Relato de caso de lombalgia inflamatória com extenso comprometimento anatômico-funcional: a importância de uma adequada abordagem da dor lombar na Atenção Primária à Saúde / Case report of inflammatory low back pain with extensive anatomical-functional impairment: The importance of an adequate approach to low back pain in Primary Care / Presentación de un caso de lumbalgia inflamatoria con afectación anatómico-funcional extensa: La importancia de un abordaje adecuado de la lumbalgia en Atención Primaria de Salud

Introdução: A lombalgia é uma condição prevalente e que apresenta importante impacto na capacidade funcional e na qualidade de vida, sendo a sua correta abordagem na Atenção Primária à Saúde fundamental para a identificação e o estabelecimento de um diagnóstico etiológico precoce de possíveis patologias que possam estar relacionadas a desfechos mórbidos e a graves limitações funcionais. Apresentação do caso: Paciente de 56 anos, sexo masculino, hipertenso, foi encaminhado para serviço especializado de reumatologia com histórico de lombalgia havia mais de 20 anos. Ao exame físico foi constatada presença de deformidades da coluna vertebral e extensa limitação de movimentos. Exames radiográficos mostravam esclerose de articulações sacroilíacas, osteopenia difusa e coluna vertebral em aspecto de "bambu". Conclusões: Constata-se a importância de que na abordagem das lombalgias na atenção primária se busque o reconhecimento de possíveis etiologias graves e potencialmente incapacitantes que possam estar subjacentes à queixa de dor lombar. Com esse objetivo, é fundamental o reconhecimento das chamadas red flags relacionadas às lombalgias, além de sua caracterização como mecânica ou inflamatória. Perante a atuação da atenção primária no oferecimento de um cuidado pautado na integralidade e na prevenção de agravos, reafirma-se a importância de uma avaliação clínica pormenorizada das lombalgias nesse nível de atenção à saúde.

Introduction: Low back pain is a prevalent condition that has an important impact on functional capacity and quality of life, and its correct approach in Primary Care is fundamental to the identification and establishment of an early etiological diagnosis of possible pathologies that may be related to outcomes morbid conditions and serious functional limitations. Case presentation: 56-year-old male patient, hypertensive, referred to a specialized rheumatology service with a history of low back pain for over 20 years. Physical examination revealed the presence of spinal deformities and extensive movement limitations. Radiographic examinations showing sclerosis of the sacro-iliac joints, diffuse osteopenia and a "bamboo" appearance of the spine. Conclusions: It is important that in the approach of low back pain in Primary Care, we seek to recognize possible serious and potentially disabling etiologies that may underlie the complaint of low back pain. For that, it is essential to recognize the so-called "red flags" related to low back pain, in addition to its characterization as mechanical or inflammatory. Given the role of Primary Care in offering care based on integrality and in the prevention of injuries, the importance of a detailed clinical assessment of low back pain at this level of health care is reaffirmed.

Introducción: La lumbalgia es una patología prevalente que tiene un impacto importante en la capacidad funcional y la calidad de vida, y su correcto abordaje en Atención Primaria de Salud es fundamental para la identificación y establecimiento de un diagnóstico etiológico precoz de posibles patologías que puedan estar relacionadas con los resultados, condiciones morbosas y limitaciones funcionales graves. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 56 años, hipertenso, remitido a servicio especializado de reumatología con antecedentes de dolor lumbar de más de 20 años. El examen físico reveló la presencia de deformidades de la columna y amplias limitaciones de movimiento. Los exámenes radiológicos muestran esclerosis de las articulaciones sacroilíacas, osteopenia difusa y una apariencia de "bambú" de la columna. Conclusiones: Es importante que al abordar la lumbalgia en Atención Primaria de Salud busquemos reconocer las posibles etiologías graves y potencialmente incapacitantes que pueden subyacer a la queja de lumbalgia. Con este objetivo, es fundamental reconocer las llamadas "banderas rojas" relacionadas con la lumbalgia, además de su caracterización como mecánica o inflamatoria. Dado el papel de Atención Primaria de Salud a la hora de ofrecer una atención basada en la integralidad y prevención de enfermedades, se reafirma la importancia de una evaluación clínica detallada de la lumbalgia en este nivel de atención sanitaria.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Chronic Occupational Low Back Pain among Healthcare Professionals Working at Hospitals: Exploratory Survey Study / Prevalência e fatores de risco associados a dor lombar ocupacional crônica entre profissionais da área da saúde que atuam em nível hospitalar: Estudo exploratório

Abstract Objective This study aimed to describe the methodological process for developing a questionnaire to identify the prevalence and risk factors for chronic occupational low back pain in healthcare professionals working at hospitals. Method An exploratory crossectional survey study was carried out in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, and its metropolitan region, in two stages. Initially, the authors prepared a questionnaire based on the Roland Morris disability questionnaire and sent it to a committee of low back pain specialists for validation using the Delphi technique. The second stage consisted of sending the final questionnaire to health professionals working in a hospital environment for at least 2 years and presenting chronic low back pain for at least 3 months. Results Validation occurred in two rounds of questionnaire adjustments by a panel consisting of physical therapists and physician experts in the field (orthopedists with more than 3 years of experience). Both rounds had 13 participants. The questionnaire initially consisted of 27 items, and, after validation, it had 19 items. The study included 65 subjects, with an average age of 40.91 years old and an average time working at a hospital of 40 hours per week. The total sample had 76.9% of physicians, 10.8% of physical therapists, and 12.3% of nurses or nursing technicians. Most (52.3%) subjects reported staying in uncomfortable positions affecting the lower back for 5 to 10 hours per day. Conclusion We developed and validated, using the Delphi technique, a questionnaire on the prevalence and risk factors associated with chronic occupational low back pain among healthcare professionals working at hospitals. This unprecedented tool can benefit the population studied since the questionnaires currently used to evaluate chronic low back pain are not specific for investigating the occupational cause of this condition.

