Effects of different surgical treatments on pain, disability, anxiety and quality of life in lumbar disc herniation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the effects of microscopic microdiscectomy and microendoscopic discectomy on pain, disability, fear of falling, kinesiophobia, anxiety, quality of life in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). METHODS: A total of 90 patients who underwent microscopic microdiscectomy (n = 40) and microendoscopic discectomy (n = 50) for LDH were included in this study. The patients' pain, disability, fear of falling, kinesiophobia, anxiety, and quality of life were evaluated before the surgery, in the early postoperative period and three months after. RESULTS: In patients who underwent microendoscopic discectomy, the results of pain, disability, fear of falling, kinesiophobia and anxiety were statistically decreased compared with the microscopic microdiscectomy in the early postoperative period and three months later (p < 0.05). Also, a statistically higher increase was observed in the general health perception of patients who underwent microendoscopic discectomy three months after the operation (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Microendoscopic microdiscectomy, remains the most effective and widely applied method with advantages on pain, quality of life, and improved physical functions.

OBJETIVO: Este estudio tiene como objetivo comparar los efectos de la microdiscectomía microscópica y la discectomía microendoscópica sobre el dolor, la discapacidad, el miedo a caer, la kinesiofobia, la ansiedad y la calidad de vida en pacientes con hernia de disco lumbar (LDH). MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron en este estudio un total de 90 pacientes sometidos a microdiscectomía microscópica (n = 40) y discectomía microendoscópica (n = 50) por LDH. Se evaluó el dolor, la discapacidad, el miedo a caer, la kinesiofobia, la ansiedad y la calidad de vida de los pacientes antes de la cirugía, en el postoperatorio temprano y tres meses después. RESULTADOS: En los pacientes sometidos a discectomía microendoscópica, los resultados de dolor, discapacidad, miedo a caer, kinesiofobia y ansiedad disminuyeron estadísticamente en comparación con la microdiscectomía microscópica en el postoperatorio temprano y tres meses después (p < 0.05). Además, se observó un aumento estadísticamente mayor en la percepción de salud general de los pacientes sometidos a discectomía microendoscópica tres meses después de la operación (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIÓN: La microdiscectomía microendoscópica sigue siendo el método más eficaz y ampliamente aplicado con ventajas sobre el dolor, la calidad de vida y la mejora de las funciones físicas.

The safety and efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy and fenestration discectomy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to explore the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) and fenestration discectomy (FD) in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The complete clinical data from 87 patients with LDH from our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a control group (n = 39, treated with FD) and a research group (n = 48, treated with PTED) according to the prescribed treatments. The basic operation conditions were compared across the two groups. Surgical outcomes were assessed. The incidences of complications and the life quality of patients were evaluated 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: The patients in both groups completed the operation. The visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index score of patients in the research group was significantly lower while the Orthopaedic Association Score was significantly higher after surgery. The success rate of the operation in the research group which was significantly higher and the rate of complications was significantly lower. No statistical differences in the quality of life were observed between the patients (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PTED and FD are effective in the treatment of LDH. However, our study showed that PTED has a higher rate of treatment success, faster recovery times and is safer than FD.

OBJETIVO: Investigar la seguridad y la eficacia de la discectomía endoscópica percutánea (DEP) y de la discectomía fenestrada (DF) en el tratamiento de la hernia de disco lumbar. MÉTODO: Se analizaron retrospectivamente los datos clínicos completos de 87 pacientes con hernia de disco lumbar. De acuerdo con el tratamiento prescrito, los pacientes fueron divididos en grupo control (DF, n = 39) y grupo de estudio (DEP, n = 48). Se compararon las condiciones básicas de funcionamiento de los dos grupos y se evaluaron los resultados de la cirugía, la incidencia de complicaciones y la calidad de vida al año de la operación. RESULTADOS: Ambos grupos completaron la operación. En el grupo de estudio, las puntuaciones en la escala visual análoga y ODI disminuyeron significativamente, mientras que las puntuaciones JOA aumentaron significativamente. La tasa de éxito de la operación en el grupo de estudio fue significativamente mayor que en el grupo control, y la incidencia de complicaciones fue significativamente menor que en el grupo control. No hubo diferencia significativa en la calidad de vida entre los dos grupos (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: La tasa de éxito del tratamiento con DEP fue mayor, y el tiempo de recuperación fue más rápido y más seguro que con la DF.

