influenciam o prognóstico de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento conservador ou cirúrgico em lombalgia e lombociatalgia. Métodos Estudo com 241 pacientes submetidos ao tratamento conservador, infiltração ou cirurgia, com acompanhamento de 12 meses. Foram avaliados pela Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) da Dor, quanto à função, pelo questionário Roland Morris e quanto à qualidade de vida, pelo questionário EuroQoI5 (EQ-5D). Resultados As ASPV não tiveram efeito significante nas respostas do tratamento para as variáveis EVA (F = 0,03; P = 0,97), Roland Morris (F = 0,51; P = 0,60) e EQ-5D (F = 2,67; P = 0,07), bem como não houve interação de ASPV e tratamento para EVA (F = 2,15; P = 0,08), Roland Morris (F = 1,55; P = 0,19) e EQ-5D (F = 2,15; P = 0,08). Houve efeito significante para todos os tratamentos; entretanto, o efeito do procedimento cirúrgico foi superior quando comparado aos demais (P < 0,001). A frequência de ASPV tipo 0 foi 48,33%, tipo I foi 29,17% e tipo II foi 22,50%. Conclusões A presença de ASPV e seus diferentes tipos não estão associados a prognóstico pior, bem como não se demonstrou maior prevalência de ASPV nos pacientes com lombalgia e lombociatalgia. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo de coorte retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar si las alteraciones de señal de la meseta vertebral (ASMV) influyen en el pronóstico de los pacientes sometidos a tratamiento conservador o quirúrgico en lumbalgia y lumbociatalgia. Métodos Estudio con 241 pacientes sometidos al tratamiento conservador, infiltración o cirugía, con acompañamiento de 12 meses. Se evaluaron a través de la Escala Visual Analógica del Dolor (EVA), cuanto a la función, por el cuestionario Roland Morris y cuanto a la calidad de vida por el cuestionario EuroQoI5 (EQ-5D). Resultados Las ASMV no tuvieron efecto significativo en las respuestas del tratamiento para las variables EVA (F = 0,03; P = 0,97), Roland Morris (F = 0,51; P = 0,60) y EQ-5D (F = 2,67; P = 0,07), así como no hubo interacción de ASMV y tratamiento para EVA (F = 2,15; P = 0,08), Roland Morris (F = 1,55; P = 0,19) y EQ-5D (F = 2,15; P = 0,08). Hubo efecto significativo para todos los procedimientos, entretanto, el efecto del procedimiento quirúrgico fue superior cuando comparado a los demás (P <0,001). La frecuencia de ASMV para el tipo 0 fue 48,33%, tipo I 29,17% y tipo II 22,50%. Conclusiones La presencia de ASMV y sus diferentes tipos no están asociados a pronóstico peor, bien como no se demostró mayor prevalencia de ASMV en los pacientes con lumbalgia y lumbociatalgia. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.

Neuropatía ciática en pediatría: presentación clínica y seguimiento a largo plazo / Pediatric sciatic neuropathy: clinical presentation and long term follow up

Resumen: Introducción: La neuropatía ciática es una entidad infrecuente y de difícil diagnóstico en Pediatría. Su evolución a largo plazo no ha sido claramente definida. Objetivo: Analizar la presentación clínica y evolución de un grupo de niños con neuropatía ciática. Pacientes y Método: Análisis retrospectivo de las características clínicas de pacientes pediátricos con neuropatía ciática atendidos en 2 hospitales de Santiago, entre 2014-2018. Se evaluó examen motor, trofismo muscular, reflejos osteotendíneos, marcha, sensibilidad y dolor. Se estudió neuroconducción de nervio ciático, electromiografía (EMG) y en 3 pacientes, Resonancia Magnética (RM). Resultados: Se incluyeron 6 pacientes, edad promedio 11,8 años. Hubo 2 causas traumáticas, 2 compresivas, 1 vascular y 1 tumoral. Los 6 pa cientes debutaron con pie caído e hiporreflexia/arreflexia aquiliana; 5 pacientes presentaron dolor neuropático severo. La EMG mostró en todos los casos compromiso en nervios y musculatura de pendientes del nervio ciático. En 2 casos se realizó RM de cintura pélvica y extremidades inferiores, mostrando compromiso muscular selectivo en pierna en territorio ciático. En 1 caso, se realizó RM de plexo lumbosacro, y luego estudio histológico, que concluyeron un tumor neural benigno. En los 3 pacientes que tuvieron seguimiento mayor a un año, se observaron secuelas motoras, con marcha alterada. Conclusión: La neuropatía ciática en este grupo fue secundaria a diversas etiologías, predominando las traumático-compresivas. En los 3 casos que tuvieron seguimiento a largo plazo se observaron secuelas motoras significativas. En la mayoría la lesión se asoció a causas prevenibles como accidentes y posicionamiento en niños con compromiso de conciencia, lo que resulta fundamental en la prevención de una patología con alto grado de secuelas.

Abstract: Introduction: Sciatic neuropathy is rare and difficult to diagnose in pediatrics, and its long-term course has not been completely understood. Objective: To analyze the clinical presentation and evolution of a group of pediatric patients with sciatic neuropathy. Patients and Method: Retrospective anal ysis of the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with sciatic neuropathy treated in two hospitals of Santiago between 2014 and 2018. Locomotor examination, muscle trophism, deep tendon reflexes, gait, sensation, and pain were assessed. Sciatic nerve conduction study and electromyography (EMG) were performed, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in three patients. Results: Six patients were included with an average age of 11.8 years. The etiologies were traumatic (N = 2), by compression (N = 2), vascular (N = 1), and tumor (N = 1). All of the 6 patients presented foot drop and Achilles tendon hyporeflexia/areflexia, and 5 patients presented severe neuropathic pain. The EMG showed involvement of the sciatic nerve rami and dependent muscles. In two patients, a pelvic girdle and lower limbs MRI was performed, showing selective muscle involvement in sciatic territory. One patient underwent a lumbosacral plexus MRI, and subsequently histological study showing a benign neural tumor. Out of the three patients who were followed-up longer than one year presented motor sequelae and gait disorder. Conclusion: Sciatic neuropathy in the study group was secondary to different causes, predominantly traumatic and compressive etiologies. The three patients that were ina long-term follow-up presented significant motor sequelae. In most of the cases, neural injury wasassoci- ated with preventable causes, such as accidents and positioning in unconscious children, which is crucial in the prevention of a pathology with a high sequelae degree.