Resumo Objetivo Este estudo pretende descrever o processo metodológico para a elaboração de um questionário para identificar a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados à dor lombar ocupacional crônica nos profissionais da área da saúde que atuam em nível hospitalar. Método Foi realizado um estudo transversal exploratório do tipo questionário. O estudo foi realizado na cidade de Belo Horizonte e região metropolitana, em duas etapas. Inicialmente foi elaborado pelos autores um questionário baseado no questionário de deficiências Roland Morris e enviado a um comitê de especialistas em lombalgia para validação do mesmo através da técnica Delphi. A segunda etapa consistiu em enviar o questionário final a profissionais de saúde que atuam em ambiente hospitalar há pelo menos 2 anos e que tenham lombalgia crônica há pelo menos 3 meses. Resultados A validação foi realizada em duas rodadas de adequações do questionário, com painel composto por fisioterapeutas e médicos especialistas na área (ortopedistas com mais de 3 anos de atuação). Ambas as rodadas contaram com 13 participantes. O questionário foi composto inicialmente por 27 itens e, após validação, 19 itens. O estudo incluiu 65 indivíduos, com idade média de 40,91 anos e tempo médio de atuação em nível hospitalar semanal de 40 horas. A amostra total possuía 76,9% médicos, 10,8% fisioterapeutas e 12,3% enfermeiros ou técnicos de enfermagem. A maioria (52,3%) dos indivíduos relatou manter-se em posições desconfortáveis que afetam a região lombar por 5 a 10 horas por dia. Conclusão Foi desenvolvido e validado, pela técnica Delphi, um questionário sobre a prevalência e fatores de risco associados a dor lombar ocupacional crônica entre profissionais da área da saúde que atuam em nível hospitalar. Este instrumento inédito pode trazer benefícios para a população estudada, visto que os questionários utilizados atualmente para a avaliação de dor lombar crônica não são específicos para a investigação da causa ocupacional de tal condição.

Efectividad de la acupuntura para el alivio del dolor lumbar en el cuerpo de guardia

Introducción: La lumbalgia se presenta en aproximadamente 9,4 % de la población mundial. La acupuntura es empleada por la medicina tradicional china para estimular determinados puntos del cuerpo con diferentes tipos de agujas. Entre sus efectos beneficiosos se describe la remisión del dolor. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del tratamiento acupuntural en pacientes con dolor lumbar asistidos en el cuerpo de guardia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental de intervención terapéutica (sin grupo control) en 35 pacientes con dolor lumbar, los cuales fueron atendidos en el Cuerpo de Guardia de Medicina Natural y Tradicional del Hospital General Docente Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, desde julio hasta diciembre del 2021. Resultados: En la investigación primaron el grupo etario de 40-49 años (31,4 %), el sexo femenino (57,1 %), las amas de casa, el dolor entre grave y moderado al inicio del tratamiento, así como los pacientes sin dolor una hora después de la terapia. En cuanto a la evolución final, el total de la muestra clasificó en las categorías de aliviados y mejorados. Conclusiones: Se demostró la efectividad de la acupuntura en pacientes con dolor lumbar agudo.

Introduction: Low back pain is presented in approximately 9.4% of the world population. Acupuncture is used by Chinese traditional medicine to stimulate certain points of the body with different types of needles. Among its beneficial effects the pain remission is described. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the acupuntural treatment in patients with lumbar pain assisted in the emergency room. Methods: A quasi-experiment of therapeutic intervention study (without control group) was carried out in 35 patients with lumbar pain, who were assisted in the Natural and Traditional Medicine Emergency Room of Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, from July to December, 2021. Results: In the investigation there was a prevalence the 40-49 age group (31.4%), female sex (57.1%), housewives, serious and moderate pain at the beginning of the treatment, as well as patients without pain one hour after the therapy. As for the final clinical course, the total of the sample classified in the relieved and improved categories. Conclusions: The effectiveness of acupuncture was demonstrated in patients with acute lumbar pain.

Pielonefritis aguda izquierda en paciente con lumbalgia bilateral y duplicidad ureteral: Caso clínico / Acute left pyelonephritis in patient with bilateral low back pain and ureteral duplicity: Case report

RESUMEN El caso es de una mujer de 46 años con pielonefritis aguda izquierda y duplicidad ureteral bilateral. La pielonefritis aguda es una infección grave del tracto urinario que puede variar en su presentación clínica, desde síntomas leves hasta sepsis. El dolor lumbar es un síntoma común en la pielonefritis aguda, y puede presentarse de forma unilateral o bilateral. La duplicidad ureteral es una anomalía congénita que resulta en uréteres que transportan la orina desde el mismo riñón hasta la vejiga, y puede causar complicaciones como reflujo vesicoureteral y obstrucción ureteral. El tratamiento incluyó antibióticos y control ambulatorio en consulta de Urología. El caso destaca la importancia de un enfoque diagnóstico meticuloso y la consideración de anomalías congénitas subyacentes que pueden complicar el cuadro clínico y el tratamiento. La integración de hallazgos clínicos, análisis de laboratorio y pruebas de imagen fue fundamental para el diagnóstico preciso y el plan de tratamiento adecuado.