Gait analysis of individuals with specific low back pain undergoing surgery: case series report with one and six-month follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: In addition to pain, specific low back pain is frequently accompanied by restricted range of motion (ROM) during gait. PURPOSE: To compare the behavior of kinematic and spatiotemporal gait parameters, pain, functional status, and self-efficacy, in patients with a diagnosis of herniated disk or lumbar stenosis undergoing surgery, in the pre- and postoperative periods of 1 and 6 months (PO6). METHODS: Seven participants and 11 control subjects were assessed. A kinematics system comprising 10 optoelectronic cameras was used to assess gait. The Roland-Morris questionnaire, pain intensity, and self-efficacy, over three periods, were used. RESULTS: The ROM of the pelvis, hip, and knee of the hernia group presented an increase after surgery and the stenosis group presented a reduction of values in the hip. During the stance phase, the pelvis and hip ROM of both groups remained smaller than the control group. There was improvement in pain in individuals with hernia and stenosis (effect size = 0.6 and 0.8, respectively) in the three analyzed moments; for functional status there was improvement in the first postoperative period (ES = 0.4) compared to the preoperative in those individuals with hernia; and those with stenosis had improvement at PO6 when compared to the time before the surgery (ES = 0.2). CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention modifies the spatiotemporal parameters, the ROM of the pelvis, hip, and knee in the total gait cycle, primarily in the sagittal plane, and causes alterations, particularly in the hip joint, in these individuals during the support phase.

The role of TaqI, ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms of VDR gene in lumbar spine pathologies: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The objective of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between TaqI (rs731236), ApaI (rs7975232) and BsmI (rs1544410) polymorphisms of the VDR gene and lumbar spine pathologies such as lumbar disc herniation and lumbar disc degeneration. BACKGROUND: VDR gene polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with an increased risk of lumbar spine pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed up to February 2020 using PubMed, EBSCO and Web of Science databases. We used the keywords and combinations "lumbar disc degeneration," "lumbar disc herniation," "lumbar spine pathologies" and "VDR polymorphism." Subsequently, we performed a meta-analysis with the results of the included studies. RESULTS: We found that the TaqI polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of developing lumbar spine pathologies (recessive model OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.54) and lumbar disc degeneration (allelic model OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.07-1.48; recessive model OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.06-1.69), but not with lumbar disc herniation. Additionally, ApaI was associated with an increased risk of developing lumbar spine pathologies (heterozygous model OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.06-1.98), but not with lumbar disc herniation or lumbar disc degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that TaqI and ApaI polymorphisms of the VDR gene are important risk factors for developing lumbar spine pathologies. Moreover, the TaqI polymorphism is a risk factor for lumbar disc degeneration.

Lumbar disc herniation with contralateral radiculopathy: a systematic review on pathophysiology and surgical strategies.

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a relatively common pathology usually presenting with unilateral radiculopathy ipsilateral to the disc herniation. Some patients can present with contralateral radicular symptoms. The objective of this article is to review the current literature on lumbar disc herniations with contralateral radiculopathy regarding its pathophysiology and surgical strategies. A systematic review of the literature on LDH with contralateral radiculopathy was performed using MEDLINE (via PubMed) using MeSH terms. This review was done following recommendations of PRISMA statement and PICOT strategy of search. Initial electronic search identified 126 papers. Finally, 18 articles were reviewed. None of the included papers was described as comparative. Pathophysiological processes underlying contralateral pain may include prominent spondylotic changes and the accompanying stenosis; hypertrophic yellow ligament; dural attachments along the posterior longitudinal ligament; nerve root traction forces; and friction radiculitis, migrated epidural fat, nerve root anomaly, and venous congestion inside the vertebral canal. In our pooled analysis, 11 patients reported were treated by bilateral approach with 100% of clinical success and no complications. Eight patients were treated by unilateral approach ipsilateral to pain with 100% of clinical success and no complications. Forty-eight patients were treated by unilateral approach ipsilateral to herniation with 100% of clinical success and no complications. Pathophysiology underlying contralateral pain in LDH is probably multifactorial. There is not enough scientific evidence to define the best surgical approach for patients with LDH and contralateral pain.

Effect of fatigue load on internal mechanical properties of the intervertebral disc / Efecto de la carga de fatiga en las propiedades mecánicas internas del disco intervertebral

SUMMARY: Lumbar disc herniation is considered to be the main pathological factor for the common clinical disease of low back pain. Biomechanical factor is an important cause of lumbar disc herniation, so it is urgent to analyze the stress/strain behavior of intervertebral disc under different loading condition. Slow repetitive loading is considered to be an important factor of spine and disc injuries, and the effect of fatigue load on internal displacement in the intervertebral disc was investigated by applying the optimized digital image correlation technique in this study. The first finding was that fatigue load had a significant effect on the displacement distribution in the intervertebral disc under compression. Superficial AF exhibited the largest axial displacements before fatigue load, while it exhibited the smallest axial displacements after fatigue load. Inner AF exhibited slightly smaller radial displacements than outer AF before fatigue load, while it exhibited significantly greater radial displacements than outer AF displacements after fatigue load. The second finding was that fatigue load had a certain effect on the internal displacement distribution in the flexed intervertebral disc under compression. Middle AF exhibited the smallest axial displacements before fatigue load, while deep AF exhibited the smallest axial displacements after fatigue load. The radial displacement distribution did not change before and after fatigue load, as the radial displacement in outer AF was the smallest, while the radial displacement in inner AF was the largest. The third finding was that with the increase in fatigue time and amplitude, the Young's modulus of the intervertebral disc increased significantly. This study can provide the basis for clinical intervertebral disc disease prevention and treatment? and is important for mechanical function evaluation of artificial intervertebral disc as well.

RESUMEN: La hernia de disco lumbar se considera el principal factor patológico para la enfermedad clínica común del dolor lumbar. El factor biomecánico es una causa importante de hernia de disco lumbar, por lo que es urgente analizar el comportamiento de esfuerzo / tensión del disco intervertebral bajo diferentes condiciones de carga. La carga repetitiva lenta se considera un factor importante de lesiones de columna y disco, y en este estudio el efecto de la carga de fatiga sobre el desplazamiento interno en el disco intervertebral se investigó mediante la aplicación de la técnica de correlación de imagen digital optimizada. El primer hallazgo fue que la carga de fatiga tuvo un efecto significativo en la distribución del desplazamiento en el disco intervertebral bajo compresión. El AF superficial exhibió los desplazamientos axiales más grandes antes de la carga de fatiga, mientras que exhibió los desplazamientos axiales más pequeños después de la carga de fatiga. El AF interno exhibió desplazamientos radiales ligeramente más pequeños que el AF externo antes de la carga de fatiga, mientras que exhibió desplazamientos radiales significativamente mayores que los desplazamientos AF externos después de la carga de fatiga. El segundo hallazgo fue que la carga de fatiga tenía un cierto efecto sobre la distribución del desplazamiento interno en el disco intervertebral flexionado bajo compresión. El AF medio exhibió los desplazamientos axiales más pequeños antes de la carga de fatiga, mientras que el AF profundo exhibió los desplazamientos axiales más pequeños después de la carga de fatiga. La distribución del desplazamiento radial no cambió antes ni después de la carga de fatiga, ya que el desplazamiento radial en la FA externa fue el más pequeño, mientras que el desplazamiento radial en la FA interna fue el más grande. El tercer hallazgo fue que con el aumento del tiempo de fatiga y la amplitud, el módulo de Young del disco intervertebral aumentó significativamente. Este estudio puede proporcionar la base para la prevención y el tratamiento clínico de la enfermedad del disco intervertebral, y también es importante para la evaluación de la función mecánica del disco intervertebral artificial.

Intradural disc herniation at the L1-L2 level: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Why are intradural disc herniations (IDHs) (0.3% of all discs) so infrequent? One explanation has been the marked adherence of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) to the ventral wall of the dura. Variability in symptoms and difficulty in interpreting magnetic resonance (MR) images with/without contrast make the diagnosis of an IDH difficult. Here, we reported a patient with an L1-L2 IDH and appropriately reviewed the relevant literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 57-year-old male presented with chronic low back and 1 month's duration of the left thigh pain. The lumbar MR with/without contrast demonstrated an IDH at the L1-L2 level, resulting in spinal cord compression. At surgery, the disc herniation was appropriately resected, the dura was closed, and an interbody fusion with pedicle screw fixation was performed. Postoperatively, the patient clinically improved. CONCLUSION: IDHs are rare, being seen in only 0.3% of all cases. MR findings, performed with/without contrast, may help signal the presence of an IDH. MR findings include a hypointense structure inside the dura; the "hawk beak" sign (e.g., beak-like mass with ring enhancement at the intervertebral disc space); the Y sign (e.g., ventral dura split into ventral dura and arachnoid by disc material); an abrupt loss of continuity of the PLL; a diffuse annular bulge with a large posterocentral extrusion; and an typical crumbled appearance of disc (e.g., "crumble disc sign"). At surgery, both the extradural and intradural components of the disc must be excised.

Lumbar Selective Nerve Root Block: Comparative Study Using Two Pharmacological Formulae.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of 2 different pharmacological formulae in selective nerve root injections. METHODS: We studied a series of 298 patients who received a selective nerve root injection and made a comparative study dividing them into 2 groups according to the drugs used. In group A, we used betamethasone 6 mg and lidocaine, while in group B, triamcinolone 60 mg and bupivacaine were used for the procedure. We evaluated the patients for a period of at least 8 months, assuming the need for surgical therapy as the failure of the procedure. RESULTS: Both groups had 149 patients with similar etiological characteristics. Forty-seven patients (16%) required surgery to relieve pain with a similar distribution between groups (24 from group A and 23 from group B). Time between nerve root injection and surgery was 86.79 (14-360) days on average in group A and 75.76 (2-180) days in group B with no statistical difference (P = .67). Only one complication was documented, an anaphylactic shock in a patient in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, we found no difference in the type of steroid or local anesthetic used for selective nerve root injections.