ABSTRACT The case presents a 46-year-old woman with left acute pyelonephritis and bilateral duplicated ureters. Acute pyelonephritis is a severe urinary tract infection that can vary in clinical presentation, from mild symptoms to sepsis. Lower back pain is a common symptom and can be unilateral or bilateral. Duplicated ureters are a congenital anomaly resulting in the transport of urine from the same kidney to the bladder, and can cause complications such as vesicoureteral reflux and ureteral obstruction. Treatment involved antibiotics and outpatient urology follow-up. The case underscores the importance of a meticulous diagnostic approach and consideration of underlying congenital anomalies that can complicate clinical management and treatment. The integration of clinical findings and complementary tests was essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Falta de conhecimento sobre os fatores de risco não ocupacionais da dor lombar entre profissionais de saúde ocupacional brasileiros: um estudo observacional transversal / Lack of knowledge about non-occupational low back pain risk factors among brazilian occupational health professionals: a cross-sectional observational study

INTRODUÇÃO: A dor lombar possui alta prevalência, sendo uma das principais causas de incapacidade no Brasil e no mundo. A dor lombar apresenta etiologia multifatorial, sendo extremamente comum em trabalhadores. OBJETIVOS: Verificar o conhecimento sobre os fatores de risco para dor lombar, crenças e atitudes sobre o manejo da dor lombar entre profissionais de saúde (fisioterapeutas e ergonomistas) atuantes na área ocupacional. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal com 81 profissionais de saúde ocupacional brasileiros. Os participantes preencheram um questionário eletrônico composto por dados profissionais, sociodemográficos, itens sobre fatores de risco para dor lombar e a Brazilian version of the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists. Conhecimentos, crenças e atitudes foram analisados por meio do teste do qui-quadrado para fatores de risco para dor lombar e um modelo de regressão linear para crenças e atitudes dos profissionais de saúde. RESULTADOS: Obesidade (7,4%), ficar sentado mais de 2 horas (8,6%), atividade física (9,9%), falta de apoio psicossocial no trabalho (11,1%) e consumo de álcool (37,0%), apresentaram os menores índices de conhecimento sobre fatores de risco da dor lombar pelos profissionais. Itens sobre saúde geral apresentaram o menor conhecimento. Uma orientação biomédica e psicossocial equilibrada de crenças e atitudes sobre o manejo da dor lombar foi observada. CONCLUSÃO: Profissionais de saúde ocupacional brasileiros carecem de conhecimento sobre os fatores de risco não ocupacionais da dor lombar, especialmente o estado geral de saúde. Esses profissionais também possuem conceitos biomédicos e psicossociais equilibrados no manejo da dor lombar.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent and is one of the main causes of disability in Brazil and around the world. LBP presents a multifactorial etiology, being extremely common in workers. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the knowledge about the LBP risk factors, beliefs and attitudes about the management of LBP among health professionals (physiotherapists and ergonomists) working in the occupational area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 81 Brazilian occupational health professionals. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire comprising professional data, sociodemographics, items about LBP risk factors, and the Brazilian version of the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists. Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes were analyzed using the chi-square test for LBP risk factors and the linear regression model for health professionals' beliefs and attitudes. RESULTS: Obesity (7.4%), sitting for more than 2 hours (8.6%), physical activity (9.9%), lack of psychosocial support at work (11.1%) and consuming alcohol (37.0%) presented the lowest rate of knowledge about LBP risk factors by professionals. Items about general health showed the lowest knowledge. A balanced biomedical and psychosocial orientation of beliefs and attitudes about managing LBP was observed. CONCLUSION: Brazilian occupational health professionals lack knowledge about non-occupational LBP risk factors, especially general health status. These professionals also have balanced biomedical and psychosocial concepts in managing LBP.

Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field and retrowalking in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a pilot study / Efeitos do campo eletromagnético pulsado e do retrowalking em pacientes com dor lombar crônica inespecífica: um estudo piloto

INTRODUCTION: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a major worldwide condition that has severe emotional, social, and economic consequences. Management is difficult, requiring the development of new, effective, and safe approaches. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine the effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) and retrowalking on pain, disability, spinal mobility, hamstring tightness, balance, and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants (n = 48) with CNSLBP were randomised into four groups; Group A: Conventional group, Group B: PEMF group, Group C: retrowalking group, and Group D: PEMF and retrowalking group. The interventions were given three times per week for six weeks. The outcomes were pain, disability, hamstring tightness, balance, spinal mobility and kinesiophobia, measured at baseline and after 6 weeks. RESULTS: The result suggested a significant improvement in pain, disability, hamstring tightness, kinesiophobia and balance. However, no significant improvement in spinal mobility (flexion and extension ROM) was observed during the sixth week between-group comparison. The maximum improvement was seen in group D followed by group C and group B in comparison to group A. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that PEMF and retrowalking when given in combination significantly decrease pain, disability, hamstring tightness, kinesiophobia and improve balance patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

INTRODUÇÃO: A dor lombar crônica inespecífica (DLCI) é uma condição importante em todo o mundo que tem graves consequências emocionais, sociais e econômicas. O gerenciamento é difícil, exigindo o desenvolvimento de abordagens novas, eficazes e seguras. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo foi realizado para examinar os efeitos dos Campos Eletromagnéticos Pulsados (CEMP) e do retrowalking sobre a dor, a incapacidade, a mobilidade da coluna vertebral, a rigidez dos isquiotibiais, o equilíbrio e a cinesiofobia em pacientes com dor lombar crônica não específica. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Os participantes (n = 48) com DLCI crônica foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos: Grupo A: Grupo convencional, Grupo B: Grupo CEMP, Grupo C: Grupo retrowalking e Grupo D: Grupo CEMP e retrowalking. As intervenções foram realizadas três vezes por semana durante seis semanas. Os resultados foram dor, incapacidade, tensão nos isquiotibiais, equilíbrio, mobilidade da coluna vertebral e cinesiofobia, medidos na linha de base e após seis semanas. RESULTADOS: O resultado sugeriu uma melhora significativa na dor, na incapacidade, na tensão dos isquiotibiais, na cinesiofobia e no equilíbrio. Entretanto, não foi observada melhora significativa na mobilidade da coluna vertebral (flexão e extensão da ADM) quando a comparação entre os grupos foi feita na sexta semana. A melhora máxima foi observada no grupo D, seguida pelo grupo C e pelo grupo B, em comparação com o grupo A. CONCLUSÃO: Pode-se concluir que a CEMP e o retrowalking, quando administrados em combinação, diminuem significativamente a dor, a incapacidade, a rigidez dos isquiotibiais, a cinesiofobia e melhoram o equilíbrio dos pacientes com dor crônica não espinhal.