Técnica de libre flotación foraminal para discectomía endoscópica percutánea lumbar (PELD): nota técnica / Foraminal Free Float Technique for Percutaneous Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy (PELD): Technical Note

La Discectomía Percutánea Endoscópica Lumbar es una técnica mínimamente invasiva para el tratamiento de las hernias discales lumbares con resultados comparables a la microdiscectomía lumbar. La principal complicación, los fragmentos discales remanentes, son en gran parte producidos por la limitación de movimiento del endoscopio una vez realizada la punción. Presentamos una nota técnica y aplicación en un caso ejemplo de lo que hemos llamado "libre flotación foraminal": un acceso al espacio epidural por vía transforaminal que mantiene la libertad de movimiento y permite una exploración endoscópica en busca de fragmentos remanentes.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a minimally-invasive surgical approach for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, with outcomes similar to open micro-discectomy. The main complication ­ residual disc fragments ­ is largely caused by a rigid endoscopic trajectory once the puncture has been made. We present a technical note of a surgery performed in a patient who underwent what we have called a "free foraminal flotation technique": accessing the epidural space through a transforaminal approach that maintains freedom of movement and allows for endoscopic exploration to locate residual disc fragments.

Intradural Schwannoma Exacerbating the Symptoms of Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis: Case Report

Introduction Schwannoma is a common intradural slow-growing, benign and encapsulated tumor that originates from the myelin sheaths of the nerve fibers. However, a lumbar schwannoma complicating the symptoms of spinal stenosis is an extremely rare association. Aim To describe the case of a woman presenting a lumbar schwannoma in association with spinal stenosis. Case Report A 53 year-old female was referred to neurosurgical evaluation due to the worsening of a lumbar pain that was irradiating to the left inferior leg along the anterolateral surface. A neurological examination revealed motor deficits for extension of the left leg and attenuation of the left patellar reflex. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed lumbar spinal stenosis due to flavum ligament hypertrophy and disc herniation in the L3L4 and L4L5 segments, and an expansive lesion with homogeneous contrast enhancement occupying the left neuroforamen of the L3L4 segment. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor and decompression of the stenotic segments with posterior screw instrumentation from L3 to L5. She presented an uneventful recovery and significant improvement of the lumbar pain, and was still free of symptoms 6 months after surgery. An anatomopathological examination defined the tumor as a schwannoma (Grade I ­ World Health Organization [WHO]). Conclusion The present study highlights that lumbar schwannoma is a possible etiology complicating the symptoms of patients with previous lumbar spinal stenosis. It is important to treat both pathologies to improve the patients' symptoms.

Introdução O schwannoma é um tumor intradural comum, benigno, de crescimento lento e encapsulado que se origina da bainha de myelina das fibras nervosas. No entanto, a presença de um schwannoma lombar complicando os sintomas de estenose do canal medular é uma associação extremamente rara. Objetivos Descrever o caso de uma paciente portadora de schwannoma lombar exacerbando os sintomas de estenose do canal lombar. Relato de Caso Uma mulher de 53 anos de idade foi encaminhada para avaliação neurocirúrgica devido a relato de piora dos sintomas de dor lombar que irradiavam preferencialmente para o membro inferior esquerdo na sua face antero-lateral. O exame físico neurológico revelou a presença de déficit motor para a extensão do membro inferior esquerdo e redução do reflexo patelar esquerdo. A imagem de ressonância magnética mostrou a presença de estenose do canal lombar devido à hipertrofia do ligamento amarelo e herniações discais nos segmentos L3L4 e L4L5. Além disso, o estudo radiológico também evidenciou a presença de uma lesão expansiva ocupando o neuroforamen de L3L4 com captação homogênea do meio de contraste. A paciente foi submetida à ressecção cirúrgica do processo neoplásico e descompressão do canal medular com artrodese através de instrumentação dos segmentos L3L4L5 via posterior em um único ato operatório. A paciente apresentou uma recuperação pós-operatória adequada e mantém-se assintomática em segmento clínico seis meses após o procedimento cirúrgico. O estudo anatomo-patológico e imuno-histoquímico definiu o processo expansivo como schwannoma (Grau I da OMS). Conclusão O presente estudo destaca que o schwannoma lombar é uma possibilidade etiológica para os pacientes portadores de estenose do canal lombar que apresentam piora progressiva dos sintomas ou novos déficits neurológicos. É importante tratar as duas patologias para que o paciente obtenha melhor resultado clínico no controle dos sintomas.

Presentación de una paciente portadora tres hernias discales lumbares tratadas con ozono / Presentation of a Patient with Three Lumbar Disc Herniation Treated with Ozone Discolysis

Se presentó una paciente blanca de 22 años de edad con tres hernias discales lumbares en L3-L4, L4-L5 y L5-S1, atendida en el Servicio de Ortopedia del Hospital Lenin de Holguín y diagnosticada por resonancia magnética con manifestaciones clínicas y un cuadro florido de síntomas que mejora rápidamente una vez realizada la discólisis con ozono y se siguió por consulta externa hasta el alta. Este informe se realizó como respuesta al interés suscitado recientemente por el tratamiento de la hernia discal con ozonoterapia en ámbitos profesionales.

A female white patient of 22 years old with three lumbar disc herniation at L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1, attended in the Department of Orthopedics of Lenin Hospital in Holguin and diagnosed by magnetic resonance with clinical manifestations was presented. The patient improved quickly once the discolysis with ozone was performed and was followed by outpatient until the discharge. This report is in response to recent results of ozone therapy for disc herniation in professional fields.

Resultados de la nucleotomía percutánea en el manejo de la hernia discal lumbar / Results of percutaneous discectomy in the management of lumbar disc herniation

Resumen: Introducción: La nucleotomía percutánea es una técnica de descompresión discal aprobada por la FDA que ha mostrado ser útil para mejorar el dolor causado por hernia discal. No obstante, su práctica se encuentra en discusión debido a que los beneficios de la técnica son controversiales. Objetivos: Describir los resultados de la evolución clínica de los pacientes con hernia discal lumbar baja (L4-L5, L5-S1) tratada mediante cirugía percutánea a un año de operados y mostrar que es una opción quirúrgica útil para el alivio de la sintomatología causada por esta entidad patológica. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte; presentamos la evolución clínica de 21 individuos con hernia discal lumbar tratados con nucleotomía percutánea manual durante Marzo 2011-Noviembre 2013. La evaluación fue hecha antes de la cirugía y a los cuatro, 30, 180 y 365 días después de operados mediante la escala numérica del dolor (END), índice de discapacidad funcional de Oswestry (IDO) y criterios de MacNab. Utilizamos estadística inferencial no paramétrica (Wilcoxon) para diferencias. Resultados: n = 21: seis (28.57%) hombres, 15 (71.42%) mujeres; edad promedio: 37.95 años (14-56), ± 10.60; el nivel vertebral más afectado: L4-L5, en 12 (57.14%) sujetos. La END preoperatoria promedio: 7.75 (5-9) ± 1.12; a los 365 días: promedio 2.14 (0-7) ± 2.37. El IDO preoperatorio promedio: 37% (28-40%) ± 3.06 y a los 365 días: 9.52% (0-40%) ± 13.92. El pronóstico (IDO) en el prequirúrgico fue bueno en cero (0%) personas y en 15 (71.42%) a los 365 días, regular en cinco (23.80%) y malo en una (4.78%) (p = 0.000 IC 95% 0.00-0.13, Wilcoxon); de acuerdo con los criterios de MacNab, en 15 (71.42%) casos fueron excelentes y buenos, pobres en cuatro (19.04%) y malos en dos (9.52%) (p = 0.00). Conclusiones: La nucleotomía percutánea ofrece buenos resultados para el tratamiento de las hernias discales lumbares (L4-L5, L5-S1) a los 365 días de operados los pacientes.

Abstract: Introduction: Percutaneous discectomy is a disc decompression technique approved by the FDA that is useful to improve pain caused by a herniated disc. However, its practice is under discussion because the benefits of the technique are controversial. Objectives: To describe the clinical course of patients with low lumbar disc herniation (L4-L5, L5-S1) treated by percutaneous surgery within one year of surgery and prove that it is a useful surgical option for the relief of symptoms caused by this pathological entity. Material and methods: Cohort study; the clinical course of 21 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with percutaneous discectomy manually during March 2011-November 2013, is presented. The evaluation was made before surgery and at four, 30, 180 and 365 days after surgery by numerical pain scale (NPS), Oswestry (IDO) and MacNab criteria. We used nonparametric inferential statistics (Wilcoxon) for differences in proportions. Results: n = 21, six (28.57%) men, 15 (71.42%) women; average age: 37.95, (14-56) ± 10.60 years; the most affected vertebral level was L4-L5 in 57.14% of the patients; the NPS preoperative average was 7.75 (5-9) ± 1.12; at 365 days: average 2.14 (0-7) ± 2.37. The IDO preoperative average was 37% (28-40%) ± 3.06, and at 365 days: 9.52% (0-40%) ± 13.92. The prognosis (IDO) in the presurgical was good to zero (0%) patients and in 15 (71.42%) at 365 days, regular in five (23.80%) and poor in one (4.78%) (p = 0.00, CI 95% 0.00 to 0.13, Wilcoxon); according to MacNab criteria, in 15 (71.42%) patients were excellent and good, poor in four (19.04%) and bad in two (9.52%) (p = 0.00). Conclusions: Percutaneous discectomy provides good results for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (L4-L5, L5-S1) at 365 days after surgery.