Dolor lumbar crónico y la conducta sedentaria en estudiantes universitarios de medicina / Chronic Low Back Pain and Sedentary Behavior in Medical College Students / Dor lombar crônica e comportamento sedentário em estudantes universitários de medicina

Introducción: el dolor lumbar (dl) es una condición frecuente en los estudiantes de medicina y a partir de ahí se identifican diversos factores de riesgo. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre la presencia de dlen los últimos 12 meses y la conducta sedentaria en estudiantes de medicina de una universidad privada. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal analítico, prospectivo observacional, en el que participaron 167 encuestados. La conducta sedentaria se evaluó junto con la actividad física, a través del Cuestionario Mundial sobre Actividad Física; mientras que el dlse midió con el Cuestionario Nórdico de Kuorinka de Trastornos Musculoesqueléticos. Además, se valoraron variables demográficas y académicas como sexo, edad y ciclo universitario de los participantes. Resultados: se encontró una frecuencia de dldel 67.7 % y una media de conducta sedentaria de 9.5 horas (dt = 3.04). En el análisis mul-tivariado se halló que para cada hora sentado se aumenta significativamente la probabilidad de padecer dl (or = 1.17; p = 0.013). Los estudiantes que permanecen de 10 a más horas sentados/recostados presentan un aumento de riesgo de padecer dl(ora = 4.13; p = 0.001) frente a los que permanecen menos de 10 horas en estas posiciones. Conclusión: por cada hora en posición sedente/recostado, aumenta en 15 % el odds ratio de sufrir dlen los estudiantes, así como que acumular de 10 a más horas al día en posición sedente/recostado aumenta significativamente el padecer dl en los últimos 12 meses.

Introduction: Low back pain is a common condition among medical students, with various risk factors identified. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between the presence of low back pain in the last 12 months (lbp) and sedentary behavior in medical students at a private university. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical, prospective observational study was conducted with 167 respon-dents (101 women and 66 men). The main measurements in this study included sedentary behavior and low back pain in the last 12 months. Sedentary behavior was assessed along with physical activity through the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (gpaq), while low back pain was measured using the Kuorinka Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. In addition, demographic and academic variables such as gender, age, and academic cycle of the participants were assessed. Results: A frequency of low back pain of 67.7% and an average sedentary behavior of 9.5 hours (sd = 3.04) were found, 70.1% maintain a healthy level of physical activity. Greater sedentary behavior was found to be associated with a greater presence of lbp. In the multivariate analysis, it was found that for each hour seated, the likelihood of suffering lbpsignificantly increased (or = 1.17; p = 0.013). Students who remain seated/reclined for 10 or more hours have an increased risk of suffering low back pain (aor = 4.13; p = 0.001) compared to those who spend less than 10 hours in these positions. Conclusion: It is observed that for each hour in a seated/reclined position, the odds ratio of suffering low back pain in students increases by 15%, and accumulating 10 or more hours a day in a seated/reclined position significantly increases the suffering of low back pain in the last 12 months.

Introdução: a dor lombar é uma condição comum entre os estudantes de medicina, com diversos fatores de risco identificados. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a associação entre a presença de dor lombar nos últimos 12 meses (dl) e o comportamento sedentário em estudantes de medicina de uma universidade privada. Materiais e métodos: foi realizado um estudo transversal analítico, observacional prospectivo com 167 respondentes (101 mulheres e 66 homens). As principais medidas neste estudo incluíram o comportamento sedentário e a dor lombar nos últimos 12 meses. O comportamento sedentário foi ava-liado juntamente com a atividade física através do Questionário Mundial sobre Atividade Física (gpaq), enquanto a dor lombar foi medida usando o questionário nórdico de Kuorinka de transtornos muscu-loesqueléticos. Além disso, foram avaliadas variáveis demográficas e acadêmicas como o sexo, a idade e o ciclo acadêmico dos participantes. Resultados: foi encontrada uma frequência de dor lombar de 67,7% e uma média de comportamento sedentário de 9,5 horas (dp = 3,04), 70,1% mantêm um nível saudável de atividade física. Um maior comportamento sedentário foi encontrado associado a uma maior presença de dl. Na análise multivariada, verificou-se que para cada hora sentada, a probabilidade de sofrer dlaumenta significativamente (or = 1,17; p = 0,013). Estudantes que permanecem sentados/reclinados por 10 ou mais horas têm um risco aumentado de sofrer dor lombar (ora = 4,13; p = 0,001) em comparação com aqueles que passam menos de 10 horas nessas posições. Conclusão: observa-se que para cada hora em posição sentada/reclinada, a razão de chances de sofrer dor lombar nos estudantes aumenta em 15%, e acumular 10 ou mais horas por dia em posição sentada/reclinada aumenta significativamente o sofri-mento de dor lombar nos últimos 12 meses.

Trastornos somatomorfos y rasgos de personalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por lumbalgia crónica en El Salvador / Somatoform Disorders and Personality Traits in Hospitalized Patients with Chronic Back Pain in El Salvador

Introducción. El trastorno somatomorfo se caracteriza por la presentación de múltiples síntomas físicos que no pueden ser atribuidos a otra enfermedad física, mental o al uso de sustancias, teniendo como comorbilidad más prevalente a los trastornos de personalidad. Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de trastorno somatomorfo, sus características principales y diferentes rasgos de personalidad entre pacientes con lumbalgia crónica. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo transversal realizado con pacientes ingresados en el servicio de neurocirugía del Hospital General del Instituto Salvadoreño del Seguro Social. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de la escala Screening for Somatoform Symptoms 2 y la escala InternationalPersonality Disorder Examination. Las variables cualitativas fueron analizadas a través de frecuencias absolutas. Las variables cuantitativas fueron analizadas a través de medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión. Los análisis estadísticos fueron realizados en el programa Statistical Package for the Social Sicience, versión 26. Resultados. Se incluyeron 60 pacientes, 40 de ellos mujeres, 31 entre los 41 y 60 años. Veintiocho pacientes presentaron ocho o más síntomas, excluyéndose dolor lumbar. Cuarenta y cinco pacientes reportaron sintomatología por más de un año. Cincuenta y tres pacientes presentaron trastorno somatomorfo. Los trastornos de personalidad más frecuentes fueron obsesivo-compulsivos (31), límites (21) y paranoides (21). Conclusión. Los pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico que requieren ingreso hospitalario presentan una alta frecuencia de trastornos somatomorfos, con dolor en piernas o brazos como síntoma principal; además, estos pacientes se caracterizan por presentar en su mayoría rasgos de personalidad obsesivo-compulsivos.