[Results of percutaneous discectomy in the management of lumbar disc herniation]. / Resultados de la nucleotomía percutánea en el manejo de la hernia discal lumbar.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous discectomy is a disc decompression technique approved by the FDA that is useful to improve pain caused by a herniated disc. However, its practice is under discussion because the benefits of the technique are controversial. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical course of patients with low lumbar disc herniation (L4-L5, L5-S1) treated by percutaneous surgery within one year of surgery and prove that it is a useful surgical option for the relief of symptoms caused by this pathological entity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cohort study; the clinical course of 21 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with percutaneous discectomy manually during March 2011-November 2013, is presented. The evaluation was made before surgery and at four, 30, 180 and 365 days after surgery by numerical pain scale (NPS), Oswestry (IDO) and MacNab criteria. We used nonparametric inferential statistics (Wilcoxon) for differences in proportions. RESULTS: n = 21, six (28.57%) men, 15 (71.42%) women; average age: 37.95, (14-56) ± 10.60 years; the most affected vertebral level was L4-L5 in 57.14% of the patients; the NPS preoperative average was 7.75 (5-9) ± 1.12; at 365 days: average 2.14 (0-7) ± 2.37. The IDO preoperative average was 37% (28-40%) ± 3.06, and at 365 days: 9.52% (0-40%) ± 13.92. The prognosis (IDO) in the presurgical was good to zero (0%) patients and in 15 (71.42%) at 365 days, regular in five (23.80%) and poor in one (4.78%) (p = 0.00, CI 95% 0.00 to 0.13, Wilcoxon); according to MacNab criteria, in 15 (71.42%) patients were excellent and good, poor in four (19.04%) and bad in two (9.52%) (p = 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous discectomy provides good results for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (L4-L5, L5-S1) at 365 days after surgery.

La nucleotomía percutánea es una técnica de descompresión discal aprobada por la FDA que ha mostrado ser útil para mejorar el dolor causado por hernia discal. No obstante, su práctica se encuentra en discusión debido a que los beneficios de la técnica son controversiales.

Economic value of treating lumbar disc herniation in Brazil.

OBJECT: Lumbar discectomy is one of the most common surgical spine procedures. In order to understand the value of this surgical care, it is important to understand the costs to the health care system and patient for good results. The objective of this study was to evaluate for the first time the cost-effectiveness of spine surgery in Latin America for lumbar discectomy in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained for patients in Brazil. METHODS: The authors performed a prospective cohort study involving 143 consecutive patients who underwent open discectomy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Patient-reported outcomes were assessed utilizing the SF-6D, which is derived from a 12-month variation of the SF-36. Direct medical costs included medical reimbursement, costs of hospital care, and overall resource consumption. Disability losses were considered indirect costs. A 4-year horizon with 3% discounting was applied to health-utilities estimates. Sensitivity analysis was performed by varying utility gain by 20%. The costs were expressed in Reais (R$) and US dollars ($), applying an exchange rate of 2.4:1 (the rate at the time of manuscript preparation). RESULTS: The direct and indirect costs of open lumbar discectomy were estimated at an average of R$3426.72 ($1427.80) and R$2027.67 ($844.86), respectively. The mean total cost of treatment was estimated at R$5454.40 ($2272.66) (SD R$2709.17 [$1128.82]). The SF-6D utility gain was 0.044 (95% CI 0.03197-0.05923, p = 0.017) at 12 months. The 4-year discounted QALY gain was 0.176928. The estimated cost-utility ratio was R$30,828.35 ($12,845.14) per QALY gained. The sensitivity analysis showed a range of R$25,690.29 ($10,714.28) to R$38,535.44 ($16,056.43) per QALY gained. CONCLUSIONS: The use of open lumbar discectomy to treat LDH is associated with a significant improvement in patient outcomes as measured by the SF-6D. Open lumbar discectomy performed in the Brazilian supplementary health care system provides a cost-utility ratio of R$30,828.35 ($12,845.14) per QALY. The value of acceptable cost-effectiveness will vary by country and region.

Risk factors for the need of surgical treatment of a first recurrent lumbar disc herniation.

PURPOSE: A recurrent lumbar disc herniation (RLDH) is the most prevalent cause for new radicular pain after surgery for disc herniation-induced sciatica. Reported risk factors include age, gender and smoking, while its surgical treatment is associated to a higher rate of complications and costs. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that increase the risk of requiring surgical treatment for a first RLDH in workers' compensation patients. METHODS: Nested case-control: 109 patients operated for an RLDH (cases) between June 1st 1994 and May 31st 2011 (minimum follow-up 1 year) and 109 randomly selected patients operated for a first disc herniation with no recurrence during the study period (controls). Age, gender, smoking status, type of work and MRI characteristics of the index herniation were statistically evaluated as potential risk factors. RESULTS: Patient's age of less than 35 years (p = 0.001) and a subligamentous herniation (p < 0.05) at the time of the index surgery were identified as risk factors for requiring surgical treatment of a first RLDH. No statistical differences were observed between both groups regarding the other evaluated variables. CONCLUSION: A subligamentous disc herniation and patient's age inferior to 35 years at the time of the first surgery are risk factors for requiring surgical treatment of a first RLDH among workers' compensation patients.

Microcirugía de hernia discal lumbar: revisión y análisis de 326 casos operados en el período 2002-2010 / Microsurgery of lumbar disc herniation: review and analysis of 326 cases operated in the period 2002-2010

Se revisan en forma retrospectiva las historias clínicas de los pacientes portadores de hernia discal lumbar sintomática, intervenidos en la Unidad de Neurocirugía del Hospital Base Osorno, Región de Los Lagos, Chile, durante el período comprendido entre los años 2002 y 2010. Se realiza un análisis demográfico así como de resultados y complicaciones.

We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation, who underwent surgery in the Neurosurgery Unit at Osorno Hospital, Los Lagos Region, Chile, during the period between 2002 and 2010. Demographic and analysis of results and complications was performed.

Hernia de disco lumbar en un niño con fibrosis quística: caso clínico / Lumbar disc herniation in a child with cystic fibrosis: case report

Presentamos el caso de un niño con fibrosis quística y hernia de disco lumbar. Un niño de 8 años de edad consultó por dolor lumbar que aumentaba con la tos, al sentarse, caminar o inclinarse, y disminuía al acostarse. La prueba de levantamiento de la pierna en extensión fue positiva cuando el miembro inferior derecho llegó a 60 grados. La prueba contralateral fue negativa. La resonancia magnética nuclear mostró una protrusión central del disco intervertebral entre L5-S1. El tratamiento conservador no fue efectivo, por lo cual se efectuó tratamiento quirúrgico, que hizo desaparecer el dolor. Según nuestro conocimiento, este es el primer caso comunicado de hernia de disco lumbar en un niño con fibrosis quística. Aunque este caso podría ser una coincidencia, se debe realizar una investigación detallada ante el dolor de espalda, síntoma frecuente en pacientes con fibrosis quística.(AU)

We report a case of child with cystic fibrosis and lumbar disc herniation. An 8-year-old boy presented with low back pain that exacerbated on coughing, sitting, walking, or bending and diminished when lying down. The straight leg raising test was positive when the right leg was lifted at 60 degrees. Crossed leg raising test was negative. Lumbar MRI revealed a L5-S1central disc protrusion. Conservative treatment was not effective and the patient underwent surgery. Postoperatively the patient experienced regression of the pain. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of lumbar disc herniation in a child with cystic fibrosis. Although this case might be coincidental, thorough investigation of back pain, which is frequent in patients with cystic fibrosis, should be performed.(AU)

Hernia de disco lumbar en un niño con fibrosis quística: caso clínico / Lumbar disc herniation in a child with cystic fibrosis: case report

Presentamos el caso de un niño con fibrosis quística y hernia de disco lumbar. Un niño de 8 años de edad consultó por dolor lumbar que aumentaba con la tos, al sentarse, caminar o inclinarse, y disminuía al acostarse. La prueba de levantamiento de la pierna en extensión fue positiva cuando el miembro inferior derecho llegó a 60 grados. La prueba contralateral fue negativa. La resonancia magnética nuclear mostró una protrusión central del disco intervertebral entre L5-S1. El tratamiento conservador no fue efectivo, por lo cual se efectuó tratamiento quirúrgico, que hizo desaparecer el dolor. Según nuestro conocimiento, este es el primer caso comunicado de hernia de disco lumbar en un niño con fibrosis quística. Aunque este caso podría ser una coincidencia, se debe realizar una investigación detallada ante el dolor de espalda, síntoma frecuente en pacientes con fibrosis quística.

We report a case of child with cystic fibrosis and lumbar disc herniation. An 8-year-old boy presented with low back pain that exacerbated on coughing, sitting, walking, or bending and diminished when lying down. The straight leg raising test was positive when the right leg was lifted at 60 degrees. Crossed leg raising test was negative. Lumbar MRI revealed a L5-S1central disc protrusion. Conservative treatment was not effective and the patient underwent surgery. Postoperatively the patient experienced regression of the pain. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of lumbar disc herniation in a child with cystic fibrosis. Although this case might be coincidental, thorough investigation of back pain, which is frequent in patients with cystic fibrosis, should be performed.