Introduction. The somatoform symptoms disorder is characterized by multiple psychical symptoms that can't be attributed to another physical or mental health diagnosis or drug abuse, having personality disorders as the most common comorbidity. Objective. To determine the frequency of somatoform disorders, it's most important characteristics and different personality traits among patients with chronic back pain. Methodology. Cross-sectional descriptive study carried out with patients admitted to the neurosurgery department of the General Hospital of the Salvadoran Social Security Institute. Data collection was carried out using the Screening for Somatoform Symptoms 2 scale and the International Personality Disorder Examination scale. The qualitative variables were analyzed through absolute frequencies. The quantitative variables were analyzed through measures of central tendency and dispersion. The statistical analyzes were carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26. Results. The study included 60 patients, 40 of them women, 31 between 41 and 60 years old. Twenty-eight patients presented eight or more symptoms, excluding low back pain. Forty-five patients reported symptoms for more than one year. Fifty-three patients presented somatoform disorder. The most frequent personality disorders were obsessive-compulsive (31), borderline (21) and paranoid (21). Conclusion. Patients with chronic lower back pain who require hospital admission have a high frequency of somatoform disorders, with the main symptom being pain in the legs or arms; furthermore, these patients are characterized by mostly presenting obsessive-compulsive personality traits

Effect of blood glucose control on lumbar facet joint osteoarthritis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of blood glucose control on the imaging severity and clinical symptoms of facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods:A total of 286 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who were diagnosed and treated in the Department of Spinal Surgery of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from December 2021 to December 2022 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into diabetic and non-diabetic groups according to whether T2DM was diagnosed at admission. Age, gender, presence of hypertension, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. The duration of diabetes was recorded. Fasting blood glucose and peak postprandial blood glucose were monitored for 3 consecutive days. Plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin were assessed by blood biochemical results. Diabetic patients were divided into three sub-groups according to fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c): ideal blood glucose control (HbA1c<6.5% and fasting blood glucose<6.1 mmol/L), good (6.5%≤HbA1c≤7.5% or 6.1 mmol/L≤fasting blood glucose≤7.0 mmol/L), and poor (HbA1c>7.5% and fasting blood glucose>7.0 mmol/L). Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the degree of low back pain. Pathria grading system was used to assess the severity of FJOA at different levels of the lumbar spine on lumbar CT. Mann-whitney U test was used to compare the difference of FJOA between L 1-S 1 segments in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of diabetes on FJOA. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the difference of FJOA between different segments in diabetic patients among different sub-groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of blood glucose control on FJOA. Results:A total of 121 patients in the diabetic group and 165 patients in the non-diabetic group were included. L 4, 5 FJOA grade 3(2, 3) in diabetic patients was greater than grade 2(1, 3) in non-diabetic patients with significant difference ( Z=-3.179, P=0.001), and diabetes was an independent risk factor for L 4, 5 FJOA [ OR=1.767, 95% CI(1.032, 3.025), P=0.038]. There was no significant difference in age, BMI, sex ratio, prevalence of hypertension and blood glucose fluctuation values among different subgroups of glycemic control in the diabetic group. Patients in the poor glucose group had higher FJOA grades 2(1, 2), 3(3, 3) and 3(2, 4) at L 1, 2, L 4, 5 and L 5S 1 than those in the ideal glucose group at grades 1(1, 2), 2(1.5, 3) and 2(1, 2) with significant differences ( H=9.530, P=0.009; H=18.248, P<0.001; H=27.916, P<0.001). Patients in the poor glucose group had higher grades 3(3, 3) and 3(2, 4) of osteoarthritis of the L 4, 5 and L 5S 1 facet joints than those in the good glucose group, grades 3(2, 3) and 2(1, 2) with significant differences ( H=18.248, P<0.001; H=27.916, P<0.001). Low back pain was positively correlated with poor glycemic control, L 4, 5 and L 5S 1 FJOA ( r=0.512, P<0.001; r=0.383, P<0.001; r=0.484, P<0.001). Poor glycemic control was an independent risk factor for FJOA at L 4, 5 and L 5S 1 [ OR=4.963, 95% CI (1.095, 22.496), P=0.038; OR=6.010, 95% CI(1.061, 34.049), P=0.043]. Conclusion:Compared with non-diabetic patients, patients with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of osteoarthritis in the facet joints of L 4, 5. Compared with diabetic patients with good or ideal glycemic control. Patients with poor glycemic control had more severe osteoarthritis of the L 4, 5 and L 5S 1 facet joints. Patients with severe facet joint degeneration and poor glycemic control often suffered more from severe low back pain.