Tratamiento postquirúrgico de hernia discal lumbar en rehabilitación: Revisión sistemática / Postoperative treatment for lumbar disc herniation during rehabilitation: Systematic review

Existen diversos programas e intervenciones para la rehabilitación de pacientes postoperados por hernia discal lumbar (HDL) sintomática. Para determinar el valor de las diferentes intervenciones de rehabilitación dentro del tratamiento postoperatorio de pacientes con HDL sintomática. Material y métodos: Revisión Sistemática. Búsqueda en bases de datos electrónicas desde Enero del 2000 hasta Octubre del 2012. Dos revisores independientes certificados para el uso de la escala PEDro evaluaron los ensayos clínicos incluidos en la revisión final; se incluyeron únicamente aquéllos con alta calidad metodológica; un tercer evaluador fungió de árbitro en caso de discrepancia entre los revisores. Hubo cegamiento de autores, instituciones y revistas para mejorar la precisión de calificaciones y validez interevaluador. Resultados: Se consideraron 15 ensayos clínicos para ser revisados por los evaluadores; 8 (53.3%) se consideraron de alta calidad metodológica (promedio 7.7 de 10 puntos). Se aleatorizaron 1099 participantes a diferentes grupos de tratamiento. No fue posible realizar un metaanálisis con los datos de los ensayos debido a las múltiples intervenciones y variables de desenlace utilizadas. Conclusiones: Se recomienda un programa de rehabilitación inmediata en pacientes postoperados por primera vez de microdisectomía. La intervención cognitiva con reforzamiento positivo aunado al ejercicio es un tratamiento eficaz; incluso se considera alternativo a la fusión vertebral en pacientes postoperados por HDL con recurrencia de síntomas posterior a una primera intervención. Los resultados de la actividad postquirúrgica temprana son generalmente excelentes y sin complicaciones. Se requiere aumentar el número y calidad metodológica de ensayos clínicos enfocados al tema para sustentar la utilidad de estas intervenciones en la práctica clínica diaria.

Various programs and interventions are available for the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone surgery for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Our aim is to determine the value of the different rehabilitation interventions included in the postoperative treatment of patients with symptomatic LDH. Material and methods: Systematic review. Search in electronic data bases from January 2000 to October 2012. Two independent reviewers certified in the use of the PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Data Base) scale assessed the clinical trials included in the final version; only those with high methodological quality were included. A third reviewer acted as arbitrator in case of discrepancy between reviewers. The reviewers were blinded to the authors, institutions and journals to increase the precision of their ratings and the inter-reviewer validity. Results: Fifteen clinical trials were reviewed by the reviewers; 8 (53.3%) were considered as having a high methodological quality (average of 7.7/10). Were randomized 1099 participants to different treatment groups. It was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis with the clinical trial data due to the multiple interventions and outcome measures used. Conclusions: An immediate rehabilitation program is recommended in patients undergoing micro-diskectomy for the first time. Cognitive intervention with positive reinforcement together with exercise is an effective treatment. It is even considered as an alternative to vertebral fusion in patients who underwent LDH surgery with symptom recurrence after the first surgery. The results of early postoperative activity are usually excellent and involve no complications. The number and the methodological quality of the clinical trials on this topic need to be increased to justify the usefulness of these interventions in the daily clinical practice.

Intermuscular gluteal lipoma mimicking sciatic pain. Case report

Sciatic pain is a disabling pathology that can have various etiologies, but is rarely described as caused by an intermuscular gluteal lipoma. The authors describe a patient with a progressively worsening right sciatic pain for 6 months and with walking difficulty for 3 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an expansive process compatible with lipoma between the gluteus maximus and medius, which was completely removed without sciatic nerve injury. After surgery, the patient is asymptomatic. This is an unusual case and represents an important differential diagnosis that should be considered in sciatic pain patients

El dolor ciático es una patología inhabilitante que puede tener diversas etiologías, pero rara vez se describe como causada por un lipoma glúteo intermuscular. Los autores describen a un paciente con un dolor ciática derecha que empeora progresivamente durante 6 meses y con dificultad para caminar durante 3 meses. La resonancia magnética (RM) mostró un proceso expansivo compatible con lipoma entre el gluteo máximo, y el glúteo medio. El lipoma fue retirado por completo y sin lesión del nervio ciático. Después de la cirugía, el paciente está asintomático. Este es un caso inusual y representa un importante diagnóstico diferencial que debe ser considerado en los pacientes con ciática