Status and correlation of neck-shoulder pain, low back pain and mental sub health among adolescents / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the association among neck-shoulder pain (NSP), low back pain (LBP) and co occurring symptoms with mental sub health in adolescents, so as to provide evidence for improving physical and mental health of adolescents.@*Methods@#Stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 7 986 students from 12 middle and high schools in Shenzhen, Nanchang, and Shenyang cities from October to December 2019. The Assessment of Spinal Health of Youth (ASHY) and the Brief Instrument on Psychological Health of Youth (BIOPHY) were used to assess NSP, LBP and mental sub health. Binary Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between NSP, LBP and co occurring symptoms with mental sub health in adolescents.@*Results@#The detection rates of adolescents with NSP, LBP and co occurring symptoms and mental sub health were 9.1% , 9.8%, 9.5%, and 10.0%, respectively. The co occurring rate of neck shoulder pain, low back pain and mental sub health was 3.2%. After adjusting for confounding variables such as gender, age, being an only child, family residence, and parental education level, NSP ( OR=6.01, 95%CI =5.02-7.19), LBP ( OR=5.08, 95%CI =4.25-6.07), and co occurring symptoms ( OR= 5.96 , 95%CI =4.98-7.12) in adolescents were positively correlated with mental sub health risk ( P <0.01). Stratifying the gender, boys with NSP, LBP and co occurring symptoms ( OR =6.84, 5.80, 6.74)had a higher risk of mental sub health compared to girls ( OR =5.52, 4.65, 5.49) ( P <0.01).@*Conclusions@#NSP, LBP and co occurring symptoms in adolescents are associated with mental sub health. The mental health status of boys is more affected by NSP, LBP and their co occurring symptoms. Measures should be taken to improve spinal health in adolescents to reduce the incidence of mental sub health.

Clinical study on heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with kneading and massage manipulation at pain points in treating patients with lumbar disc herniation and chronic low back pain / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with kneading and massage manipulation at pain points in treating patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and chronic low back pain (LBP).Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 91 patients with LDH and LBP who were admitted to Lu'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected as the observation subjects. They were divided into the experimental group (46 cases) and the control group (45 cases) by random number table method. The control group was treated with conventional massage manipulation, while the experimental group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with kneading and massage manipulation at pain points. Both groups received 4 weeks of continuous treatment. The degree of lumbar pain was evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the degree of lumbar dysfunction was evaluated with modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Plasma viscosity, hematocrit, whole blood low shear viscosity and whole blood high shear viscosity were measured using a blood rheometer. Clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total clinical effective rates in the experimental group and the control group were 93.48% (43/46) and 77.78% (35/45), with a statistical significance between groups ( χ2=4.58, P=0.032). After treatment, the VAS score [(3.81±0.74) vs. (4.29±0.85), t=2.88] and ODI score [(8.79±2.65) vs. (11.25±3.74), t=3.63] of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group ( P<0.01). Plasma viscosity [(1.35±0.06) mPa?s vs. (1.41±0.08) mPa?s, t=4.05], hematocrit [(37.46±2.38)% vs. (40.15±2.94)%, t=4.80], whole blood low shear viscosity [(7.41±1.53) mPa?s vs. (8.64±1.72) mPa?s, t=3.61] and whole blood high shear viscosity [(3.81±0.29) mPa?s vs. (4.07±0.31) mPa?s, t=4.13] were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with kneading and massage manipulation at pain points can effectively relieve LBP in patients with LDH and chronic LBP, improve lumbar dysfunction and hemodynamic status, and enhance clinical efficacy.

Analysis of HUANG Feng's Medication Rules for Low Back Pain Based on Data Mining / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To analyze the medication rules of Professor HUANG Feng for the treatment of low back pain using data mining methods.Methods The information of prescriptions for the effective cases of outpatients with low back pain treated by Professor HUANG Feng were collected and screened.Microsoft Excel 2019 was used to analyze the frequency of medication and the distribution of properties,flavors and meridian tropism of the drugs in the included prescription.IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 was used for association rule analysis,and IBM Statistics 26.0 was used for cluster analysis.Results A total of 239 prescriptions and 75 Chinese medicines were included.There were 23 high-frequency Chinese medicines with the medication frequency being or over 20 times,and the top 10 Chinese medicines were Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,vinegar-processed Corydalis Rhizoma,Cibotii Rhizoma,Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Zanthoxyli Radix,salt-processed Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix,Rehmanniae Radix,Dipsaci Radix,Coicis Semen,and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.The medicines were mainly warm in nature,and were sweet,bitter and pungent in flavor.Most of the drugs had the meridian tropism of liver,stomach and spleen meridians.Among the drug combinations obtained from association rule analysis with the top 20 highest support,vinegar-processed Corydalis Rhizoma,Cibotii Rhizoma,Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Zanthoxyli Radix were the core drugs.Cluster analysis yielded 6 clustering combinations.Conclusion For the treatment of low back pain,Professor HUANG Feng follows the principle of"treatment adapting to the climate,individuality,and environment"and"treating the root cause of the disease",usually adopts the drugs for activating blood,moving qi and relieving pain,nourishing the liver and kidney,and also uses the medicines for replenishing qi and strengthening the spleen.The ideas of HUANG Feng for the treatment of low back pain can be used as a reference for the clinical treatment.

Clinical observation of acupotomology combined with Bushenzhuanggu prescription in the treatment of residual lumbar pain after PKP for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture / 中国现代医生

@#Objective To investigate the clinical effect of acupotomology combined with Bushenzhuanggu prescription in the treatment of residual lumbar pain after percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.Methods A total of 77 patients with PKP postoperative residual lumbar pain admitted to the Department of Orthopedics,Ningbo Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from January 2018 to December 2021 were randomly divided into control group and observation group.Patients in control group were treated with calcitriol soft capsules and calcium carbonate D3 tablets,and patients in observation group were treated with acupotomy combined with Bushenzhuanggu prescription.The pain degree,lumbar function and self-care ability of the two groups were compared.Results After treatment,the pain level,lumbar function,and self-care abilityof the two groups of patients improved compared to before treatment.Compared with control group,the visual analogue score(VAS)score and Oswestry disability index(ODI)index of observation group decreased more significantly,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);The Barthel index of observation group increased more significantly in the early stage(3 days and 1 month after treatment),with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).However,there was no statistically significant difference in Barthel index between the two groups at 3 months after treatment(P>0.05).Conclusion Acupotomy combined with Bushenzhuanggu prescription has satisfactory clinical efficacy in the treatment of residual lumbar pain after PKP operation of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.It can significantly reduce pain,improve lumbar function,shorten the improvement time of patients'self-care ability,improve patients'quality of life,and effectively promote patients'rapid recovery.

Risk factors, health and rehabilitation intervention strategies for low back pain in adult golfers: a scoping review / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo analyze the evidence of risk factors and health and rehabilitation intervention strategies for lower back injuries in adult golfers. MethodsA thematic search method was employed, retrieving literature related to low back pain in adult golfers from PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang Data, with publication dates ranging from inception to April 1st, 2024. Authors, country, publication time, study subjects, risk factors for low back pain and intervention strategies were extracted from the literature for systematic review. ResultsNine English articles from the United States, Australia, South Korea, Portugal and South Africa were included, involving 237 golfers, three survey studies, one prospective cohort study, five randomized controlled trial (RCT) and quasi-RCT articles were enrolled. The study subjects included adult professional and amateur golfers. The primary risk factors were excessive repetition of non-standard golf swinging movements resulting in excessive lumbar torsion and overuse of the lumbar musculature; abnormal activation patterns of the rectus abdominis, erector spinae and latissimus dorsi muscles; and functional limitation of the trunk and hip joints, causing excessive lumbar compensation during the swinging motion. Health and rehabilitation intervention strategies included the comprehensive application of electromyography and ultrasound biofeedback technologies with a focus on screening the lumbar weak muscle groups and swinging actions, optimizing training load, and standardizing swinging technical movements; strengthening functional training of the trunk and hip joints; and enhancing strength training of the abdominal and core muscle groups, as well as the deep muscle groups. ConclusionThe risk factors for low back pain in adult golfers are primarily associated with excessive repetition of improper golf swing techniques, insufficient strength in the abdominal and core muscle groups, and functional limitations of the trunk and hip joints. Key intervention strategies include optimizing training load using electromyography and ultrasound biofeedback techniques, standardizing swing techniques, enhancing trunk and hip joint functional training, and strengthening waist, abdominal, core and deep muscle group strength training. The implementation of these strategies helps to reduce the risk of low back pain in golfers, enhance athletic performance, and promote physical and mental health.

Effect of respiratory training based on core stability training on feedforward control in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of respiratory training based on core stability training on feedforward control in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). MethodsA total of 60 patients with CNLBP in Jiaxing Second Hospital from January, 2022 to March, 2023 were randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and experimental group (n = 30). Both groups received health education, physical factor therapy and core stability training, while the experimental group received respiratory training in addition, for four weeks. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association low back pain (JOA) score and Oswestry Dysfunction Index (ODI) were compared between two groups before and after treatment, while surface electromyography was used to detect the root mean square (RMS) and integrated electromyography (iEMG) of transversus abdominis, multifidus and triceps (movement muscles), and the activation sequence and relative activation time of transversus abdominis, multifidus and triceps were calculated. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of VAS, JOA and ODI improved significantly in both groups (|t| > 8.515, P < 0.001), and the scores were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.089, P < 0.05). RMS and iEMG of transversus abdominis and multifidus improved significantly after treatment in both groups (|t| > 18.831, P < 0.001), and were significantly better in the experimental group (|t| > 3.481, P < 0.05). The transversus abdominis and multifidus in both groups were activated before the movement muscles, and the relative activation time of transversus abdominis and multifidus increased in negative (|t| > 48.115, P < 0.001), the experimental group being better (|t| > 3.229, P < 0.05). ConclusionCombination of core stability training and respiratory training is beneficial in reducing the pain of patients with CNLBP, reducing the lumbar dysfunction, improving the order of muscle activation, and strengthening feedforward control.

Usefulness of the STarT Back Screening Tool to Predict the Effect of Acupuncture Treatment: Evaluation of Its Risk Classification Focusing on the Changes in the Lumbar Pain Visual Analog Scale / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  Background: The STarT (Subgrouping for Targeted Treatment) Back Screening Tool (SBST) is an established clinical evaluation tool that easily assesses the risk of chronic or refractory low back pain. This study aimed to examine the usefulness of acupuncture in patients with low back pain.  Methods: A total of 71 outpatients with low back pain who underwent acupuncture and moxibustion at the Center for Integrative Medicine, Tsukuba University of Technology, between 2019 and 2022 were included in this study, regardless of the specific medical condition causing the pain. Survey items included the SBST and lumbar pain intensity visual analog scale (VAS). Demographic factors and contents of acupuncture treatment were collected from the medical charts. The VAS score 4 weeks after the start of treatment was used as an index of clinical outcome and was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and hierarchical multiple regression analysis.   Results: Classification using the SBST at the first visit resulted in 36, 30, and 15 patients in the low-, medium-, and high-risk groups, respectively. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed statistically significant differences in the mean VAS values with respect to differences in time point (P < 0.01), group (P < 0.01), and interaction (P < 0.05). The VAS values after 4 weeks in the high-risk group were significantly higher than those in the other two groups (both P < 0.01). In the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, with VAS as the dependent variable, the relationship between SBST classification and VAS maintained a significant positive relationship in all models, including adjustments for interaction terms and patients’ background items. A simple slope analysis indicated that this relationship was more evident in patients with lower limb symptoms than in those without symptoms.  Conclusion: The SBST could be a simple and useful tool for predicting the clinical outcomes of acupuncture.

Mechanical puncture combined with tumor necrosis factor alpha and complete Freund's adjuvant to construct a rat discogenic low back pain model / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Intervertebral disc degeneration is an important cause of low back pain.At present,there are many modeling methods for disc degeneration in China and abroad,but there is not a model for low back pain due to disc degeneration. OBJECTIVE:To compare the effect of mechanical puncture combined with tumor necrosis factor α and complete Freund's adjuvant with a conventional disc mechanical puncture alone. METHODS:A total of 18 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups,with 6 animals in each group.No treatment was given in the blank group.Animal models of intervertebral disc degeneration were made in the L4-5 segments of rats in the control using conventional mechanical puncture.In the experimental group,on the basis of mechanical puncture,tumor necrosis factor α+complete Freund's adjuvant was injected into the L4-5 intervertebral discs using a microinjector to establish a model of disc degeneration induced by mechanical puncture combined with inflammatory factors.Four weeks after surgery,the pain threshold of rats was measured by the hot plate method for assessing the perception of heat injury in rats with intervertebral disc degeneration.MRI examination was performed to observe the disc degeneration in each group.ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor α,interleukin 1β,interleukin 6 and prostaglandin E2.Hematoxylin-eosin and Safranin O-fast green staining were used to observe the morphological changes of the disc. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In terms of pain,the behavioral pain threshold of the experimental group was continuously decreased,and the levels of serum inflammatory factors were significantly higher compared with the control group.In terms of morphology,the MRI results showed that the L4-5 nucleus pulposus signal completely disappeared in the experimental group.Histopathological results showed that in the control group,the nucleus pulposus was intact,more notochord cells were visible,and some fiber rings were ruptured,while in the experimental group,there are fewer notochord cells and the structure of the nucleus pulposus and fibrous ring is disturbed,with the boundary disappearing.To conclude,mechanical puncture combined with tumor necrosis factor alpha and complete Freund's adjuvant can successfully establish a discogenic low back pain model in rats.This operation is simple and economical to achieve obvious disc degeneration and low back pain,with greatly shortened molding cycle.This model can be used as a reference for studying discogenic low back pain models.

Mechanism by which interleukin-1beta regulates the expression of Semaphorin 3A to induce intervertebral disc degeneration / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Semaphone 3A(Sema3A)is an important neurovascular growth inhibitor.It is not clear how Sema3A is involved in the pathogenesis of discogenic low back pain.Exploring the potential mechanism of Sema3A in intervertebral disc degeneration can provide a new target and theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of discogenic low back pain. OBJECTIVE:To explore the mechanism of interleukin-1β inhibiting the expression of Sema3A by activating the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway to induce intervertebral disc degeneration in rats. METHODS:RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of Sema3A mRNA in normal and degenerative human nucleus pulposus tissues.Nucleus pulposus cells of Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated,cultured,and passaged to the 3rd generation.Then,passage 3 cells were divided into three groups:the blank control group was routinely cultured for 48 hours,the degeneration group was intervened with 10 ng/mL interleukin 1β for 48 hours,and the degeneration+inhibitor group was treated by 5 μmol/L nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway-specific inhibitor BAY11-7082 for 1 hour,followed by interleukin-1β for 48 hours.At the end of the intervention,cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8,cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/FITC staining,mRNA expression of cellular matrix,vascular and neural markers and Sema3A was detected by RT-qPCR,and protein expression of marker proteins,p65 and p-p65 was detected by western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:RT-qPCR assay showed that the expression of Sema3A mRNA was lower in degenerative human nucleus pulposus tissue than in normal human nucleus pulposus tissue(P＜0.05).Compared with the blank control group,the nucleus pulposus cell viability decreased and the apoptotic rate increased in the degeneration group(P＜0.05);compared with the degeneration group,the nucleus pulposus cell viability increased and the apoptotic rate decreased in the degeneration + inhibitor group(P＜0.05).Compared with the blank control group,mRNA expression of type Ⅱ collagen,polyproteoglycan,and Sema3A was decreased in the degeneration group(P＜0.05),while mRNA expression of CD31 and neurofilament 200 was increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the degeneration group,mRNA expression of type Ⅱ collagen,polyproteoglycan,and Sema3A was elevated in the degeneration+inhibitor group(P＜0.05)and mRNA expression of CD31 and neurofilament 200 decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the blank control group,the protein expression of type Ⅱ collagen,polyproteoglycan,and Sema3A was decreased in the degeneration group(P＜0.05),and the protein expression of CD31,neurofilament protein 200,p65,and p-p65 was elevated(P＜0.05);compared with the degeneration group,the protein expression of type Ⅱ collagen,polyproteoglycan,and Sema3A was elevated in the degeneration+inhibitor group(P＜0.05),and protein expression of CD31,neurofilament 200,p65,and p-p65 was decreased(P＜0.05).To conclude,interleukin-1β does inhibit the expression of Sema3A by activating the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway,which can also increase the degradation of extracellular matrix,promote the innervation and angiogenesis in degenerative intervertebral disc,and may be one of potential factors that contribute to intervertebral disc degeneration and discogenic low back pain.

Quantitative evaluation of lumbar facet arthritis-induced cartilage injury by MR T2* mapping / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Lumbar facet arthritis is one of the main causes of low back pain.At present,MRI is mainly used for preliminary diagnosis,and there is still a certain probability of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.Therefore,MR T2* mapping imaging technology is expected to become an important means of quantitative detection of cartilage damage in lumbar facet arthritis. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the application value of MR T2* mapping imaging technique in quantitative analysis of cartilage damage and degeneration of lumbar facet joint. METHODS:A total of 110 outpatient or inpatient patients with low back pain in Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April 2020 to March 2022 were collected and set as case group.At the same time,80 asymptomatic volunteers were recruited as the control group.T2* mapping transectal images and T2WI images were obtained by 3.0T MR Scanning for the facet joints of all included subjects L1-S1.Weishaupt grading and T2* value measurement were performed for all facet joint cartilage,and the data were collected for parallel statistical analysis.The comparison of T2* values of facet joint cartilage between different articular Weishaupt grades was performed by one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Statistical analysis found that the T2* value of lumbar facet joint cartilage in the case group(17.6±1.5)ms was significantly lower than that in the control group(21.4±1.3)ms(P<0.05).(2)In the case group,with the hierarchical increase of lumbar facet joint Weishaupt,the T2*value of facet joint cartilage also showed a gradual decreasing trend,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)It is concluded that T2*mapping can better display the early pathological changes of lumbar facet joint cartilage injury,and T2* value of lumbar facet joint cartilage can quantitatively evaluate the degree of lumbar facet joint cartilage injury.T2* mapping imaging technique can provide a good theoretical basis for the imaging diagnosis of the early cartilage injury induced by lumbar facet arthritis and has important clinical application value.